Lifestyle During the Course
In addition to describing the contrast between their normal life and their experiences on course,
participants spoke specifically about how elements of the lifestyle during the course provided
opportunities to try a new way of living. The ruggedness of the lifestyle was the main element
highlighted, followed by environmental sensitivity, challenge, and supportive community.
Some courses included elements to help students realize how their new environmental sensitivity
might be applied in everyday life post-course and thus related to Mezirow’s (2000) “planning
for action,” and “building competence and self-confidence in new roles and relationships as
a result of taking action” transformative learning elements. For example, participants became
acquainted with Leave No Trace strategies for wilderness travel, and environmentally friendly
practices such as cooking with bulk food and composting. Not all the elements that made an
impression in this area occurred during the wilderness part of the course. NOLS courses included
time at a NOLS base, which showcased solar panels, composting toilets, and a larger community
of environmentally-minded people and OB trips included a community service activity (e.g.,
helping on an organic farm). Retrospective participants often referred to these experiences as
being highly memorable and participants noted changed perspectives as a result.