Two methods were used to identify important operational constraints and their potential impact on special education camps: a review of current literature and programs using content analysis and the development of day and resident camping experiences. In the content analysis, a process of evolution through trial and error was seen as leading to…

The word "summer" brings to mind images of a relaxed, unstructured season--a time markedly different from other seasons of the year. In the United States, we have a particularly entrenched notion that summer is different--a notion reflected in popular assumptions about summer as a "break" and reinforced by carefree depictions…

Describes the following summer camps that challenge children to broaden their world views: (1) Encampment for Citizenship (California); (2) Highlander Research and Education Center (Tennessee); (3) Camp It Up (California); (4) Timber Trails Camps (Connecticut); (5) Children Connected to Their Culture Summer Camp (Kentucky); and (6) Westwood…

A study conducted a nationwide evaluation of 15 residential camp programs designed for children, youth, and young adults with mild to severe disabilities. The study involved 2,184 campers (ages 7-19) with disabilities and was undertaken to further validate evaluation instrumentation, evaluate residential camp programs for children with…

Presents a model of integrated residential camping, providing a resource for other models. The model program creates an inclusionary environment responsive to the needs and interests of children with and without disabilities. Parental responses, anecdotal information on interactions, and descriptions of changes in attitudes are included. (SM)

Describes Fox Valley Center, near Chicago, which combined traditional camp with social work interventions. Describes camp activities as encouraging interaction between young and old people of different races. Describes program focusing on mothers and their children. Details program evaluation procedure. Suggests areas of program outgrowth. (TES)

The 4 Eckerd Wilderness camps are designed to rehabilitate the delinquent, emotionally problemed child between 8 and 14 years of age. Through a contract between the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services and the Eckerd Foundation, the camps provide specialized services to 105 youths per year with budgeting for an average length…

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES OBSERVED AT SIX SUMMER DAY CAMPS (REPRESENTATIVE OF 26 SUCH CAMPS SPONSORED BY THE KENNEDY FOUNDATION) ARE REPORTED. EACH CAMP WAS VISITED AND THE FIRST 25 ACTIVITIES PRESENTED WERE ANALYZED BY ONE OF TWO THEORETICAL MODELS. THE MODEL FOR MEANINGFUL (COGNITIVE) ACTIVITIES WAS USED TO RATE ACTIVITIES IN TERMS OF…

The final book in a 5-book day camp manual is a questionnaire developed by the Ontario Camping Association to help directors of children's summer day camps check camp operations, principles, and procedures, and to help them determine how and where a camp can be improved. The questionnaire, to be completed by the director with the aid of another…

Twenty abstracts represent papers on: an agenda for camping research, use of alternative learning environments in an outdoor setting for emotionally disturbed children and youth, effects of specialized camping program on coronary heart disease risk factors in children, efficacy of physical activity programs for overweight pre-adults at specialized…