An exploratory study of post-secondary outdoor leadership training in Canada

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the distribution and scope of post-secondary outdoor leadership (OL) training in Canada. Methods included a passive environmental scan to locate programs across Canada, and a multiple case analysis of programs within Ontario. There were 54 programs located in Canada, including university programs (n = 28; 52%) and college programs (n = 26; 48%). Based on analysis of available information, the scope of post-secondary OL training in Canada can be summarized in five themes: Primary and Secondary Education (n = 5; 9.3%), High Adventure Guiding (n = 10; 18.5%), Tourism Management (n = 11; 20.4%), Health and Wellness Promotion (n = 15; 27.8%), and Interdisciplinary (n = 13; 24.1%). The 10 programs in Ontario were presented as multiple case studies. An inductive analysis of learning outcomes from nine of 10 programs led to the development of 14 themes, representing common competencies taught across programs.