Bibliographies of Camp-related Research

Bibliographies of Camp-related Research

Spirituality in Organized Camping
Gans, Cheryl F.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. not dated

Purpose:
Determine the influence of spirituality on the organized camping experience.

Sample:
100 day and resident camp directors were surveyed. 47% response rate.

Methods/Instruments:
Spirituality scale, adapted from A Religion Scale of Bandis, Peak Camp Experience Factors, derived from Gordon's Peak Communication Experience Factors, Personal Camp Experience, closed-ended statements.

Results:

• 81% of respondents indicated spirituality had increased based on camp director experience.
• 66% of respondents indicated spirituality had increased based on camper and counselor experience.
• 47% of respondents indicated spirituality had increased based on camper, counselor and director experience.
• Significant gender differences in several variables from the spirituality scale demonstrating higher mean scores for men.
• No support that the camp experience is transformed into a peak experience by increased spirituality.