Residential Summer Camp Research Articles

Do Great Minds Think Alike? Gifted Male and Female Students’ Perceptions of Mathematics

Many researchers have debated potential differences between male and female students’ mathematical performance. One important factor that can impact performance is perception of the content. The purpose of the study is to investigate factors that impact high-ability male and female students’ perspectives of mathematics. Participants ( n = 12; n f = 5, n m = 7) attended a 10-day residential summer camp during which the researchers conducted individual, semistructured interviews with each participant. Using a thematic analysis, the researchers examined the interview transcripts for themes by gender. Six common themes emerged between male and female students: perseverance, performance, self-efficacy, enjoyment of content, social component, and life relevance. Female students reported that adult influence was also a factor. Further examination showed that female students are more likely to report enjoyment of content as a factor, whereas males are more likely to report perseverance and performance.

Evaluation of an infection control protocol to limit COVID-19 at residential summer camps in 2021.

To assess the effectiveness of an infection control protocol developed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 at two multi-week residential summer camps in 2021. Data were collected from 595 camp attendees and staff members at two wilderness camps in Northern Minnesota. Testing was undertaken in all unvaccinated campers before arrival at camp, on day 4 of camp, and in the event of respiratory symptoms. Campers were limited to cohorts during the first 4 days of camp and wore masks indoors. The number of positive COVID-19 cases measured the efficacy of the protocol. The testing and cohorting protocol successfully prevented the spread of COVID-19 among campers and staff. During the first summer session, there were zero positive cases of COVID-19 among 257 campers and 127 staff. During the second summer session, compliance with the protocol limited the spread of COVID-19 to just three individuals of 266 campers and 129 staff. Maintaining cohorts at arrival limited spread from a single positive case to only two tent companions. The testing and cohorting protocol limited the spread of COVID-19 among residential summer wilderness campers and staff. Post-arrival testing ensured newly acquired virus was limited in spread before COVID-19 precautions were relaxed on camp day 5. A strict evidence-based cohorting protocol limited in-camp spread and allowed for a successful summer camp season. The usefulness of this protocol with an evolving pandemic, increasing vaccination rates, and virus variants could have implications for future practice.

Impact of Behavior Modification on Female Campers’ Physical Activity in Summer Camp

In order to combat rampant health and wellness deterioration over the summer months, residential summer camps have been presented as a possible solution to thwart such declines in overall health and wellbeing. The purpose of this study was to determine the differential effects of prompting, and prompting combined with reinforcement on female campers’ step counts at a residential summer camp. The participants in this study were 104 female campers (Mage = 13.71), all attending the same residential summer camp. An alternating treatment design was implemented to evaluate campers’ daily physical activity across three conditions (baseline, prompting, and prompting combined with contingent reinforcement) throughout the duration of the 51 days camp experience. In accordance with standard Applied Behavior Analysis research, data were plotted graphically in order to employ visual analysis to determine functional relationships between the intervention (prompting only, prompting plus group contingency, and target behavior [step count]). Results of this study indicate that prompting with group contingencies (29%) and without (13%) successfully led to an increased amount of daily physical activity. Further, small variance within the group contingency group illustrates the breadth of success for this technique. This is the first comprehensive intervention focused primarily on influencing female campers’ physical activity levels in the residential camp context and demonstrates a cost-effective strategy for improving activity among female campers.

Illnesses and Injuries at a Remote American Residential Summer Camp Over 3 Seasons.

Residential and wilderness excursion summer camps are safe, but outdoor activities can lead to injuries. The frequency of various illnesses and injuries at summer camps has been incompletely described. The treatments provided and the need for escalation to higher levels of care are variable. A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted for all visits to a camp infirmary over 3 seasons at a residential summer camp in Minnesota. Seventeen descriptive categories of chief complaints and 13 categories of treatment disposition were created for all 695 eligible infirmary visits. The frequency and illness type for which escalation to a higher level of care beyond the camp infirmary was needed were reviewed. Four hundred one campers sought medical care 695 times over 3 seasons. The most common chief complaints were related to skin (35%), musculoskeletal injury (17%), and upper-respiratory symptoms (15%). The most common treatment and dispositions were over-the-counter medications (43%) and simple bandage or dressing (19%). Escalation of care to a clinic or emergency room was uncommon, with 35 (5%) infirmary visits requiring escalation. Musculoskeletal injuries were the most common reason for escalations of care. While overall less common than musculoskeletal injury, dental injury almost always resulted in escalation of care. An analysis of 3 y of visits to a summer camp infirmary was used by camp medical staff to update protocols and obtain new supplies for diagnosis and treatments. A more complete understanding of the prevalence of injuries and illnesses has the potential to allow better preparation for camp medical staff.

