In 2003-2004 the American Camp Association
conducted research with over 7600 campers
(aged 10-18) from just over 80 ACA-Accredited
camps to determine the degree to which
developmental supports and opportunities
were reported/received by those campers.
Which of the critical youth development
domains do you believe was the strongest
in camps, and which presents the greatest
opportunity for improvement?
| Supportive Relationships |
| Safety (physical
and emotional) |
| Youth Involvement
(including leadership and decision-making) |
| Skill Building |
This research results demonstrate that:
| Camps, more than
some other youth programs, provide
positive developmental environments
for youth, especially in providing
supportive relationships with adults
and peers, and in skill building. |
| While strengths
vary by camp type and sponsor, ALL
camps have the potential to provide
positive experiences foundational to
practicing successful life skills. |
| The value of camp
for campers is enhanced by attending
camps in multiple summers or for sessions
that are as long as practicable. |
| Campers perceive
safety at camp differently than adults.
Directors were surprised to learn that
their efforts in risk management address
different safety issues than the ones
that concern campers. |
| Campers, other than
CITs, report few opportunities for
meaningful involvement in leadership
and decision-making about things that
matter. |
| The greatest challenge
for all youth programs, including camps,
after-school programs and schools,
is to provide meaningful opportunities
for youth to learn and practice life-building
skills in leadership and decision-making. |
| |
| Inspirations
- View the results (PDF
- 1.5MB) |
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