Assessing Nature Connection and Well-Being during an Experiential Environmental Program

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of an outdoor experiential residential program for a group of 96 children (aged 10-11) using self-report questionnaires to investigate the effects of the program for both well-being and nature connection. Three separate schools participated in the program for a week at a time during October 2015. Results from a one-month follow up (N = 50) indicated longitudinal positive effects on competence, hope, and nature connection. The results are discussed in relation to the extant literature on outdoor experiential education and the role that related programs may have in eliciting both psychological well-being and greater sense of connection to the environment among participants.