Exploring Bonding Through Outdoor Recreation in Foster Care Utilizing Attachment Theory

As of 2024, there are over 328,000 children in foster care in the United States (AFCARS, 2024), many of whom experience disrupted attachments and trauma that hinder their ability to form healthy relationships. Drawing from attachment theory, this study explores how outdoor recreational activities can facilitate bonding between foster parents and their foster children. Using a mixed method approach this explorative research project consisted of two phases: a pilot study at the Virginia zoo involving foster families participating in a cooperative outdoor activity and completing post event surveys, and semi-structured interviews with foster parents to examine lived experiences of bonding and connection. Although phase one had a limited sample size (n=7), results showed outdoor recreation supports communication, trust, and shared enjoyment between caregivers and children. The interviews (n=8) in phase two revealed seven overarching themes: trust and communication, intentional and flexible parenting, quality time, everyday routines and traditions, child-centered bonding approaches, and the value of community support. Together these findings highlight that while outdoor experiences can strengthen caregiver-child relationships, successful bonding depends on individualized, consistent, and trauma-informed interactions.