Retaining Camp's Most Valuable Resource: A Study on the Fulfillment of Counselor Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness and their Impact on Willingness to Return

Within the United States, recruiting, hiring, and retaining seasonal staff continues to be a major concern for the summer camp industry. In fact, retention of qualified seasonal staff was the number two (of seven) top emerging issues among American Camp Association professionals. Low staff retention rates are problematic because training is expensive, re-hiring consumes resources, and too much turnover creates instability. Camp administrators need solutions and tools to better understand, and support components of counselor needs, which in turn could improve staff retention. The current study utilized Basic Needs Theory (BNT), a sub theory of Self Determination Theory (SDT), to explore how the degree of need fulfillment and counselor experiences impact a staff member's willingness to return to work the following summer. Data were collected at a large rural coed residential summer camp and a total of 114 staff (mean age = 20.5, SD = 2.07) participated. The Work Basic Needs Satisfaction Scale (W-BNS) was administered to understand the fulfillment of autonomy, competence, and relatedness among camp counselors throughout the summer. A quasi-experimental design was used and baseline responses (pretest) for W-BNS items, dosage (weeks worked), camper years, counselor years, and willingness to return to work at camp were compared to posttest responses using independent sample t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Multiple regression analysis was used to develop the process and final model to understand the predictors for the dependent variable of staff willingness to return the following summer. Results indicated that dosage was not a significant predictor of willingness to return the following year. In addition, the number of years working at camp was negatively related to staff retention (β = -.402) and camper years positively predicted retention (β = .282). Relatedness (not autonomy or competence) was the most salient basic need predictor of staff retention (β = .288). Camp experience predictors of dosage, camper years, and staff years did not relate to measures of W-BNS but were the only predictors directly related to willingness to return. Results indicated that camp experience and W-BNS items were separate and distinct predictors of a staff member’s choice to return to work. This study expands upon a model for understanding need fulfillment and motivation amongst emerging adults within a summer camp work setting. Camp managerial and programmatic implications related to need fulfillment, training, and culture are discussed.

Physical Activity and Social Behaviors of Incarcerated Youth Participating in a Sport-Leadership Program.

Research illustrates that participation in physical activity is advantageous to overall health. Incarcerated populations are one subset that would benefit most from consistent engagement in physical activity, yet little is known about programs created to fulfill this need. The purpose of this study was to determine activity levels and social behaviors of incarcerated adolescent males during a structured sport-leadership program. Participants were 23 incarcerated males. The System for Observing Children's Activity and Relationships during Play was employed to evaluate activity and social behaviors. A major finding of this study demonstrated that incarcerated youth engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity for a large portion of the sport-leadership programming time (50.6%). In this study, prosocial (11.7%) and antisocial (7.1%) interactions mirrored those observed in residential summer camps, on playgrounds, and during recess.

Analysis of a Year-Round Mentoring Program for Youth with Physical Disabilities Attending a Medical Specialty Camp

Residential medical specialty camps provide short-term psychosocial benefits to youth with health conditions during summer camp, yet extinguishing effects are commonly seen in followup data as campers return to home and school settings (Dawson, 2017; Knapp et al., 2015; Moola et al., 2014; Plante et al., 2001). Innovative year-round support approaches are needed to enhance existing residential medical camps to improve long-term psychosocial outcomes associated with the months following the summer experience (Dawson, 2017; Dawson et al., 2018). This study is a qualitative analysis of an online mentoring support program designed as a follow-up approach in the months after residential summer camp experience has ended. The mentoring support program matched adolescent campers with a physical disability to an adult mentor having a similar disability and was structured through an online support curriculum facilitated by a recreational therapist. Qualitative analysis yielded two major themes from mentors and mentees (a) mentor as a disability life coach providing psychosocial support and expanding life expectations, and (b) barriers and facilitators to the mentee-mentor relationship. Discussion centers on insights for further developing this mentoring support program as an adjunct to traditional medical specialty camps.

