Examining Youth Camping Outcomes Across Multiple States: the National 4-H Camping Research Consortium (NCRC)

Abstract

The impact of residential camp participation is needed for camps focused on a variety of outcomes including education, summer fun, prevention, and youth development. One system, the Cooperative Extension Service, conducts 4-H residential camps in most states nationwide every year. These camps, though offering educational enhancement and fun activities, are focused on youth development, incorporating a framework called the essential elements of positive youth development. The National 4-H Camping Research Consortium (NCRC), a group of Extension specialists and county-level educators, designed and piloted assessment tools for 4-H camps that can be used at any camp that focuses on youth development. The camp context questionnaire measures three essential elements of youth development: relationship with a caring adult, self-determination and mastery, and safe and inclusive environments. The life skill questionnaire measures three life skills: accepting self and others, accomplishing goals, and taking responsibility. Logic models and evaluation guidelines help camp directors plan camps that work for youth.

The Influence of a Peer Support Camp on Mitigating Emotional Distress in Siblings of Children With Cancer

“…It was created as a partnership between a nonprofit organization serving families impacted by childhood cancer and a regional 4-H camp accredited by the American Camp Association. 4-H is America's largest youth development organization and has an extensive research base associated with program delivery and positive outcomes (Garst et al, 2011a(Garst et al, , 2011bWahle et al, 2019).…”

“…It identifies that supportive relationships with peers and adult mentors, skill building, leadership development, and safety are essential for healthy youth development (American Camp Association, 2006; Browne et al, 2011; Gambone & Connell, 2004; Walker et al, 2011). Camp programs and activities grounded in PYD (including the Community Action Framework) are considered standard practice and have been shown to contribute to decreased anxiety and stress (Bialeschki & Sibthorp, 2011; Hayhurst et al, 2015) and enhanced self-esteem (Benson et al, 2006; Bialeschki & Sibthorp, 2011; Garst et al, 2011a, b).…”

An Intentional Approach to Achieving Learning Outcomes during a Youth Leadership Residential Program

“…4-H youth across the country annually participate in a variety of residential programs including camps, conferences and retreats. Several studies have reported positive impacts of residential programs on youth development (Garst, et al, 2011). Research has also lead to the development of various program models by which youth development professionals can replicate residential programs based upon the type of experience and outcomes they plan to achieve (American Camp Association, 2005).…”

A case study of teen leadership development within a 4-H camp counselor experience

“…Often, teens (14-18 years old) are provided with an opportunity to serve as a camp counselor during organized camps. Teens that serve as camp counselors have the opportunity to practice and develop life skills such as communication, responsibility, independence, and teamwork (Garst & Bruce, 2003). In addition, camp helps to build leadership skills and team building with a peer group that exists outside of the norm of their experiences (Van Horn et al, 1998).…”

“…There is a plethora of research that has found organized camping to have positive impacts on all those involved (e.g., Bird & Subramaniam, 2018;Digby & Ferrari, 2007;Ferrari & McNeeley, 2007;Galloway et al, 2013;Garst et. al., 2020;Garst et. al., 2011;Martin, 2018;Monke, 2015;Thurber et.…”