chap 3 lesson

Chapter 3 & 4- Values and Trends in Organized Camping
On-line Lesson

CHARACTERISTICS & BENEFITS UNIQUE TO THE CAMPING ENVIRONMENT

	Camp possesses campers completely as a high dosage experience
	The outdoor setting
	Living 24 hours a day with others of varied backgrounds
	Democratic community living
	Broad program of activities
	Sufficient free time
	Simple rustic living
	High ratio of staff to campers

Age Served	Camper Per Counselor
	Day Camp	Resident Camp
4-5	6	5
6-8	8	6
9-14	10	8
15-18	12	10
19 over		20

Special Population Camps - 1:1 or 1:2

BENEFITS

	Psychological
	Sociological
	Educational
	Physical

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT OUTCOMES OF THE CAMP EXPERIENCE - provide confirmation of the conventional wisdom concerning the value of camp as a developmental growth experience.

Children's self report:

	adventure and exploration
	self-esteem
	independence
	leadership
	friendship skills
	environmental awareness
	spirituality

TRENDS IN CAMPING

· Types of camps: decrease in traditional resident camps, increase in number of day camps, increase in specialized camps (day, trip, religious, rehab, physical/mental, chem. dependent, wt. gain/loss, etc.), increase in special interest camps (music, drama sports, dance, etc.)

· Summer 2007 was identified as the highest enrollment ever in camps

· Summer 2007 had increased numbers for boys and girls for all age groups

· Summer 2007 had between 50-74% camper return rates

· Summer 2007 minority camper numbers increased

· Overall camp numbers have been growing but the downturn of 2008-2009 will make future trends uncertain

· Camps are being positioned specifically as a learning opportunity environment

· Camps moving from centralized to decentralized camping pioneered by the Girl Scouts

· Camps are being modernized and renovated to include computer technology and accessibility for children with disabilties

· Camp leaders are using democratic methods in dealing with group dynamics.

· Camps now have trained nurses, doctors and dietitians as part of the regular camp staff.

· There is more government involvement in areas of state licensing, regulations on food handlers, sewage/garbage disposal, personnel, etc.

· More research in the field of organized camping is being done.

· Many camps are now promoting multiple and year round use of its’ facilities to meet costs.

· Camps are interested in preserving their natural heritage and voluntarily support conservation practices.

· There is an increase in demand for camps in urban areas.

· Another trend is the development of shorter camping experiences (3-5 days vs. 3-5 weeks).

· Camping Profession is more sophisticated.

Chapter 3 & 4- Values and Trends in Organized Camping On-line Lesson

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Chapter 3 & 4- Values and Trends in Organized Camping
On-line Lesson