Whittington, A., Nixon Mack, E., Budbill, N., & McKenney, P. (2011). All-girls adventure programmes: what are the benefits? Journal of Adventure Education & Outdoor Learning, 11(1), 1-14. doi: 10.1080/14729679.2010.505817 

This study explored the benefits of single-sex adventure programs such as “rock climbing, sea kayaking, mountaineering, backpacking, canyoneering and mountain biking” (Whittington et al., 2011, p. 1). A total of 361 American girls aged between 10-17 years participated in the study. They had completed a survey on the last day of their adventure program. 

An analysis of the data revealed that the benefits of all-girls adventure programs fell into three themes: “feelings of safety and comfort; increased connection to others; and freedom from stereotypes” (p. 7). 

Feeling of safety and comfort 
Many girls felt comfort, “emotional and physical safety and security” (p. 6) in the single-sex programs. The researchers noted that the use of the word ‘comfort’ was an interesting choice, given the tough physical and mental challenges each girl faced in their program. “Girls also reported that the safety and comfort of single-sex programs allowed them to be open and supportive, and to share feelings” (p. 7). 

When asked to image how they would have felt if boys were present in the adventure program, the girls felt they could not be “themselves” (p. 7). The speculative presence of boys meant the girls would feel “less safe, that girls would be less likely to be open to show their feelings and speak their minds, and that there would be more competition. They repeatedly stated that they would have been less confident and been worried about ‘being judged more’” (p. 7). 

Increased connection to others 
The second theme included “developing positive and authentic relationships with other girls; sharing common experience with others; and relating to and understanding each other” (p. 9). However, if boys had been present, the girls felt that it would have affected the group cohesion and skills they had built together. 

Freedom from stereotypes 
Girls in these adventure programs were assertive, they displayed leadership skills and managed each activity. They “did not have to worry about what they looked like…or if they made mistakes when trying a new activity” (p. 10). The researchers noted that girls tried new activities and played many roles in a single-sex environment. The participants said they would not necessarily have done these things if there were boys present. There was “an atmosphere that included freedom from adherence to culturally imposed gender roles and gender dynamics,” this “allowed the girls to participate more fully in the whole experience” (p. 9). 

Whittington et al., (2011, p. 11) concluded that their study provided “evidence that for girls, single-sex adventure programs reduced competition, self-consciousness… and concerns about appearance. Girls were more able to embrace the experience and to focus on self-exploration and personal growth. Additionally, single-sex adventure programs can facilitate greater participation for girls, increase opportunities to explore new skills and take risks, and provide space for girls to develop positive peer relationships”.