A Residential Camp’s Impact on Youths’ Leadership Skills and Natural Resource Knowledge

Authors

  • Shandra Nicole Frey Utah State University Extension
  • Vernon Parent Utah State University Extension

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/jyd.2019.792

Keywords:

youth leadership, natural resources, outdoor education, residential camp, self-assessment

Abstract

Learning transcends the classroom. To better understand the natural world around them, it is critical that youth have opportunities to make connections and apply their learning in real-world settings. Improving youths’ perceived skills and knowledge contributes to increased academic motivation and continued leadership development. Multi-day residential natural resource camps have shown the ability to teach ecological concepts and develop land management skills, critical thinking skills, and decision-making skills. We tested the ability of a remotely located residential camp to improve leadership skills and natural resource knowledge, using a pre- and post-camp self-assessment, combined with a pre- and post-camp knowledge test. The teaching strategies of the camp—independent investigations, discussion groups, interactions with field scientists, recreational activities, and group problem solving—resulted in participants feeling they had increased their leadership skills and knowledge of natural resource topics. The campers’ perceived increase in knowledge was supported by an increase in score on a knowledge-based test. A residential natural resource camp is an effective activity to engage youth to develop leadership skills and academic motivation, while connecting them to their natural environment.

Author Biographies

Shandra Nicole Frey, Utah State University Extension

Extension Associate Professor

Department of Wildland Resources

 

Vernon Parent, Utah State University Extension

Professor,Youth and 4-H

Utah County 

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Published

2019-12-16

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 4 (2019)

Section

Feature Articles

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