"Active ingredients" are one way to describe the elements of a program that are responsible for the targeted change in behavior, skill, attitude, or belief (Li & Julian "American Journal of Orthopsychiatry," 82(2), 157-166, 2012). This term assumes a connection between program elements (ingredients) and participant…

Examining lessons learned through 4 years of experience of hosting Camp Launch, a university-based residential science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) enrichment program for low-income, high-ability, middle school students, this article explores components of the program and offers suggestions for implementing programs that serve…

Geospatial and Robotics Technologies for the 21st Century (GEAR-Tech-21), teaches science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through robotics, global positioning systems (GPS), and geographic information systems (GIS) activities for youth in grades 5-8. Participants use a robotics kit, handheld GPS devices, and GIS technology to…

Stresses the importance of planning ahead for rainy day activities at camp. Suggested outdoor activities include learning to build a fire in the rain, dam building, canoe puzzles, and holey garbage-can fill; indoor activities include crafts, pass the present, human game pieces, and opportunities for cabin groups to plan and host a fun activity.…

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)

This report examines the implementation of a five-day French immersion program whose goal was to expose rural secondary school students to French in cultural context, in order to develop cultural understanding and effective communication. Findings of the study show: (1) 14 percent of the program time was spent on instructional activity, 20 percent…

Describes the activities a teacher used at summer camp to acquaint blind children with nature. Discusses the similarities and differences between blind children and children with sight. (RL)

Discusses various program activities at New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) camps, including environmental workshops which foster exploration, discovery, and skill development. Highlights recreational and evening activities for the one-week camping experience for 12 to 17 year olds. (JN)

A diversified outdoor education project under Title III, Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, was started in June 1967 in Rockingham County, North Carolina. Objectives, activities, and student performance in the 3 phases of the program were evaluated through September 1968. A combined outdoor education and corrective reading program…

Funded through the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Title III, the Project began serving youngsters handicapped either physically, mentally, or emotionally, who qualified for special education services in the fall of 1971. Among its objectives were to: (1) improve these youngsters' achievement in reqular school subjects, their…

With imagination and connections, camps can plan enjoyable educational programs on minimal budgets. Primary resources should include counseling staff, camp physical resources, and "special days." Local libraries, Red Cross, YMCA, social services, substance abuse centers, and other human service organizations often provide speakers,…

Blue Star Camps (Hendersonville, North Carolina) used talents of an internationally known architectural artist to emphasize a world peace dimension in their 1985 eight-week coed summer program. Past creative programs have included mock United Nations sessions, mock presidential conventions/elections, lunar landing salute, bicentennial celebration,…

This book describes acclimatization, an approach to nature education that actively involves participants in the environment during a 1-week summer camping experience. The goal is to stimulate awareness of nature, increase appreciation of nature, and motivate further involvement with nature. An outcome of this process is that participants…

This environmental education guide focuses on activities and topics which may be used in a school camping program. Although this guide was prepared for a specific school camp, the topics and activities included in the guide are applicable to many school camp situations. Such topics as the constellations, pond exploration, birds, wildlife,…

Camp Kingsmont, a weight reduction and fitness facility for boys and girls located near West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, traditionally celebrates International Day each July. Campers design costumes, prepare native dances and songs, enjoy an outdoor feast, stage an "International Beautyless Contest," and gather around a bonfire to view a…