Research Matters

Camp
Trends

How can parents count the ways children
grow and flourish at camp? Friends? New
skills? Displays of self-confidence? Steps
toward independence and thoughtfulness?

Philliber Research Associates teaming with
the American Camp Association has just released
the results of a landmark study that demonstrate
the gains are remarkable—over 5,000
parents, children, and camp staff are readjusting
their measuring sticks—growth in positive
identity, social skills, physical and thinking
skills, as well as the important areas of
positive values and spirituality go hand-in-hand
with the camp experience.

According to Peg Smith, chief executive
officer of the American Camp Association,
outcomes are all about research and responsibility.
"These concepts of independence and
discovery come into play every day as we
look at ways to enhance the growth and discovery
process in youth. Our research demonstrates
unequivocally that with the idea behind
camp and the thousands of individuals who
support children in these experiences, we
are unmistakably on the right track. One
of the truly exciting aspects of this research
is these measurable gains continue after
camp ends, and the researchers confirm that
length of camp session isn't a determining
factor—it's camp itself,"
says Smith.

Leadership, adventure, making friends,
confidence—all after spending time
at camp.

Positive Identity: Self-Esteem
and Independence

"Self-esteem does not come from empty
praise, but from feeling competent; from
having successful experiences; from making
genuine contributions."

Christopher Thurber, Ph.D., Child Psychologist
and Author

Athens Y Camp for Boys, Georgia

Dear Y Camp Staff,

I have to admit I was very nervous about
dropping George off for his first day of
camp. He has never been away from home before,
and I have never been without him for more
than a night away at his grandparents. We
read all the information from camp and felt
prepared but apprehensive about the upcoming
week at camp. My fears were immediately
put to rest when we arrived at camp. All
of the staff was very polite and energetic.
Chris went out of his way to welcome us
to cabin 8 and help us get settled. The
week really flew by, and we got a letter
from George that read, "Dear Mom and
Dad, Camp is great" and that was it.
When we picked him up we could immediately
tell a difference in him. All the way home
he talked about his cabin, the counselors,
the food, and especially the new friend
he made. The confidence he gained has been
great. Thank you for a wonderful camp experience.
We will definitely be back next year.

--Athens Y Camp Parent

Social Skills: Leadership, Friendship,
Social Comfort, Peer Relationships

"I'd say that you learn mostly
how to interact with different kinds of
people and are open to different ideas.
You learn how to cooperate well with others
who share and don't share the same
opinions as you."

Teo, age 14

Tumbleweed Day Camp, California

Carter began camp at age five. At first,
he was truly a fish out of water. Some of
the differences between Carter and the other
children were very apparent, some not so
apparent. Carter was an African American
in a camp setting where most others campers
were white. There was no father figure in
Carter's life and he often displayed
his anger by striking out at others—afraid
of failure more than we realized. With the
encouragement and patience of the counselors,
Carter was able to begin talking to the
staff and other campers and participate
happily in camp activities. Difference took
on far less importance and a sense of belonging
took its place. Carter spent many summers
at Tumbleweed, became expert at the ropes
course and climbing wall, challenged himself
in ways he never thought possible. As Carter
grew up at camp, his mother asked us to
make an exception so Carter would be able
to participate in our CIT program over more
than one session. She confirmed what all
of the staff knew—that camp was a
safe place for Carter where he could be
himself.

--John Beitner, Director

Camp Talooli, Camp Fire USA, New York

There was a very special young girl who
started coming to camp after her mother
reported that she was not functioning well
at home—all of the relationship difficulties
that middle school girls often find occupy
their lives. When her mother asked why she
didn't want to have her school friends
join her at camp away from home, she said
that camp was what she really looked forward
to all year and that she could be herself
at camp. She went on to become a CIT and
is now a junior in college. Camp was one
of the transforming experiences of her childhood.

--Jan Peneston, Director

Physical and Thinking Skills: Adventure
and Exploration, Environmental Awareness

"I have the conviction that a few
weeks in a well-organized summer camp may
be of more value educationally than a whole
year of formal school work."

Charles Eliot, former president of Harvard
University, in his 1922 treatise on education

Pine Hill Day Camp, Alabama

Matthew had been attending Pine Hill for
several years. The staff regarded him as
challenging—little control over his
feelings or reactions, hot tempered at times.
And to complicate matters, Matt towered
head and shoulders over his peers. Each
summer we would notice positive ways in
which Matt adjusted and began to fit in.
A breakthrough moment came when he reported
that he felt accepted at camp, he loved
the pool where size didn't matter,
and finally he was able to have the summer
of his life. It's a real turnaround
moment when everyone realizes that camp
promotes an environment where kids can feel
at home and be themselves.

--Carolyn Price, Director

Positive Values and Spirituality: Values
and Decisions, Spirituality

"In some ways all camps have a spiritual
component. Either because of the beautiful
natural setting, the opportunities for bonding
with others, or meaningful religious practices,
young people have an opportunity to connect
to the earth, to each other, and perhaps
to a higher power."

Christopher Thurber, Ph.D., Child Psychologist
and Author

Athens Y Camp for Boys, Georgia

I remember PJ as a camper. His first summer
at camp was when he was nine years old.
He was the smallest kid in the group and
was very shy. All the other kids made fun
of him. He was the last one picked for any
kind of game. No one wanted to be his swim
buddy. Sessions were three weeks long, and
he thought he was going to die before camp
was over. But over those three weeks with
PJ, we began to notice a change. There was
one thing he did very well and that was
making lanyards. He could do the 16-stitch
corkscrew better than anyone. Once the other
kids found out he could do this they started
to be his friend. At first it was to get
help with their lanyards, but they learned
that PJ was a kid just like them. PJ learned
that God made everyone different and special.
And once he learned that important lesson
he gained confidence and individuality.
He became friends with the other campers
and remained at camp as a camper and staff
member until he was 23. PJ's individuality
is what makes him so memorable.

--Harmon Tison, Director

The impact of camp is resonating with more
and more young people and adults—lessons
learned, friendships formed. There is something
behind these stories, and the talk of what
is different about camp—the genuine
learning and growth that occurs in these
unique environments. As Peg Smith reflects,
"We are just beginning to understand
and thoughtfully measure the impact of camp
in the lives of children and young adults
and recognize the opportunity and privilege
that we have to serve the camp community—it's
an exciting time to be able to influence
the direction of our future."

For more information on how camp gives
kids a world of good, visit www.CampParents.org
or call the American Camp Association at
800-428-CAMP (2267).

Copyright 2005; American Camp Association.

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