Life after the River: Long-term Impacts of Girls’ Participation in an Adventure Program

Abstract

This study examined the long-term impacts of girls' (now young women's) participation in an extensive adventure program. Interviews conducted 6 months, 18 months and five years after participation investigated: a) what skills the girls gained through their partici-pation; b) how they use these skills in their everyday lives; c) the impact the experience had on the girls' lives; and d) what course components provided the most impact on the girls' lives. Findings suggest long-term impacts include: technical-skill development; communication and teamwork; leadership; perseverance; environmental stewardship and improved family dynamics. Program practices that significantly influenced the girls' ex-perience included solos, the assignment and completion of daily roles, opportunities for leadership, and the act of recreating in and examining the natural environment.