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Abstract
Challenge course programs influence a variety of psychological, social, and educational outcomes. Yet, many challenges exist when measuring challenge course outcomes like logistical constraints and a lack of specific assessment tools. This study piloted and tested an assessment tool designed for facilitators to measure participant outcomes in challenge course programs. Data collection occurred in three separate but related studies with participants in two different challenge course environments from two regions of the United States. Through confirmatory factor analysis, a two-factor structure in challenge course participation was supported. The Challenge Course Experience Questionnaire (CCEQ) consists of challenge course participants’ (a) individual experience and (b) feelings of group support. During the first study, the structure was created and initial evidence of reliability was indicated. The second study examined the structure and reliability with a similar population. The third study confirmed the structure and reliability using a different population and challenge course program. The CCEQ is a preliminary step toward helping challenge course professionals improve their programming through statistical evaluation of desired outcomes.
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Author Biographies
David P. Schary is an assistant professor at Winthrop University. His primary research interests examine leadership and wellbeing in performance settings.
Alexis L. Waldron is a human performance specialist with the U.S. Forest Service. Her primary research interests examine leadership in wildland firefighting.
