Ladies of leisure: Parks, policy, and the problem of prostitution
Caitlin M. Mulcahy

Parks have long been sites for sexual activity, deviant behaviour, violence, and prostitution (Flowers, Hart, & Marriot, 1999; Humphreys, 1970; Mitchell, 1995). Yet leisure researchers have tended to leave these less socially acceptable activities unexamined, focusing their analyses instead on the “benefits” of leisure (Glover, 2003; Rojek, 1999, 2000). This research aims to deviate from the “benefits approach” to leisure studies by conceptualizing prostitution as leisure. The need for "safe parks" for sex workers in Canada is advocated using a feminist, leisure studies, harm reduction framework. Exploring prostitution through a leisure studies lens can transform not only our conceptualization of sex work, but our conceptualization of recreation, leisure, and parks as well.
 

Psycho-social benefits of a service-learning experience
Andrew Bailey and Keith C. Russell

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between wisdom and values within a service-learning environment and to determine the effects such an experience can have on one’s growth in values and wisdom. The sample consisted of 115 high-school students, ages 14-19, who attended a 9-day service learning trip. Pearson correlations and linear regression analyses were utilized to determine the relationship between wisdom, values, and personal items. Paired t-tests were used to determine the effects of the program on wisdom and values. Wisdom was found to be significantly correlated to pro-social values on the pre-trip measurements. Significant increases were reported for all three wisdom domains and for pro-social values as a result of trip participation.
 

Challenge course effectiveness: The impact on leadership efficacy and work efficacy among college students
Theresa Odello, Eddie Hill, and Edwin Gómez

Challenge courses have become increasingly popular in recent years. Many groups are turning to half-day challenge courses due to time and financial constraints. Yet, few studies have quantified the benefits of a half-day course. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of participation in a four-hour challenge course on leadership efficacy and work efficacy of college students. Pretest, posttest, and follow-up questionnaires were utilized. T-test analyses found that participating in a challenge course has a significant positive effect on increasing one’s leadership and work efficacy from pretest to posttest, after participation in a four-hour challenge course. This research also demonstrates that increased levels of the participants’ self-efficacy remained six weeks after the completion of the challenge course.
 

A model of experiential andragogy: Development of a non-traditional experiential learning program model
Teresa O'Bannon and Cara McFadden

John Dewey, David Kolb, and others have developed theories, philosophies, and principles that explain the concept of experiential learning. However, most literature on the topic focuses on traditional classroom education. A gap in the literature on the topic of adult non-traditional experiential learning showed a need for a theoretical review of theories, philosophies, and principles that lend themselves to the development of a new model. The Experiential Andragogy model presented here was developed for practical use in non-traditional experiential learning settings, particularly in programs designed for adult learners.