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Activity Trends Pre/Post COVID-19 in State Park Campgrounds
No full textOutdoor related activities surged both during and following COVID 19. Numerous studies support the increase of many outdoor related activities from swimming to bird watching, and biking to geocaching. Understanding the interests and habits of visitors helps organizations. The purpose of this study was to analyze the Michigan Department of Natural Resources campground visitor activity participation from before and after COVID. Nearly 40,000 campers each year were compared from 75 campground locations throughout the state of Michigan. Findings indicate the growth of many of their outdoor oriented activities from 2019 to 2024 including beach / swimming, hiking, rock hunting, and wildlife / birdwatching. Several activities did not change, and a few activities were more popular in 2019 including mountain biking, playground use, and geocaching. Comparisons were made by age, location, income, type of accommodation, and camping with children. Differences were exhibited with age and type of accommodation more than income. While literature helps identify global / national trends, it does not provide for the unique perspectives of an organization’s visitors. Learning what, in this instance, campers do helps identify where resources such as equipment/supplies, land use, and human capital can be invested. Further, it helps identify specific ways in which an organization can better serve their visitors
Identity, Cultural Frameworks, and Belongingness among Emerging Adults in the UAE
No full textEmerging adulthood (EA) is characterized as a developmental stage that entails both uncertainty and identity development. However, the experience of EAs varies based on the culture they come from and how much their culture allows flexibility for identity exploration. Our study explores the interplay between cultural frameworks, identity, and non-belonging among a sample of EAs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which presents an interesting case due to its rich multicultural society, with often conflicting cultural expectations. Using qualitative data from 255 culturally diverse participants aged 18-24 (M = 19.53, SD = 1.43), of whom 166 were women (65.1%) and 86 were men (33.7%), thematic analysis revealed insights into interactions among cultural identity, values and beliefs, norms, and practices, alongside participants’ sense of cultural belongingness. Results highlight that participants who self-identified using ethnic group membership, religion, or gender also tended to explicitly endorse their cultural background. Additionally, non-belonging often stemmed from perceptions of traditional values, gender norms, or cultural attire. Significant associations were also found among certain cultural values, norms, and practices aligning with other cultural elements, but being disconnected from practice. Potential explanations and routes for further research are discussed, particularly in the context of navigating global influences while maintaining heritage cultural identity
