Surveys of 19 summer camps in the East and Midwest asked directors, staff, and campers to identify what camp was about. The highest ranking outcome for all three groups was social competence. The extent of agreement among the three groups' opinions varied widely across camps. Plans for a national study of youth development outcomes in camps are…

A meta-analysis of 22 studies that provided effect sizes for the change in campers' self-esteem found that campers' self-esteem benefitted from camps that focused on self-enhancement as a working part of the program and philosophy. Campers aged 6 through 10 benefitted more than did older campers. Common factors of camps that focus on…

Describes typical developmental traits for different age groups of campers to help camp counselors understand them. Lists characteristics such as curiosity for ages 5-7, group awareness for ages 10-12, conformity and self-awareness for ages 12-15, and expansive and changing ambitions for ages 15-17. (CDS)

Case studies in the National Camp Evaluation Project and National Inclusive Camp Practices project used interviews with counselors and parents about camper's growth to yield qualitative data for camp program evaluation. The importance, methods, and benefits of case studies are described. Sidebars give examples of comments on perceived camper…

Parent responses to 4-H surveys evaluating the outcomes of camp experiences indicate that children improved most in areas of social competencies and self-confidence. Caring staff and exposure to a variety of learning opportunities were two of the most positive aspects of the camp experience. Similar research is being conducted by various national…

Stresses the importance of camp staff understanding why campers misbehave. Offers recommendations for helping campers to learn responsible behavior, including setting clear expectations and consequences for camper behavior; teaching campers self-discipline and problem-solving strategies; asking campers thought-provoking questions; avoiding power…

Overviews the nature of self-esteem and describes various dimensions of self-esteem, including gaining a sense of competency and experiencing acceptance by others. Strategies for camps include establishing goals for camper achievement, creating developmentally appropriate camp activities, and training staff with the necessary skills for enhancing…

Stresses the importance of communicating to parents how camping meets the developmental needs of youth through encouraging positive social interaction with adults and peers, providing a structured environment, promoting physical activity, encouraging creativity, empowering campers to achieve success, providing meaningful participation in the camp…