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In order to promote the advantages
of the camp experience, the ACA has engaged
in several research efforts. Below are
the results from recent studies:
Within
this study, parents, camp staff, and children
reported significant growth in:
 Self-esteem- Independence
- Leadership
- Friendship skills
- Social comfort
- Peer relationships
- Adventure and exploration
- Environmental awareness
- Values and decisions
- Spirituality
Directions
— Youth Development Outcomes of the
Camp Experience
(PDF
- 2.8MB)
 This study was designed to
provide benchmark data on the developmental
supports and opportunities at camp through
asking campers the following questions:
- How does the developmental quality
of the camp experience vary by the type
of camp they attend
- How does the developmetal quality of
the camp experience vary by characteristics
of the camper?
- What contributes most
to an optimal camp experience?
Inspirations
— Developmental Supports and Opportunities
of Youths' Experiences at Camp (PDF
- 1.5MB)
This study provides
a summary of the strategies and practices
implemented by 23 camps that went through
a program improvement process and offers
camps a step-by-step way to carry out their
own process.
Innovations — Improving
Youth Experiences in Summer Programs (PDF
- 3.5MB)
The American Camp Association (ACA)
conducts periodic research on business
issues, the benefits of the summer camp
experience, and youth development. In November
and December 2005, the association funded
a major survey on camp business operations.
The results indicate that the camp community
remains a complicated family with a great
degree of diversity among its members.
Highlights
from ACA's Camp Business Operations Report:
2006
For more information on research conducted
by ACA, please visit: www.ACAcamps.org/research |
