research supporting outdoor learning

Leadership and unity

Since 2007, The Outdoor Education Group, in partnership with the Alice Sloan Trust, has facilitated 10-day expeditions for young women from rural communities who otherwise would not have the opportunity. Following the completion of the program, participants take part in a 2-year leadership program involving public speaking, interschool activities and community service. 

With 14 years of data, Victoria University completed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the program, examining the skills the program helped develop in students and if it has had an impact on their life beyond the expedition. 

EMPOWERING YOUNG WOMEN

The independent evaluation concluded the Alice Sloan expedition fosters a sense of empowerment, leadership and community among the girls; it also led to increased self-esteem, resilience, awareness, empathy, and a sense of unity and identity among participants. 

Many of the research participants spoke of the sense of empowerment gained through leadership experiences in the outdoors, something many of them had never experienced before; this has shaped how they approach leadership opportunities beyond the expedition with many saying it not only changed their career aspirations but also how they seek to empower other young women.