The Long-term Impact of Outdoor Adventure Education: a Retrospective Analysis of Outward Bound Singapore's Classic 21-day Challenge Course

Few studies have examined the long-term impact of outdoor adventure education experiences or what influences various course components have on long-term impact. Even less research of this kind has been done in Asia. This is ironic considering the first outdoor adventure education school (Outward Bound) in Asia was founded in 1955 in Malaysia before the establishment of Outward Bound in Australia in 1956, America in 1961, New Zealand in 1962, and Canada in 1969. The limited attention given to Asia is troubling; especially since the two most populated countries in the world (China and India) are located there. A representative sample of participants who attended Outward Bound Singapore?s Classic 21-Day Challenge course between 1997 and 2005 were surveyed and interviewed. Results indicate individuals still draw upon their experience many years after the course and are able to discern from which components they still draw lessons. This retrospective analysis should be useful to individuals, educational entities, businesses, and government organizations in Singapore and worldwide that have an interest in developing human capital through outdoor adventure education experiences.