Does Theming Camp Experiences Lead to Greater Quality, Satisfaction, and Promotion?

Authors

  • Andrew Lacanienta Texas A&M University
  • Gary Ellis Texas A&M University
  • Allen Taggart University of Idaho
  • Jenny Wilder Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
  • Mark Carroll Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/jyd.2018.535

Keywords:

narrative, summer camp, theme, theory of structured experience, quality

Abstract

Using themes (such as the Wild West or Survivor or Star Wars) in camp settings may enhance the quality of camp activities and youths’ overall camp experience. We evaluated the effect of theming camp experiences on the quality of subjective experiences of campers. Campers (N = 231) in 3 sessions of a residential 4-H camp participated in the study. One camp session was fully themed (all activities used tangible and intangible props, cues, and imaginary story contexts), a second was partially themed (intangible cues and stories only), and the third was not themed. Questionnaires measuring the quality of immediate subjective experiences (N=1,847) were completed following each of 8 activity sessions (e.g., climbing, fishing, swimming). Campers also completed a questionnaire for the purpose of overall camp evaluation at the end of their camp sessions. Activity-level data were analyzed using linear mixed modeling techniques. Ordinary least-squares regression was used to analyze campers’ overall camp experiences. Results at the activity level revealed significant theme-by-activity interaction effects. At the camp level, a hypothesized causal sequence linking theme to likelihood to recommend was supported.

Author Biographies

Andrew Lacanienta, Texas A&M University

Andrew Lacanienta is a second year PhD student at Texas A&M University in the Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Sciences.

Gary Ellis, Texas A&M University

Professor in the Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Sciences at Texas A&M University

Allen Taggart, University of Idaho

Master's student in the Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Sciences at Texas A&M University

Jenny Wilder, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Program coordinator

Mark Carroll, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Director Texas 4-H Center

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Published

2018-04-20

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 1-2 (2018): Special Issue on Camp Experience

Section

Feature Articles

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