ERIC Number: EJ768257
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007
Pages: 21
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0192-513X
EISSN: N/A
Summer Camp Experiences: Parental Perceptions of Youth Development Outcomes
Henderson, Karla A.; Whitaker, Leslie Scheuler; Bialeschki, M. Deborah; Scanlin, Margery M.; Thurber, Christopher
Journal of Family Issues, v28 n8 p987-1007 2007
Every summer more than 10 million children attend day or resident (sleep-over) camps sponsored by churches, not-for-profit youth agencies, and independent operators. This study explored the outcomes of a 1-week or longer camp experience from the perspective of parents. A national sample of almost 2,300 parents responded to pre-, post-, and follow-up surveys about their children's growth experiences at camp. Parents perceived statistically significant gains from precamp to postcamp in 10 youth development constructs with the highest effect sizes related to adventure/exploration, independence, making friends, positive identity, and peer relationships. Additional gains from the precamp to the 6-month follow-up were noted for leadership. Parents also described what their children learned at camp and what changes they perceived occurred as a result of their child's camp experience. (Contains 7 tables.)
Descriptors: Youth Agencies, Effect Size, Recreational Activities, Summer Programs, Parent Attitudes, Youth Programs, Program Effectiveness, Child Development, Interpersonal Competence, Peer Relationship, Leadership Qualities, Day Camp Programs
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A