The camp community understands that participation in camp produces a variety of impacts; what is less understood are the causal mechanisms leading to outcomes. In the past, research on the camp experience treated causal mechanisms as monolithic; this commentary argues that a weakness in existing camp research is the assumption that…

We explored the impact of a daytrip for children aged 10-13 (n = 40) to assess perception of nature. Those who perceived risk in nature were 11.25 times more likely to indicate disinterest in spending time outdoors. Those interested in spending time outdoors were 6.9 times more likely to think people should care more about the environment.…

Previews the 1980 National Day Camp Symposium and discusses influences of the 1980s on day camps. Also discusses precamp planning, the camp season, and postcamp activities. Available from: Center for Environmental, Camping and Outdoor Education; University of North Carolina at Greensboro; Pine Lake Field Campus; 4016 Blumenthal Road; Greensboro,…

A British educator discusses the summer he spent as an American camp counselor. Discovers that in combining the roles of activity center, holiday resort, and place of learning, over 8,000 summer camps are an important part of educational process and significant formative influence on a large proportion of this nation's young. (NEC)

Until the depression of the 1930s, camping was valued simply for its recreational and health benefits. Then, with the advent of the philosophy of progressivism and the consequent changes in educational goals and practices, the educational potentials of camping also began to be examined. Attempts to redefine the role of camping and to seek…

Describes the experiences provided for disadvantaged children aged 4-14 years through an enrichment program, begun in 1973, which aims to foster feelings of closeness and love in a rural setting. Groups of 20 children are bused to a farm each day for two one-week periods during the summer. (ED)

This revised edition of a 1961 publication outlines the steps involved in establishing a new day camp, and presents guidelines for day camp operation. Four chapters cover: (1) preliminary decisions and planning for a new camp; (2) site selection, legal and regulatory considerations, and property management; (3) deciding on buildings and equipment…

The legal aspects of the school day camp and how the school may be affected are explored. Court opinions indicate that school camps are subject to the same rules and legal regulations as those imposed when the students are at school or on school grounds. (JN)

The first book in a 5-book manual on day camping focuses on summer day camp administration. The book defines day camps as organized group experiences in outdoor living on a day-by-day basis and under trained leadership. It includes a philosophy of day camping, noting benefits to the campers. The book is divided into further chapters that describe…

The third book in a 5-book manual on day camping discusses the campers themselves. Section I provides a case study of the pre-school camper and the counselor. Section II addresses the needs and characteristics of children from ages 6-12 and describes what children need from parents, teachers, playmates, and community. Section III discusses the…

Government regulation of children's summer camps, particularly involving health and safety standards, is discussed in a series of brief interviews with camp directors and representatives of camp associations. Transcribed from the National Public Radio weekly broadcast, "Options in Education," the program includes a lengthy montage of…

Book IV in a 5-book day camp manual discusses the camp program. Section I describes the organization, definition, and elements essential to successful day camp programs. Section II, which addresses the benefits and special considerations of mass programs, includes rainy day contingencies, materials to have on hand, and activity suggestions.…

This paper offers an overview of the Academic Enrichment for Gifted in Summer (AEGIS) programs, an in-depth view of one AEGIS program, and a description of the creation and production of a historic play. In 1984, Arkansas sponsored its first 5 summer AEGIS programs, involving 275 students. In 1988, programs served 1,300 students. Day-programs…

Describes survey made as part of Youth Conservation Corps evaluation. Compares personal benefits of residential camping with benefits of nonresidential camps. Concludes residential participants benefited in different ways and to greater extent than nonresidential campers. Residential camping benefits measurable at least nine months after…