Musculoskeletal and Head Injuries in a Canadian Summer Camp: A Three-Year Surveillance Study.

Introduction: Residential summer camps are popular among Canadian families. Campers are exposed to new, unfamiliar environments and engage in activities that may pose increased risk of injury. This study identifies the occurrence and management of musculoskeletal and head injuries at a Canadian residential summer camp.Methods: This study was a three-year prospective observational cohort study, at a six-week Canadian residential summer camp. There were 1,388 residents, consisting of 51,546 camp days (CD). Injury data were collected by residential summer camp staff and confirmed by onsite medical professionals prior to being recorded in a secure database. Injuries were included if it was a musculoskeletal or head injury that occurred while engaged in a camp activity on or offsite, that necessitated medical attention, and that required removal or restriction from their normal camp routine for a minimum of 4 hours.Results: There were 154 injuries, resulting in an incidence of 2.99 injuries per 1000 CD. Injuries were reported during scheduled activities (1.46/1000 CD) and free time (1.20/1000 CD). Sports was the most common activity during which injury occurred in all age groups (1.07/1000 CD), where males were injured twice as often as females. 65% of injuries occurred while under staff supervision. The lower extremity was the most affected body part (1.59/1000 CD). Sprains and strains accounted for 1.69 injuries/1000 CD. 83% of injuries were classified as significant and 89% of injuries were treated on-site. Over-the-counter analgesics were provided in 62% of senior camper injuries and 46% of junior camper and staff injuries.Conclusion: Most injuries in the residential camp setting are mild. Ensuring appropriate non-pharmacologic measures in addition to adequate analgesia may help shorten return to play.

Development and initial validation of a camper-counselor relationship scale

Residential summer camps, one of the most popular organized programs for children in the United States, may promote several aspects of positive youth development. These positive outcomes may stem in part from camp counselors, who often forge close relationships with youth, but few studies have examined these relationships. To facilitate this research, we developed a camper-reported camper-counselor relationship quality scale. In Study 1, scale items were created and/or adapted and evaluated through expert ratings and cognitive interviews. Exploratory factor analyses using data from 318 campers (ages 7–15) from Jewish overnight camps supported the hypothesized three-factor structure. In Study 2, confirmatory factory analyses of data from a second group of 324 campers from similar camps confirmed the three-factor structure and showed preliminary evidence of concurrent validity; camper Jewish identity scores and age were positively associated with camper-counselor relationship quality. Implications for practice and continued research and validation are discussed.

A Group Contingency to Increase Walking Speed At a Residential Summer Camp

Groups of children often transition between activity spaces in both academic and recreational settings. In schools, children may be asked to walk as a group between the classroom and spaces such as a cafeteria and playground whereas summer camps similarly use different spaces for separate activities throughout a scheduled day. Interdependent group contingencies have previously addressed school-based transitions (e.g., timely transitions game); however, limited research has applied similar interventions to recreational settings such as summer camps. An ABAB design was used to evaluate an interdependent group contingency with visual feedback to increase walking speed between activities across one group of seven 10- to 11-year-old boys at a residential summer camp. The results showed that the intervention was effective to increase the average speed walking, in feet per second, for the group of boys. Further, there were high rates of intervention fidelity, and acceptability among camp counselors.

The Super Clean-Up Game: Increasing Productivity and Prosocial Engagement Among Youth at a Residential Summer Camp

The Good Behavior Game (GBG) is a behavior intervention typically used in traditional classroom settings. This study tested the effectiveness of the Super Clean-Up Game, a modified version of the GBG, for youth with disabilities at a residential summer camp to increase productivity and strengthen the social skills of youth with disabilities. The Super Clean-Up Game was implemented at a residential summer camp for youth with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges, with four bunks of campers ( N = 24, 100% boys, ages 10–15 years old) using a randomized nonconcurrent multiple-baseline design. There was an increase in the percentage of chore completion and peer helping behavior between the baseline and intervention phases in all four bunks. Results provide preliminary evidence that the Super Clean-Up Game is an effective behavior intervention at a residential summer camp for youth with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Future studies may consider modifying the Super Clean-Up Game for use in other contexts, such as classrooms or group homes.

