JOURNEYS INTO THE WINTER WILDERNESS: AN EXPLORATION OF THE TRADITIONAL WINTER CAMPING EXPERIENCE by Kyle Clarke A thesis submitted to the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts Queen’s University Kingston, Ontario, Canada (August 2015) Copyright © Kyle Clarke, 2015 ABSTRACT This thesis reports on a phenomenological study designed to examine the traditional winter camping experience from the perspective of the participant. The specific research questions that guided this study were: (a) What are the personal meanings that traditional winter campers attach to their experiences? (b) What factors led to their decision to take up the activity of traditional winter camping? (c) How has participation in traditional winter camping affected changes in their own attitudes towards nature, wilderness travel, personal identity and feelings of self-reliance? and (d) What are the unique learning outcomes that could be achieved by including traditional winter camping activities as part of outdoor education experiences? The participants in this study were eight people who regularly participate in traditional winter camping activities. I conducted semi-structured interviews with them in order to discover the attachments, significant aspects and personal meanings that they see in relation to their traditional winter camping experiences. Analysis of the data revealed three core themes that were central to the experiences of traditional winter campers. These are: connection to the land, sense of community, and personal empowerment. The findings suggest that participation in traditional winter camping activities may have an impact on physical, mental and social well- being, and may help to foster pro-environmental attitudes. The thesis research also illuminated unique aspects of this activity and participants’ experiences. Suggestions for continued research are described, which may provide further insight into this phenomenon. ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Many people contributed to this research study and I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank them for their support and contributions. They include: - Dr. Mary Louise Adams—my thesis supervisor, who supported my interest in outdoor education and adventure activity and offered ongoing assistance during the development of this research study. - Dr. Samantha King and Dr. Elaine Power—supporting members of my thesis committee. - The participants, Bill, Katja, Kourtney, Shawn, Roger, Danny, Beth, Carl, and who gave their time and memories to this study. This learning experience and research would have not been possible without their significant contributions. - The Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario and the Aloha Foundation of Vermont for assisting in my recruitment of participants for this study. - My fellow graduate students in the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies who introduced me to many new ideas, perspectives, and approaches to research. - Mike Elrick—friend and fellow outdoor educator, who introduced me to traditional winter camping practices and inspired me to share the experience with my students. - Lauren and Jasper—my partner and son, whom I dearly love. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................................. II ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ......................................................................................................... III TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................ IV LIST OF FIGURES .................................................................................................................. VIII LIST OF TABLES ...................................................................................................................... IX CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 1 Personal Experience with the Phenomenon .............................................................................. 5 Definition of Key Terms ........................................................................................................... 9 Context for the Research ......................................................................................................... 12 Research Questions ................................................................................................................. 15 Overview of the Thesis ........................................................................................................... 17 CHAPTER 2: RELATED LITERATURE .................................................................................. 18 Traditional Winter Camping Experiences ............................................................................... 18 Meanings of Recreation .......................................................................................................... 23 Benefits of Participation in Wilderness Camping ................................................................... 30 Summary ................................................................................................................................. 35 CHAPTER 3: THEORY AND METHODS ................................................................................ 36 A Phenomenological Approach .............................................................................................. 36 Origin of Phenomenology ..................................................................................................... 37 Empirical Phenomenology .................................................................................................... 38 Research Design ...................................................................................................................... 39 Participant Selection ............................................................................................................. 39 Ethics Clearance .............................................................................................................. 40 Data Collection ..................................................................................................................... 40 Interviews ......................................................................................................................... 41 Field Notes ....................................................................................................................... 42 Analysis ................................................................................................................................... 42 Qualitative Data Analysis ..................................................................................................... 42 Immersion ......................................................................................................................... 43 Slow reading .................................................................................................................... 43 Individual thematic analysis ............................................................................................ 43 iv Situated descriptions ........................................................................................................ 44 Description of phenomenon ............................................................................................. 44 Validity and Trustworthiness of the Study .............................................................................. 44 Summary ................................................................................................................................. 45 CHAPTER 4: RESULTS – THE PARTICIPANTS .................................................................... 46 Bill ........................................................................................................................................ 46 Demographic, educational and recreational background. .............................................. 46 Lived experiences traditional winter camping. ................................................................ 47 Personal meanings. .......................................................................................................... 48 Impact of participation. .................................................................................................... 49 Katja ...................................................................................................................................... 50 Demographic, educational and recreational background. .............................................. 50 Lived experiences traditional winter camping. ................................................................ 50 Personal meanings. .......................................................................................................... 51 Impact of participation. .................................................................................................... 52 Kourtney ............................................................................................................................... 53 Demographic, educational and recreational background. .............................................. 53 Lived experiences traditional winter camping. ................................................................ 53 Personal meanings. 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