Into The Wild For Adventure Researcher
5 September 2011
Steve Lewis during the month-long trek in Alaska
I wanted to discover what aspects of a month-long adventure such as a trek through Alaska would be the most valuable to the young people - and what they would come away having learned or gained.
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One of the stunning campsites the expedition stayed at.
A University of Derby Buxton lecturer led a trek through the wilds of Alaska in an attempt to better understand how valuable travel experiences are for young people.
Steve Lewis, a lecturer on the University's BA (Hons) Outdoor Activities Management degree course spent four weeks of this summer leading an expedition of seven young men and women aged 17 and 18 through some of Alaska's largest and most isolated national parks.
Steve Lewis said: "It's accepted that travel and outdoor adventures are good fun for young people and help them on their way to independence. I wanted to discover what aspects of a month-long adventure such as a trek through Alaska would be the most valuable - and what they would really come away having learned or gained. I also wanted to see how the experience would differ from their expectations."
During the trip the group undertook a five day independent trek in Kachemak Bay State Park and Wilderness, where they camped and experienced the daily danger of close encounters with black bears - for which the expedition leader and party were expecting and well-prepared.
They also explored Alaska's Kenai Peninsula National Park where they helped community project - the Copper River Native Association - which supports a native Indian community. Steve and the group of young people helped build a communal area for the community's elders, where, after catching salmon using sustainable fishing techniques, the group could gather to cook, eat and socialise.
Steve said: "Although the young people were led on the expedition, many aspects were independent - like working with the community group, booking accommodation, sorting out entertainment and food in new places. They also experienced challenges like a five-day glacier trek in Wrangell-St Elias National Park, traversing the glacier, and camping throughout. I wanted to better understand the impact that experiences such as these had on young people."
The seven young people completed questionnaires before, during and after the trip, and were interviewed by Steve about their experiences. They were also all asked to write regular diary entries, which will form part of the data to be analysed.
"We asked the group to complete the diaries as it is through reflection that people really process their experiences and gain from them."
Steve will now analyse the data and his findings will go on to inform the teaching on the University's Outdoor, Countryside and Adventure Management Programmes, helping students understand the aspects of adventure experiences that are the most valued.
For more information about Outdoor, Countryside and Adventure Management Programmes at the University of Derby Buxton visit www.derby.ac.uk/udb
