Impacts of a Southern Indiana Summer Camp: Adult Reflections on Childhood Experiences

Authors

  • Colin L. Snider School of Public Health – Bloomington Indiana University
  • James R. Farmer School of Public Health – Bloomington Indiana University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/jyd.2016.470

Abstract

Scholars have well documented the impact on youth of attending a residential summer camp. Quantitative studies, generally consisting of pre/post assessments, have found positive outcomes related to self-esteem, self-efficacy, hard skills, and social skills. We explored the long-term outcomes of the camp experience through adult recollections of the camp experience. Participants’ interviews provided four primary, emergent themes: self growth, affinity for nature, life skills, and relationship. Outcomes appear to stem from camper-counselor relationships and unstructured free time. This study highlights the lifelong benefits of the camp experience and suggests there is utility in collecting adult long-term recollections of childhood memories.

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Published

2017-01-04

Issue

Section

Research & Evaluation Studies