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Happy but sad: Outcomes at Morry's Camp

Camping Magazine, Jan, 2002 by M. Deborah Bialeschki, Teresa Younger, Karla Henderson, Dawn Ewing, Mary Casey, II

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The campers were also asked, "What makes you excited about camp?" A number of the campers said, "Everything." More specifically the social relationships were important as illustrated by comments such as "all the friends I'm going to make" and "getting new friends." One ten-year-old camper summed it up by saying, "Camp is fun and we do a lot of awesome things."

Campers responded to a question that asked what they had learned about themselves because of camp. Many of their comments related to personal issues that were important to them, For example, an eleven-year-old girl said that she learned that she could be a "great leader." Another girl responded that she learned, I could do anything If I believe in myself." One young camper said she realized that "when people push me to do my best, I achieve higher." One boy said he discovered "that I'm not really as bad of a kid as I thought I was."

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When the campers were asked what they would remember most about camp, not surprisingly, friends and counselors were most often mentioned (40 percent) This response was followed by all camp activities, physical activities, nature, and laughing and having fun.

Campers also replied to the open-ended statement regarding "when camp ended I felt..." As indicated earlier, variations of happy and sad were described. A ten-year-old girl said: "Sad and happy because I felt sad cause I left all my best friends and best counselors, and I felt happy cause now I could see my family again." A girl who was graduating said she felt, "Sad and with no power because when I go home I don't play and I do nothing..

Information from parents

Parents were also asked to provide written feedback in the form of answers to open-ended questions several months after camp was over. One of the first questions asked pertained to how the parent thought the child had been affected by involvement at Morry's Camp. Parents noted that their children had become more independent and, concomitantly, more mature and responsible. One parent stated: "She became more open and not as shy." Another parent said, I believe that [girl's name] has found out about herself that she never knew she had in her. More independent. Stronger confidence."

A parent noted another change. I found upon [son's name] arrival home that he has not only matured, he lost a significant amount of weight. His whole outlook was spectacular. I found him to be accustomed to being alone, not so dependent upon his dad or me."

Two other changes seen in their children related to improved interpersonal skills and a more caring attitude. For example, parents said, "His social skills are continually improving," and "Her attitude is better. She has learned to work in group settings." Another parent stated: "She has become more caring for others through her experiences."

Morry's Camp is structured to help young people address particular developmental goals. Parents were asked how some of those goals seemed evident as a result of the child's participation in the camp experience. Parents remarked that camp provided a good place for a child to develop discipline, organization, and social skills. One parent commented, I think she learned to be social with other people and share ideas with others." As articulated by another parent, "Morry's Camp has given my daughter a chance to see life from a clearer view. It has helped her to see that her goals are important." Another parent said, "We look at your program as the absolute best ... we feel that interaction with people of all different backgrounds, races, and religions will build strong character."

Happy but sad: Outcomes at Morry's Camp

Camping Magazine, Jan, 2002 by M. Deborah Bialeschki, Teresa Younger, Karla Henderson, Dawn Ewing, Mary Casey, II

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