Camp as context for need satisfaction among Native American youth: Examining links to participation quality and quantity

Abstract

• Examines link between repeated camp participation and outcomes in Native youth. • No link between quantity of participation and outcomes. • Significant link between quality of participation and outcomes. This study examined relations between participation quality and quantity and youth outcomes associated with Basic Psychological Needs Theory (i.e., autonomy, relatedness, and competence) among 116 Native American youth attending a one-week culturally-tailored summer camp. Participants were 60% female, on average 13.14 ( SD = 2.02) years old and had an average of 2.98 ( SD = 2.08) years of prior camp experience. Following their camp experience, participants completed measures of participation quality (i.e., the Tiffany-Eckenrode Program Participation Scale) and targeted program outcomes (i.e., the Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Frustration scale). The study findings indicated only one dimension of participation quality (personal development) positively predicted levels of autonomy, relatedness, and competence satisfaction. This study provides preliminary support for the potential utility of promoting (personal development) in a residential summer camp for Native American youth.