Camp Counseling and the Development and Transfer of Workforce Skills: The Perspective of Ohio 4-H Camp Counselor Alumni

Abstract

Recent research shows that camp counselors, including those in 4-H, benefit from the experience by developing important life skills. However, because research regarding the perception of workforce skill development in this context has yielded inconsistent findings, the present study used focus groups to examine 4-H camp counselor alumni perceptions about the skills gained and transfer of these skills to other settings. Overall, 4-H camp counselor alumni thought their experience was fun and enjoyable, yet challenging. They believed they developed important life and workforce skills. Not only did alumni learn these skills, but the skills transferred beyond the camp setting. Leadership was noted as the skill most frequently applied to other contexts. Alumni believed that their counseling experiences had both indirect and direct impacts on their career choice. This study suggests many practical applications for those who work with camp programs.

Youth development and the camp experience

“…41 Young adults who have worked at camp also appear to gain skills that affect their personal relationships, careers, and civic engagement outside camp. Two studies that focused on the long-term impacts of working at camp found that alumni staff believed that camp experiences contributed to twenty-fi rst-century workforce skills such as planning, decision making, communication, and teamwork, 42 and that these experiences helped them explore new opportunities and try out new roles that they could apply in other settings. 43 Given the expansion of the definition of adolescence into the mid-to late twenties, many camp staff are in a developmental life stage much like the campers they serve.…”

The Impact of a Capstone Farm Management Course on Critical Thinking Abilities

“…Studies about 4-H camp counselors in other states found that counselors could identify at least one skill that was developed as a result of camp counseling that would help them in a job they desired in the future (Forsythe et al, 2004), the camp counseling experience provides an opportunity to learn about potential future careers (Digby & Ferrari, 2007), and camp counseling can highly influence career choice of counselors (Genson, 2010 reason could be that some of the counselors have already selected a career path. Participants in the survey were never asked why they wanted to serve as counselors, but three of the top five statements in this construct had a social dimension; counselors enjoyed working with children, meeting new people, and improving their ability to work with children.…”

“…Ohio 4-H camp counselor alumni also listed improved planning and organizing, decision making, and interpersonal skills as significant outcomes of the camp counseling experience (Digby & Ferrari, 2007).…”

“…Camp has a special place in the 4-H environment, and unlike many other 4-H activities, the camp atmosphere has little competition (Digby & Ferrari, 2007), allowing the focus to be placed on personal skill development. Counselors in a Wisconsin 4-H camp study said camp was unique because it allowed counselors to develop a stronger understanding of working with children, the chance to practice responsibility, and an opportunity to be a role model (Forsythe et al, 2004).…”

Teen Staff Perceptions of Their Development in Camp: Insights for Theory and Practice

“…This research indicates that significant benefits exist for teens who lead camps, including increased leadership skills, sense of responsibility, connection with campers, and a sense of community contribution Bird & Subramaniam, 2011;Brandt & Arnold, 2006;Garst & Johnson, 2005;Nicholson & Klem, 2016;Tessman, Duda, & Pracht, 2012). In addition, researchers have shared how camp experiences translate to workforce and career preparedness for teens (Digby & Ferrari, 2007).…”