Over a 3-year period, the National Inclusive Camp Practices (NICP) project examined camp practices and youth outcomes at 14 resident camps and outdoor schools that fully integrate youth with disabilities into their programs. These outdoor programs were predominantly 1 week long. Data on camp practices and on 742 participating youth with and…

Means-end analysis was used to examine the linkages between elements of an Outward Bound course and the personal benefits and outcomes obtained or reinforced by course completion. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 216 persons, who completed a course at the North Carolina Outward Bound School. Respondents were aged 14-66 (83…

Focus-group interviews with 52 camp counselors examined their experiences as camp staff. Positive outcomes included important relationships with campers and other staff; appreciation of diversity; teamwork; group cohesion; leadership and responsibilities; and technical, interpersonal, and administrative skills development. Problems included…

A study examining the impacts of camp on staff interviewed 29 former seasonal camp staff. All respondents reported positive benefits in their personal and professional lives and the strong influence of camp in shaping career choices. Reflections on camp fell into three categories: uniqueness of camp, making memories for kids, and freedom. (TD)

A study examined features of camps and camp staff that might affect the personal and social benefits of organized camping for children. Questionnaires were completed by 29 camp directors and 270 campers aged 8-14 from 33 residential camps across the United States. Results indicate that higher personal and social outcomes were associated with…

A study of 66 children with cancer and 43 siblings attending the Ronald McDonald Camp found that disease-specific camps allow children membership in a community of peers, which enhances self-esteem and social acceptance. A separate, longitudinal study of 38 beginning and experienced campers found that campers' intrapersonal and interpersonal…

The National Inclusive Camp Practices (NICP) project was a national study of inclusive outdoor programs that examined outcomes for youth with and without disabilities. This paper reports qualitative findings that were gathered using case study methodology across 14 inclusive programs: 12 resident camp programs and 2 outdoor schools. At each site,…

Three years after a 35-day wilderness expedition in northern Ontario, five youths described lessons from the trip that were either transfered to their home environments or were overcome by the social influences of their home environments. Follow-up support is recommended to assist with integration of learning into the home environment. (Contains…

A follow-up survey was conducted of 201 Japanese young adults with autism who had participated in therapeutic camping or had therapeutic involvement at medical consultation agencies. Assessment of symptoms and dependency level indicated that 31.5 percent showed marked deterioration during adolescence, whereas 43.2 percent showed marked…