Adolescent Girls and Outdoor Recreation: A Case Study Examining Constraints and Effective Programming

Abstract

This study primarily sought to identify constraints to adolescent girls' participation in outdoor recreation. A secondary focus probed the efficacy of outdoor programs in surmounting constraints. Focus group and individual interviews were conducted with thirty-four adolescent girls, six female outdoor program leaders, and five adult women. Qualitative analysis revealed several meaningful sources of constraints, including stereotypical gender roles, differences in outdoor recreation opportunities for males and females, peer and family expectations, access, and physical and environmental factors. Broad support was found for the notion that outdoor programs help girls overcome constraints. Themes emerged supporting both coed and all-girls programming, and structural components that could enhance girls' participation.

KEYWORDS:

• Outdoor recreation
• constraints
• adolescent girls