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by Bari S. Dworken, Ed.D.
Evaluating the outcomes of the camp experience for campers is not an
easy task. To better meet the needs of each camper, make decisions on
program content and structure, and to receive needed support for your
efforts, outcome research should be rigorous, far reaching, and professionally
conducted. However, professional research does not preclude the usefulness
of basic information that is informally gathered by camp directors and
shared with others.
4-H Camps Seek Opinions
Each year, an informal written survey is mailed to campers and their
parents at 4-H camps in Connecticut. Recently, the following open-ended
questions were asked: "What did your child gain or learn from his/her
camp experience?" and "Has attending camp made a difference in your child's
life? If so, please explain."
4-H camps chose a unique way of organizing campers' and parents' responses
to the survey by examining how the responses corresponded with some of
the developmental asset categories identified by the Search Institute,
a nonprofit, independent research organization that focuses on the developmental
needs of youth.
Internal and external assets
The Search Institute has identified forty developmental assets or building
blocks that form a foundation for healthy development in youth. These are
categorized as either internal assets or external assets. Internal assets
are included in categories of commitment to learning, positive values, social
competencies, and positive identity. External assets are included in categories
of support, empowerment, boundaries and expectations, and constructive use
of time.
Social competencies
Parents' survey responses indicated that their children gained the most improvement
in the area of social competencies. Parents' comments ranged from "my child
learned to share experiences, open up in peer discussions, and make many
new good friends with whom she still communicates" to "he learned to get
along with all kinds of people, to be more accepting, and he has a greater
insight into people."
In addition to meeting campers from throughout Connecticut, the opportunity
to interact with international staff was viewed as a very good way of
developing cultural competence. Parents often mentioned the camp experience
as being an important contributor to learning teamwork. One camper said
that "you have to respect other people's opinions and feelings as well
as your own." Camp provides campers with many opportunities for decision
making as a small group as well as making personal choices. "Campers
are encouraged to use their initiative instead of the staff taking control
of every situation," commented one parent.
Positive identity and values
According to the survey results, campers made great strides in the areas of
positive identity and values. A large percentage of the parents reported
that their children developed self-confidence as a result of the camp experience. "My
child learned to handle new situations, set goals for herself, and has gained
a sense of independence," claimed a parent. One camper reported that "camp
made a difference by making me braver and able to try new things because
no one ever left me out of anything like a sport or activity."
Camp places a high value on caring and community. Campers learn to take
responsibility not only for themselves, but also for their actions toward
others. Camp also provides clear rules and consequences. Campers learn
quickly what is expected of them and how they fit into the overall camp
community.
Empowerment through caring role models
Studies have shown that the need for young people to have significant adult
role models in their lives is essential for a young person's healthy development.
Counselors who model positive, responsible behavior have a powerful influence
on campers. Caring staff was reported as one of the greatest strengths of
the 4-H camp experience. Small cabin groups with small counselor-to-camper
ratios enabled youth to have more quality time and attention. Campers learned
from enthusiastic staff who loved teaching children new skills. Staff and
campers encouraged each individual to do their best.
Lifelong skills
Survey responses indicated that the variety of learning opportunities available
was one of the most positive aspects of the camp experience. One surprised
camper stated, "You can have a great time without television and video games!"
"My daughter was introduced to things she would not normally have tried," a
parent commented.
Camp can give children the opportunity to ride a horse for the first
time; scale a climbing wall; canoe; express themselves through art, drama,
and music; or just learn to create informal fun. Developing lifelong
interests and skills certainly impacts the choices youth make in terms
of future careers and how they spend their leisure time.
Promising Results
These positive outcomes are not exclusive to the camps in the 4-H survey.
Most camps that focus on creating a meaningful experience for youth yield
the same outstanding results. It is important for everyone to understand
that the camp experience provides youth with many opportunities for healthy
development and can become an integral part of a child's total life experiences.
Originally published in the 2001 September/October
issue of Camping
Magazine.
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