Effectiveness of a Trauma Informed Outdoor Education

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences are prevalent in all practice settings. Nature may have therapeutic benefits for children who have experienced trauma. Along with hosting programs in nature, it is important to educate program stakeholders on how to best support children with traumatic histories so that they can best participate in learning and social participation. The goal of this capstone project and study was to determine whether trauma informed training at an outdoor education program would produce knowledge and application of trauma informed practices. Additionally, this study explored whether this type of training program improved student emotional and sensory regulation as perceived by a caregiver. To do so, caregivers of a student or staff of an outdoor education program participated in training. Pre and post surveys regarding trauma knowledge and implementation were administered, along with surveys regarding caregiver’s perceptions of their child’s regulation. Staff, caregivers, and the organization gained knowledge of trauma informed practices. Caregivers perceived improvements in child emotional regulation and sensory regulation. Overall, trauma informed training positively impacted stakeholders and practices of the organization.