Physical Activity and Fitness Markers of Male Campers Participating in a Fitness-Based Sport Education Season

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine health-related fitness levels and physical activity trends of adolescents participating in a fitness-based sport education season in a camp setting. Method: This study was conducted in a residential summer camp. Participants were 71 male campers. Participants were categorized into two groups (i.e., Healthy or Needs Improvement-Needs Improvement Health Risk [NI/NI-Health Risk]). Physical activity and health-related fitness measures were assessed. Data were analyzed with separate 2 × 2 mixed-factorial analyses of variance and follow-up t tests when appropriate. Results: Findings indicated significant decreases in body mass index for both groups with greater decreases for the NI/NI-Heath Risk group. Both groups increased for push-ups, sit-ups, and Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run Test scores with greater improvements in the NI/NI-Health Risk group. Discussion/Conclusion: Youth amassed elevated levels of physical activity during each lesson and achieved significant improvements to muscle strength, cardiovascular endurance, and body mass index. The NI/NI-Health Risk group revealed significant improvements compared to their healthy counterparts.

Rapid return to normal activities at a residential summer camp during the COVID-19 pandemic

AimInfection prevention and control (IPC) within residential settings is a central focus of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Youth residential summer camps are an excellent model for such environments and have thus far had mixed results. The aim of this report was to describe the successful implementation of a seven-week overnight summer camp with rapid return to normal activities from June to August 2020.Subjects and methodsThis retrospective study included 427 individuals who traveled from 24 US states. All staff and campers were tested by serial nasopharyngeal PCR tests in the context of strict infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, including cohorts and masking. The entire camp population was isolated from non-camp personnel with special measures for food, supply, and mail delivery.ResultsDuring the two-week staff session, one staff member tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, was isolated, and sent safely off premises. All other campers and staff had three negative PCR tests: 1–8 days before arrival, upon arrival, and 5–6 days after arrival. After these three negative tests, 6 days into camp, most IPCs, including masking, were successfully lifted and a normal camp experience was possible.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that serial PCR-based testing and strict adherence to IPC measures among cohorts can allow for successful assumption of near normal group activities in a residential setting during the COVID-19 pandemic. This result at an overnight summer camp has broad implications for similar residential communities such as boarding schools, other youth education and development programs, as well as nursing homes and military installations.

Changes in attitudes toward diabetes in nursing students at diabetes camp

The research purpose was to determine whether exposure to residential diabetes camps affects attitudes toward diabetes care and management in nursing students. Summer camp for children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) provides a unique and engaging clinical environment for nursing students to learn about evolving diabetes care and to help children develop diabetes management skills. This prospective, pretest/posttest study assessed student nurses' attitudes about diabetes, who attended one of four residential summer camps in the United States, using the Diabetes Attitude Survey 3 (DAS3). The survey was administered before and after clinical experience designed to fulfill experiential curricula requirements from various nursing programs. After attending diabetes camp, nursing students (N=73) had a positive change in their attitudes regarding the need for special training and the psychosocial impact of diabetes. The diabetes camp clinical experience impacted nursing students' attitudes. Diabetes camps are a unique clinical setting that uses learned clinical knowledge and judgment to promote health and prevent disease and disability, supporting the integration of primary care and public health nursing.

Impact of a Residential Summer Camp Experience on Children With Sickle Cell Disease.

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) has a significant psychosocial impact on affected children. Summer camp has been shown to improve psychological and physical states for children with diabetes and cancer. However, opportunities to attend camp for children with SCD are limited, as many are from low-income families, and many camps are not equipped to care for children with medical complexities. To our knowledge, no literature evaluates how camp can positively affect emotional functioning, social functioning, self-esteem, and physical activity levels in children with SCD.Methods: Children with SCD attending a residential summer camp during 2019 were identified. Participants completed a modified version of the Pediatric Camp Outcome Measure, a validated 29-item questionnaire that evaluates self-esteem, emotional function, social function, and physical activity. Four additional questions related to SCD were included.Results: Nine campers enrolled in the study. Questionnaire results showed a total score of 113.7 (maximum score135, range 84-129), with a self-esteem subscale score of 22.1 (maximum score 25, range 20-25), an emotional subscale score of 32.1 (maximum score 40, range 25-39), a social subscale score of 38.9 (maximum score 45, range 24-45), and a physical activity subscale score of 20.6 (maximum score 25, range 19-25). All campers indicated that they would return to camp.Conclusion: Attending summer camp has a beneficial impact on emotional function, social function, self-esteem, and physical activity. Mean questionnaire scores from children with cardiac disease and cancer are similar to those of children with SCD. Increased funding should be awarded to sickle cell camps to allow for more children to have this beneficial experience.

