Camp Research: What? So What? What’s Next?

Authors

  • Karla A. Henderson North Carolina State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/jyd.2018.607

Keywords:

camp research, youth development, camp outcomes

Abstract

This special issue of the Journal of Youth Development provides a means to highlight where camp research is today based on the articles presented. Several common areas are identified: role of theory, addressing social issues, methodological imagination, emerging audiences, samples, linking operations and outcomes research, staff and youth development, moving outcomes from what to how, and thoughtful and intentional implications for practice. Areas that need additional consideration in future camp research and issues that can be addressed by camp professionals include further examining how positive change occurs in camp, noting the value of the transfer of camp experiences to later life, using critical analyses of what camp experiences mean, and examining areas that have been under-researched such as day camps. 

Author Biography

Karla A. Henderson, North Carolina State University

Professor Emeritus

Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management

North Carolina State University

References

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Baker, M. (2018). Welcome to the bubble: Experiences of liminality and communitas among summer camp counsellors. Journal of Youth Development, 13(1-2), 24-43. doi: 10.5195/jyd/2018.565

Bennett, T. (2018). Including the youth perspective: The development of the CPQA camper survey. Journal of Youth Development, 13(1-2), 266-284. doi:10.5195/jyd.2018.559

Bird, M., & Subramaniam, A. (2018). Teen staff perceptions of their development in camp:

Insights for theory and practice. Journal of Youth Development, 13(1-2), 62-82. doi:10.5195/jyd.2018.568

Cousineau, L. S. (2018). Camper self-concept promotes environmental awareness: A relationship mediated by social inclusion. Journal of Youth Development, 13(1-2), 144-160. doi:10.5195/jyd.2018.526

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Gillard, A. (2018). Staff engagement and camper outcomes at a low ropes course. Journal of Youth Development, 13(1-2), 240-249. doi:10.5195/jyd.2018.493

Henderson, K. A., Bialeschki, M. D., & James, P.A. (2007). Overview of camp research. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 16, 755-767.

Henderson, K. A. (2006). Dimensions of choice: Qualitative approaches to research in parks. Recreation, tourism, sport, and leisure. State College, PA: Venture Publishing.

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Lacanienta, A., Ellis, G., Taggart, A., Wilder, J., & Caroll, M. Does theming camp experiences lead to greater quality, satisfaction, and promotion? Journal of Youth Development, 13(1-2), 216-239. doi:10.5195/jyd.2018.535

Lewis, K. M., Bird, M., Wilkins, T., Borba, J., Nathaniel, K., & Schoenfelder, E. (2018). Developing a common evaluation tool for camps. Journal of Youth Development, 13(1-2), 305-314. doi:10.5195/jyd.2018.539

Lynch, M. L., Hegarty, C. B., Trauntvein, N., & Plucker, J. (2018). Summer camp as a force for 21st century learning: Exploring divergent thinking and activity selection in a residential camp setting. Journal of Youth Development, 13(1-2), 285-304. doi:10.5195/jyd.2018.544

Manning, A. S., Pollock, M., Clements, B., Furutani, E., Brotkin, S., Mansfield, J., . . . Maslow, G. (2018). Young adult counselors with diabetes at diabetes camps: The effect of being a peer mentor on counselors' health behavior. Journal of Youth Development, 13(1-2), 250-265. doi:10.5195/jyd.2018.540

Martin, K. (2018). Summer camp youth leadership development: An investigation of adolescents' perceptions of best practices. Journal of Youth Development, 13(1-2), 161-182. doi:10.5195/jyd.2018.536

Olsen, L., Powell, G.M., Garst, B.A., & Bixler, R.D. (2018). Camp and college parallels: Crucibles for transition-linked turning-points. Journal of Youth Development, 13(1-2), 126-143. doi:10.5195/jyd.2018.558

Ozier, L. W. (2018). Learning landscapes: The educational spectrum from camps to classrooms. Journal of Youth Development, 13(1-2), 4-13. doi:10.5195/jyd.2018.612

Perry, S. C. (2018). Race-evasiveness among camp staff. Journal of Youth Development, 13(1-2), 14-23. doi:10.5195/jyd.2018.555

Rubin, R.O., Hagler, M., Burton, S.A., & Rhodes, J.E. Striking a balance: An exploration of staff-camper relationship formation. Journal of Youth Development, 13(1-2), 44-61. doi:10.5195/jyd.2018.537

Sendak, M. D., Schilstra, C., Tye, E., Brotkin, S., & Maslow, G. (2018). Positive youth development at camps for youth with chronic illness: A systematic review of the literature. Journal of Youth Development, 13(1-2), 201-215. doi:10.5195/jyd.2018.551

Sorenson, J. (2018). The fundamental characteristics and unique outcomes of Christian summer camp experiences. Journal of Youth Development, 13(1-2), 183-200. doi:10.5195/jyd.2018.556

Whittington, A. & Garst, B. (2018). The role of camp in shaping college readiness and building a pathway to the future for camp alumni. Journal of Youth Development, 13(1-2), 105-125. doi:10.5195/jyd.2018.519

Wilson, C., & Sibthorp, J. (2018). Examining the role of summer camps in developing academic and workplace readiness. Journal of Youth Development, 13(1-2), 83-104. doi:10.5195/jyd.2018.563

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Published

2018-04-20

Issue

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

Section

Reflection

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