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The Nexus of Spirituality and Outdoor Environmental Education: Exploring Participants' Stories from the TorahTrek Guides Track

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Bibliographic Details
Title: The Nexus of Spirituality and Outdoor Environmental Education: Exploring Participants' Stories from the TorahTrek Guides Track
Language: English
Authors: Wasserman-Singer, Samuel Chaim
Source: ProQuest LLC. 2013Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Wyoming.
Availability: ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 255
Publication Date: 2013
Document Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Descriptors: Outdoor Education, Environmental Education, Spiritual Development, Religious Factors, Participant Observation, Jews, Judaism, Qualitative Research, Physical Environment
ISBN: 978-1-303-11857-9
Abstract: There is currently a strong call from outdoor environmental educators to explore the relevance of spirituality in their domain. In this study I use participant observation, as well as other qualitative methods to understand the experiences of participants in the TorahTrek Guides Track, a Jewish wilderness spirituality program. Analysis reveals that antecedent conditions have a large influence on the constructed spiritual meaning of each participant. Themes of community, connectedness, practice, and service are common among all the participants. A dynamic tension is present between time spent on solos and time spent with the group. Participants also report that variations in the physical environment affect their experiences. I consider the implications of these findings for spiritual educators, outdoor environmental educators, and unaffiliated practitioners. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2015
Access URL: https://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&res_dat=xri:pqm&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:3563512
Accession Number: ED553900
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:There is currently a strong call from outdoor environmental educators to explore the relevance of spirituality in their domain. In this study I use participant observation, as well as other qualitative methods to understand the experiences of participants in the TorahTrek Guides Track, a Jewish wilderness spirituality program. Analysis reveals that antecedent conditions have a large influence on the constructed spiritual meaning of each participant. Themes of community, connectedness, practice, and service are common among all the participants. A dynamic tension is present between time spent on solos and time spent with the group. Participants also report that variations in the physical environment affect their experiences. I consider the implications of these findings for spiritual educators, outdoor environmental educators, and unaffiliated practitioners. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
ISBN:978-1-303-11857-9