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

• 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.

Examining perceived adolescent socioemotional development and repeated camp experiences using a planned missing data design

In questionnaire-based research, leisure investigators must balance the need for comprehensive measurement with participant fatigue associated with lengthy questionnaires. Planned missing data designs (PMDD) offer a solution to reduce survey length while maintaining precision in measurement. This study introduces PMDD through an examination of the influence of parental years of camp experience as a child (M = 2.54 years) and their child’s level of camp experience (M = 1.39 years) on parental perceptions of developmental outcomes (PPDO) associated with camp participation. Data were collected from a cross-sectional sample of 699 parents via an online survey examining the influence of repeated camp experiences on adolescent socioemotional development following their child’s (M age = 12.25 years) participation in a residential summer camp experience. Utilizing a structural equation model in combination with the PMDD, the results indicated neither parent nor child level of camp experience influenced PPDO score.

Camp Organizational Support for Creativity Among New And Returning Camp Counselors

Creativity supports interest, imagination, empowerment, intrinsic motivation, and overall engagement. Satisfied employees, who are supported in their creativity, have increased performance, motivation, and commitment. Residential summer camp is a demanding 24-hour job in which camp counselors use creativity on a regular basis via lesson planning, teaching activities, resolving conflict, and living within close proximity to coworkers. The purpose of the current study was to explore organizational support for creativity among first-year and returning staff at the beginning and end of one season of employment. Camp counselors (n = 113) participated in the current study utilizing quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative analysis compared pretest data on creativity to posttest items using paired samples t-tests. First-year and returning counselors indicated significant decreases in perceptions of the camp organization valuing creativity. Counselors’ self-identification as a creative employee significantly decreased among returning employees. Qualitative data analysis produced 46 independent responses and 3 content areas describing barriers to creativity, including personal (intimidation, inexperience), structural (time/money), and camp traditions (status quo) barriers. Summer camps should prioritize support for creativity as a vital component needed for a positive work culture. Ultimately, a camp mission, culture, and training, which support creativity may empower counselors (of various experience levels) to create new ideas, camp traditions, and activities.

Changes in Daily Step Counts and Health-Related Fitness After a Sports-Based Residential Summer Camp in Boys

Several schoolwide initiatives have been created to combat the rate of obesity in adolescents. However, despite programs showing an ability to advance health-related fitness during the academic year, the summer months contribute to the most accelerated weight gain and health-related fitness (HRF) losses in school aged youth. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of a residential summer camp on health-related fitness markers in adolescents. The participants were 100 male campers aged 10–14. Campers performed body mass index (BMI) and various physical activity assessments aimed to evaluate health-related fitness levels prior to and following their participation in summer camp. Physical activity levels were assessed throughout the summer using pedometers. MANCOVA results revealed significant pretest to post-test improvements on health-related fitness areas of BMI, aerobic fitness, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility. The results of this study offer preliminary indications that participation in summer camp programing can promote and maintain health-related fitness levels in adolescents over the summer.

An Observational Assessment of Physical Activity Levels and Social Behavior During Residential Summer Camp Unstructured Time.

To evaluate children's physical activity (PA) levels, social play behavior, activity time, and social interactions during unstructured time. Systematic observation tool to record child's PA level, social group size, activity type, and social interaction during play. Northeast US residential summer camp, pseudonym Forest Hills Camp. Fifty-nine third-grade campers (27 males and 32 females). Observational data were obtained using the System for Observing Children's Activity and Relationships during Play (SOCARP). Data were analyzed using independent samples t tests (with Bonferroni adjustment) to assess statistical differences between boys and girls SOCARP categories. Both boys and girls spend over 50% of their time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Statistically significant differences between genders were observed: activity level-(a) girls sat more than boys, and (2) boys engaged in more vigorous activity; activity type-(1) boys engaged in more sport activity, girls engaged in more locomotion activity, and girls were more sedentary; and social interactions-(1) boys had more physical conflict, and (2) boys had more verbal conflict. Contrary to previous research suggesting that summer campers have increased sedentary behavior during unstructured time, our results indicate that third-grade campers engaged in MVPA over 50% of their unstructured time. This suggests that unstructured time in outdoor camp settings may provide valuable opportunities for adolescent children to choose PA.