Student Perceptions of a Place-Based Outdoor Environmental Education Initiative: A Case Study of the “Kids in Parks” Program

Abstract

This article reports on the perceptions of students who participated in a place-based endeavor, the “kids in parks” program, in the largest national park in South Africa. Feedback from students who participated in the program from 2011 to 2017 was analyzed to identify themes. A random sample of 350 messages from students over the seven-year period was then coded according to the themes to determine frequency. The students commented mostly on the wild animals and on the fulfillment of their basic needs. Though intended aims may not be met, the program does succeed in introducing the park to students.

Acknowledgments

Sincere thanks to Kirsty Redman who is always willing to assist with information on the KIP program. Her organizational skills are inspiring. Thanks to SANParks for the opportunity to do research on the KIP program and to the NRF (South Africa) for funding.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Funding

This work was financially supported by the National Research Foundation South Africa.