The spiritual dimension of campers' park experience: management implications

Abstract

A more thorough understanding of the spiritual dimension of park experience could improve park management. The little research on this topic is primarily qualitative, focused on wilderness experiences. Secondary analysis of data from the Ontario Parks Camper Survey, with a sample of 11,834 campers at 44 provincial parks, found that 53% of the campers indicated that introspection/spirituality added to their satisfaction with the park experience. More natural park settings, nature-oriented activities and being at the park alone were associated with introspection/spirituality. In regards to park management practices it was found that, in general, there was a positive relationship between the degree to which introspection/spirituality added to park experience and the overall importance given to park services and facilities. This finding suggests an overall high level of service quality, rather than specific management practices, might be the most effective management strategy for facilitating spiritual benefits through park management.

Keywords:

• park experience
• campers
• spirituality
• introspection
• park management