Building sustainable peer networks through an outdoor orientation program in support of student wellbeing

This study examined the impact of a peer-led outdoor orientation program (OOP) on the wellbeing of university students. The OOP, designed to support students in their transition to post-secondary education, was offered each summer over a 10-year period. Drawing upon journal reflections and interviews from peer-leaders and student participants, data from 15 interviews and 19 reflective journals were thematically analyzed to identify the impacts of participation in an OOP on peer relationships and wellbeing. Four main themes and five sub-themes were developed. Teamwork, overcoming obstacles, shared experiences and ‘having fun with friends’ helped build sustainable peer networks that facilitated self-efficacy, mentorship capacity and a sense of belonging between and among peer-leaders and student participants. In turn, wellbeing was improved. These findings illuminate how the impact of peer networks inform a sociological understanding of student wellbeing and holds implications for similar intentionally led OOPs offered at other post-secondary educational institutions.