An Exploration of Outdoor Education in Christian Camps: Wisconsin Program Directors' Perspectives

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to explore how outdoor education program directors at Christian camps conceptualize their programs. This was accomplished through an examination of program directors’ thoughts, beliefs, and motivations. A supporting motive for this study was to observe the interaction between environmental education and faith. Research has shown mixed results regarding Christians and environmental concern. This research stands to benefit outdoor education programs at Christian camps, and potentially those who work with Christians in environmental education. Five outdoor education program directors at Christian camps in Wisconsin were interviewed. All were members of the professional organization Christian Camp and Conference Association (CCCA). Qualitative analysis of these interviews revealed that the program directors believed God could be known through nature, that sharing the Christian faith was a key motivator for their programs and that they believed their staff, in comparison with secular camps, was especially caring. Program directors had conflict at times between their own environmental beliefs and those of other Christians. They also found ways to manage the expression of their faith when working with public groups with which they could not explicitly talk about Christianity. This information was shared through a conference seminar and a CCCA magazine article.