Why Experience Can Make or Break Your Outdoor Program: Shocking New Findings!

Jan 27 / Curt Davidson

Have you ever felt the creeping exhaustion of a long summer in the field? As the days get longer and your body feels heavier, burnout becomes more than just a buzzword; it’s a reality. I remember the early days of my career in outdoor education, full of energy and excitement. But as summers dragged on, I noticed a troubling pattern: each year, burnout set in quicker and hit harder. By the end of the third summer, I wasn’t just tired – I was bitter and physically worn out. Watching colleagues go through the same cycle, I realized something had to change.

In the outdoor education field, experience is invaluable. It’s often the difference between a safe, successful adventure and a risky, chaotic one. But what happens when that very experience leads to quicker burnout? This question led to our recent study on the impact of experience on outdoor education professionals.

In this post, you'll learn about the key differences between experienced and inexperienced staff, practical ways to prevent burnout, and how to promote mental well-being among your team. By understanding these dynamics, we can create a healthier, more sustainable environment for everyone in the field.

Understanding the Differences

Our study focused on several key variables: resilience, coping skills, mental toughness, anxiety levels, job positivity, and burnout. Here’s what we found:

      1. Higher Job Positivity and Lower Anxiety: Experienced staff generally reported higher job satisfaction and lower anxiety levels. This isn’t too surprising – with more experience, instructors often feel more confident and competent, which translates to a more positive outlook on their job.

     
      2. Burnout: Interestingly, experienced staff also showed lower levels of burnout. This might seem counterintuitive, especially since many of us, myself included, have felt the weight of burnout increase with each passing year. However, experienced staff often develop better strategies to manage stress and workload, which can help mitigate burnout.

   
      3. No Significant Differences in Resilience, Mental Toughness, or Coping Skills: Despite what we might assume, experience didn’t significantly impact resilience, mental toughness, or coping skills. This suggests that these qualities might be more intrinsic or developed through other means, rather than simply through years on the job.

Implications for the Outdoor Industry

Hiring and Retention: The findings highlight the importance of retaining experienced staff, not just for their skills and knowledge, but also for the positive impact they have on the overall work environment. However, it's also crucial to recognize and address the potential for burnout among these valuable team members.

 

Professional Development: Providing opportunities for professional development can help staff feel more engaged and valued, reducing the risk of burnout. This can include offering advanced training, leadership opportunities, and recognizing their contributions to the team.

Real-Life Scenarios

Let’s dive into some real-life scenarios to illustrate these points.


 The Case of the Burned-Out Veteran: Take my own experience. After several summers in the field, the initial excitement gave way to physical and emotional exhaustion. This is a common story – many outdoor educators find that by their third year, the job takes a toll on their bodies and minds. I’ve seen colleagues, once passionate about the outdoors, become bitter and disillusioned. They loved the work but struggled with the relentless demands and lack of personal time.

Positive Transformation through Experience: On the flip side, I’ve also seen experienced staff thrive. These individuals have developed effective coping mechanisms, whether it’s through mindfulness practices, regular physical exercise, or setting clear boundaries between work and personal life. Their experience enables them to navigate challenges with a calm, composed demeanor, setting a positive example for newer staff.

Addressing Common Concerns

Preventing Burnout: One of the most pressing concerns is how to prevent burnout among experienced staff. Here are some practical tips:

 

1. Encourage Work-Life Balance: Ensure staff have ample time off to recharge. This could include scheduled breaks between courses, flexible working hours, and promoting the importance of downtime.


2. Foster a Supportive Environment: Create a culture where staff feel comfortable discussing their struggles and seeking support. Regular check-ins, mental health resources, and peer support groups can make a significant difference.

  

3. Professional Growth: Provide opportunities for staff to grow professionally. This could involve leadership roles, further training, or even just recognizing their hard work and achievements.

Conclusion

Promoting Mental Health: Mental well-being is crucial for both staff and the students they serve. Here’s how you can promote it:

 

1. Mindfulness and Stress Management: Offer training in mindfulness and stress management techniques. These can help staff stay grounded and manage the pressures of the job.

 

2. Physical Health: Encourage regular physical activity and healthy eating habits. These can have a profound impact on mental health and overall well-being.

 

3. Community and Connection: Foster a sense of community among staff. Strong social connections can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation.

  

The difference between experienced and inexperienced staff in outdoor programming is significant. While experienced staff often have higher job positivity and lower anxiety, they are also at risk of burnout. By understanding these dynamics and taking proactive steps to support staff well-being, we can create a healthier, more sustainable work environment.

 

 Calls to Action

 

How do you prevent burnout and promote mental well-being in your team? Share your strategies and experiences in the comments below. Let's learn from each other and create a supportive community for all outdoor education professionals.

 

Consider subscribing to our site to stay updated with new blog posts, courses, and opportunities. Together, we can make the outdoor education field a healthier and more rewarding place to work.

 

Read the full academic article in the Journal of Experiential Education HERE


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