Affecting Environmental Attitudes Through Outdoor Education

Abstract During the summer of 1983, eight groups of campers attending a northeastern Ohio 4-H camp participated in outdoor education programs as part of their camping experience. This study sought to determine whether or not any measurable impact on environmental attitudes occurred as a result of this participation. The research design consisted of a pre-test post-test comparison of responses to an attitude survey instrument. Results indicate that conceptually a positive learning experience took place. The experimental treatment seemed to have little effect upon environmental attitudes. Several possible relationships are suggested by the data: 1. There is a relationship between program length and conservation attitude development;2. An initial acclimatization period for urban campers is desirable before implementing conceptual activities; and,3. There is greater opportunity to develop positive conservation attitudes in first-time campers.