Research

It is the glory of God to conceal things,
but the glory of kings is to search things out. 

                                         Proverbs 25:2

I love to learn, and what I love to learn about most lies where the areas of outdoor recreation, human development, spirituality, and experiential education intersect. I want to know how people grow and change through outdoor experiences, especially those in remote wilderness settings. I want to know how people experience and relate to God through the outdoors. I want to know how people learn and how learning leads to transformation. And not only do I want to learn about these things, but I want to use, and to help others use, the knowledge gained through research in the real-world scenarios that outdoor recreation professionals face every day.

• Biblical and theological roots of modern day adventure programming
• The differences and similarities in the outcomes and effects of wilderness adventure programs versus traditional camp programs
• The spiritual impacts of wilderness experiences
• Outdoor leadership development
• Pilgrimage experiences as outdoor recreation
• The effectiveness of experiential education versus traditional education in learning transfer and student transformation
• The relationship between challenge level and personal growth in adventure recreation

• The Roles of the Outdoor Leader
• Backpacking and Basecamp: How Remoteness Affects the Outcomes of an Outdoor Adventure Trip

• The PEAKS Itinerary Model: Being Intentional with Challenge in Adventure Programming 
• The Biblical Roots of Modern Wilderness Adventure Programs
• Spiritual Formation through Adventure Experiences
• Reclaiming the Role of the Wilderness Experience in the Modern Church