Institutional Influences on the Provision of After-School Nature Programs

Abstract

This study examines the institutional factors that affect organizations’ decisions to offer after-school nature programs. Data arefrom interviews of 31 staff and administrators ofafter-school programs in San Diego, CA. Results show support for the importance of nature education experiences in general, and that such activities are more likely to be offered if they directly support the agency’s mission, if the on-site supervisor and/or a staff person has an interest or knowledge in that area, if delivery and cost issues are overcome, and if they have evidence that thechildren likethe activity. After-school nature education providers can ease some of the logistic challenges by understanding the social dynamicsand organizational issues involved.