Bibliographies of Camp-related Research

Effects of Summer Camp on Child Development and Contributions of Counselors to Those Effects
Chenery, M.F.
Journal of Leisure Research, 13.3 (1981) 195-207

Purpose:
Examine self-concept and behavioral changes that occur in children at camp. Is there a correlation between children's perceptions of their mothers and their counselors? Is there a relationship between children's perceptions of their counselors and the outcomes of the camp experience?

Sample:
7 ½ week summer camp in Maine. 77 female campers ages 8-12, 13 female counselors

Methods/Instruments:
Pre-, post- test, Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale (SCS), Classroom Behavior Inventory (CBI) modified and renamed Camper Behavior Inventory, Shaefer's Children's Report of Parent Behavior Inventory (CRPBI) , Camper questionnaire

Results:

Significant positive change in self-concept.
No significant positive behavior change.
Change in negative behavior is significant. Increase in negative behavior scores.
Change in self-concept scores and behavior scores are not significantly correlated.
Significant correlation between camper's perceptions of mothers and counselors. Similar perceptions.
Camper's perceptions of counselors as accepting are positively correlated to change in self concept and positive behavior.
Perceptions of counselors as accepting and controlling positively correlated to change in self-concept scores and positive behavior scores for younger subjects, change only significant for self-concept scores in older subjects.