Abstract
Consistent evidence indicates that urban youth, and particularly youth of color, report relatively low levels of participation in quality youth program experiences and spend less time outdoors as compared to non-urban and White youth. Outdoor adventure camps (OACs) provide an excellent opportunity for engaging these youth in experiences that can help promote positive youth development (PYD). In the present study, we examined the experiences and perceptions of 75 urban youth who participated in a 3-day high adventure camp experience. Through a mixed-method approach, results indicated that urban youth from all racial and ethnic backgrounds grew in several PYD outcomes including social competencies and self-improvement capacities. Many youth also reported growing in their connection to nature as a consequence of participating in the OAC. Youth thought camp was a positive and worthwhile experience, reflecting key attributes of a PYD setting. Overall, the OAC provided a challenging and engaging growth environment for youth. Findings highlight implications for socially just and culturally inclusive outdoor adventure programming aimed at diverse urban youth.
Highlights
Urban Youth and Outdoor Adventure CampEngagement in quality youth programs is beneficial for all youth (e.g., Roth & Brooks-Gunn, 2016)
Our multi-method assessment of youth perspectives of an Outdoor adventure camps (OACs) revealed that a majority of diverse urban youth viewed the camp as worthwhile and benefited from the experience in many ways, impacting several positive youth development (PYD) outcomes
We focused on youth-reported OAC outcomes that were supported by multiple data sources
Summary
Urban Youth and Outdoor Adventure CampEngagement in quality youth programs is beneficial for all youth (e.g., Roth & Brooks-Gunn, 2016). Participation rates in quality experiences for youth of color, especially those from lower-income urban backgrounds, are relatively low compared to White youth (e.g., Browne Gillard, & Garst, 2019; Fredericks & Simpkins, 2012). R. et al, 2018; Matz, Stieb, & Brion, 2015) These disparities are exacerbated by a history of White privilege and minority oppression in outdoor settings (Warren, Roberts, Breunig, & Alvarez, 2014). Such inequities are concerning because they occur during a developmental period when providing opportunities for “expanding horizons, autonomy, challenge, voice, and decision-making” Such inequities are concerning because they occur during a developmental period when providing opportunities for “expanding horizons, autonomy, challenge, voice, and decision-making” (Saito & Sullivan, 2011, p. 111) is essential
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