The emotional work of delivering outdoor recreation experiences: a case study of Victorian YMCA camp employees

Outdoor leaders’ employment experiences are full of emotional highs and lows; the pleasure of connecting with camp participants to the fatigue of long hours and physical activity. Outdoor leaders must navigate relationships with camp participants, teachers, peers, managers and, even, parents who are not on site. Skilfully managing and facilitating these relationships is complex. While there have been many studies that explore the benefits of camper experiences and outdoor leaders, very few have explored the complexities and emotional demands placed on outdoor leaders. This case study draws on 6 focus groups with 41 outdoor leaders employed by YMCA camps in Australia to gain insights into the emotional intensity, complexity and demands of their emotional labour. Through understanding these experiences, camp managers are positioned to better support their staff and alleviate the burden, as well as mitigate the costs of outdoor leaders’ emotional work.