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Journal of Family Issues
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Summer Camp Experiences

Parental Perceptions of Youth Development Outcomes

Karla A. Henderson

North Carolina State University, Raleigh, karla_henderson{at}ncsu.edu

Leslie Scheuler Whitaker

Philliber Research Associates, St. Louis, Missouri

M. Deborah Bialeschki

American Camp Association, Martinsville, Indiana

Margery M. Scanlin

American Camp Association, Martinsville, Indiana

Christopher Thurber

Phillips Exeter Academy, Exeter, New Hampshire

Every summer more than 10 million children attend day or resident (sleep-over) camps sponsored by churches, not-for-profit youth agencies, and independent operators. This study explored the outcomes of a 1-week or longer camp experience from the perspective of parents. A national sample of almost 2,300 parents responded to pre-, post-, and follow-up surveys about their children's growth experiences at camp. Parents perceived statistically significant gains from precamp to postcamp in 10 youth development constructs with the highest effect sizes related to adventure/exploration, independence, making friends, positive identity, and peer relationships. Additional gains from the precamp to the 6-month follow-up were noted for leadership. Parents also described what their children learned at camp and what changes they perceived occurred as a result of their child's camp experience.

Key Words: developmental outcomes • parental perceptions • camp experience • positive youth development

Journal of Family Issues, Vol. 28, No. 8, 987-1007 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/0192513X07301428
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