THE PRESERVATION OF AMERICAN YOUTH SUMMER CAMPS: THE CHANGING CULTURAL LANDSCAPE OF GIRL SCOUT AND BOY SCOUT SUMMER CAMPS

Abstract

OF THESIS The Preservation of American Youth Summer Camps: Addressing the Changing Cultural Landscape of Girl Scout and Boy Scout Summer Camps by MICHELE RACIOPPI Thesis Director: Katherine Woodhouse-Beyer, PhD, RPA American youth summer camps, first established in the late 1800's, have flourished throughout the 20 century to the present day. Only since the late 1990’s, though, have they begun to be addressed by the academic community. The recognition of camps' historic, social, cultural, and architectural significance has coincided with a major change in the landscape of certain camps, specifically Girl Scout and Boy Scout camps. Scout camps have traditionally offered a more rustic camp style and the option for campers to explore a variety of traditional camp activities such as hiking, canoeing, and crafts. However, both the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts today face significant organizational changes, namely the consolidation of local councils, as well as numerous external business pressures such as high operating costs and competition from other camps. In the face of these pressures, Scout camps are vulnerable to being shut down, sold, or modernized. This has caused controversy among Scouting members, resulting in protests, lawsuits, and even boycotts. More than just a disagreement over whether or not to keep camps open, these disputes include the loss of memories and histories associated with camp sites.