An Evaluation of the Outdoor Adventure Challenge Programme (OACP) at Rolleston Prison.

The New Zealand Department of Corrections commissioned an outcome evaluation of an outdoor adventure challenge program (OACP) on 84 participating inmates at Rolleston Prison. The program consisted of 2 weeks of fitness training, skill development, and challenge experiences, followed by a 5-day wilderness expedition. Outcome was measured in three ways: reconviction statistics, content analysis of qualitative data, and a true experimental design involving various psychometric measures of attitudinal change. Reconviction data indicated consistently positive though nonsignificant trends in favor of the OACP participants over matched controls. The lack of statistical significance may be due to the relatively low sample sizes, as well as large variability in dependent measures. The qualitative inquiry revealed a variety of perceived positive impacts from participation. Results from psychometric evaluation showed significant improvement in group cohesion, trust, self-efficacy and well-being, and approached significance on motivation to change for the OACP group, whereas no significant improvements were found in the control group. The results provide some support for the use of OACP as a rehabilitative intervention with offenders, as well as contributing to the goal of secure and humane containment. The data also validate the use of OACP as an adjunct to other correctional programs, helping to create the conditions for effective facilitation of other correctional interventions. Contains 15 references. (Author/TD)