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Camping gives kids an endless world of good - Research: Update - American Camping Associations

Parks & Recreation, Nov, 2001 by Karla A. Henderson

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In conclusion, recreation and park departments that administer organized camping can increase program impact by incorporating methods and ideas from the "benefits approach." While using a benefits orientation requires up-front work, the potential pay-offs are worth it. Striving to provide solid programs that achieve targeted goals can enhance funding, enrollment, and the overall excellence of any organization.

References

Brannan, S., Arick, J., Fullerton, A., & Harris, J. (2000). Inclusive outdoor programs benefit youth. Camping Magazine, 73(1), 26-29.

Brannan, S., Arick, J., & Fullerton, A. (1997). Inclusionary practices: A nationwide survey of mainstream camps serving all youth. Camping Magazine, 70(1), 32-34.

More Articles of Interest: Camp gives all of us a world of good; The Movement Takes Shape - reprinted from January 1937 issue of Camping...; Into the outdoors - getting urban children involved with nature through the...; Happy but sad: Outcomes at Morry's Camp; Head, heart, hands, and health developed at summer camp: research

Chenery, M. F. (1991). I am somebody: The messages and methods of organized camping for youth development. Martinsville, IN: American Camping Association.

Durall, J. K. (1997). Curative factors in the camp experience: Promoting developmental growth. Camping Magazine, 70(1), 25-27.

Dworken, B. S. (1999). Campers speak: New England youth share ideas on societal issues. Camping Magazine, 72(5), 30-34.

Friedman, D. (1997). Encouraging religious and spiritual identity. Camping Magazine, 70(1), 22-24.

Heintzman, P. (2000). Leisure and spiritual well-being relationships: A qualitative study. Society and Leisure, 23(1), 41-69.

Henderson, K. A. (1993). Rediscovering spirituality. Camping Magazine, 65(4), 23-27.

Henderson, K. A., & Bialeschki, M. D. (1994, January). The status of evaluation in ACA accredited camping programs. Proceedings from The Second Coalition for Education in the Outdoors Research Symposium (pp. 72-79), Bradford Woods, IN.

Jones, D.F. (1996). Enriching the future: Extension youth program in summertime learning. Journal of Extension, 34(3) www.joe.org/ joe/1996june/a4.html.

Leffert, N., Benson, P. L., Scales, P. C., Sharma, A. R., Drake, D. R., & Blyth, D. A. (1998). Developmental assets: Measurement and prediction of risk behaviors among adolescents. Applied Developmental Science, 2(4), 209-230.

Lishner, K., & Myers, J. (1997). Building self-esteem through the camp experience. Camping Magazine, 70(1), 35-38.

Marsh, P. (1999). Does camp enhance self-esteem? Camping Magazine, 72(6), 36-40.

Sekine, A. (1994). The effect of camp experience upon the locus of control and general self-efficacy of school children. Bulletin of Institute of Health and Sports Sciences, 17, 177-183.

Sengstock, M. C., & Hwalek, M. (1999). Issues to be considered in evaluating programs for children and youth. New Designs for Youth Development, 15(2), 8-12.

RELATED ARTICLE: Research into action: benefits-focused camping creates opportunities for kids.

The use of the outdoors for recreation and camping programs is on the rise. Several conclusions may be helpful to recreation professionals to keep in mind as they provide camping programs and measure the "world of good" that occurs. The most general implication of the findings is that camp program planners need to be aware and explicit about their mission and goals. The mission and goals need to drive the design of programs, methods, and evaluation in order for kids to obtain the desired benefits.

Camping gives kids an endless world of good - Research: Update - American Camping Associations

Parks & Recreation, Nov, 2001 by Karla A. Henderson

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