Youth development moves beyond risk reduction by turning a narrow negative focus on at-risk factors into positive action strategies. Critical components of youth development are providing positive ways for young people to meet their needs and building competencies. Physical, social, cognitive, vocational, and moral competence are described, and…

Describes the positive mental, physical, and social growth impacts that the camping experience had on the author, and urges camp program evaluation to plan and implement such changes. Sidebar lists steps of effective evaluation: program goals and objectives, goals of evaluation, implementation of evaluation, data analysis, and findings and…

Describes system to help camp administrators assure that hired trip leaders maintain high standards. Details suggestions including: written procedures regarding trip conduct; cultivating sense of responsibility within leaders for trips; using lists to plan trips; and using trip logs. Includes 12 steps for successful trip camping program. (TES)

Questions are presented to help camps determine if their usage of American Indian culture truly honors Native Americans. Camps that plan to use Indian lore should research the tribe's name, location, symbols, legends, and living habits. A 5-day program is presented for enhancing campers' understanding of Native peoples and their relationship to…

Describes symptoms of learning disabled (LD) children and describes often-associated affects of learning disabilities on child's social skills. Recommends residential camp setting for LD children, suggesting the "learn-by-doing" environment helps them overcome challenges and to improve self esteem. Offers tips for designing LD camp programs. (TES)

Camps perceive year-round school as a threat, but since less than 4 percent of students are affected, the impact is minimal. Camps that are affected can make schools and communities aware of camps' strengths in outdoor and environmental education, self-esteem building, and meeting youth's developmental needs; become a partner in year-round…

Reviews child developmental stages proposed by Piaget and Erikson. Suggests camping can provide a relief valve for children pressured by society to grow up too quickly. Recommends evaluation of three program areas--readiness of child for camp, appropriateness of camp activities for age group; design of camp schedule to reduce stress. (LFL)

Suggests techniques for camp directors to help older adults enjoy adventure camping. Discusses sociological and psychological changes accompanying aging. Emphasizes outdoor group activities as ways of helping older adults adjust to aging. Offers tips for adventure program development, staff development, and program evaluation. (TES)

Methods must be looked at to implement the objectives of summer camp all year long if we are truly convinced of the impact camp can have in exposing children to their outdoor heritage, challenging their imaginations, and developing their minds and bodies. Every camp or outdoor program differs in content, method, and approach, though all are…

Discusses sex role stereotyping in camping and in society. Suggests ways camp administrators and counselors can use activity programs, group living, housekeeping, and management functions to encourage development of androgynous traits and lifestyles free from culturally imposed definitions of masculinity and femininity. (LFL)