Over the years researchers have attempted to gather information on outdoor orientation programs. Past researchers used different sampling techniques to locate programs, but all concluded more outdoor orientation programs probably existed than they were able to find. In the fall of 2005, a research group for the present study set out to create a definitive list of all college and university outdoor orientation programs in the United States. The list was limited to programs that met the following criteria: they used adventure activities, and they spent at least one night away from campus, camping in small groups. Identified programs were surveyed to ascertain key program characteristics. The data allowed researchers to investigate multiple questions. First, the researchers were interested in how programs run by a professional director compared to student-run programs. Secondly, the researchers investigated the training of student leaders. Lastly, researchers sought to identify areas in need of improvement within the outdoor orientation field as whole.