1996 summer camp survey results.The American Camping Association conducts an annual survey of ACA-accredited camps to gather information on issues such as summer camp enrollment, demographics, and trends. Of the respondents to the 1996 survey, * 80% represented resident camps * 20% represented day camps. Enrollment is up 52% of camp directors surveyed reported an average increase in summer camper enrollment by 15% in 1996 over 1995's figures. An additional 28% of survey respondents reported 1996 enrollment at about the same as the previous year. New camp programs 61% of camp directors surveyed reported adding new activities and programs over the past few years. The most common reasons given by camp directors for adding new programs include: * camper and/or family requests * diversity * attract older or younger campers Most common program trends * challenging and adventurous activities: high and low ropes courses, climbing wall A climbing wall is an artificially constructed wall with grips for hands and feet, used for climbing. Some are brick or wooden constructions, but on most modern walls, the material used is a thick multiplex board with holes drilled into it. , backpacking, rock climbing rock climbing Sports medicine An 'extreme sport' in which the participant climbs rock formations, with or without ropes Injury risk Fractures, abrasions, death. See Extreme sports. , zip lines, mountain biking mountain biking Sports medicine A sport in which participants use specialized bicycles to navigate rough, steep trails covered with unforgiving rocks Injury risk Concussions, fractures, death. See Extreme sport, Novelty seeking behavior. , technical tree climbing Tree climbing consists of ascending and moving around in the canopy of trees. Tree climbing is safe when done with the proper training and equipment. Use of a rope, helmet, and harness are the minimum requirements to ensure the safety of the climber. , wilderness camping, and cave exploring * equine activities * in-line skating/roller hockey * increased emphasis on fine arts, such as origami The code name for Microsoft's Ultra-Mobile PC. See Ultra-Mobile PC. , ceramics, leather crafts, woodworking, photography, theatre, drama, and dance * unique program additions: dulcimer dulcimer (dŭl`sĭmər), stringed musical instrument. It is a wooden box with strings stretched over it that are struck with small mallets. The number of strings may vary. The dulcimer is related to the psaltery and modern zither. making, hot air ballooning Hot air ballooning is the activity of flying hot air balloons. Attractive aspects of ballooning include the exceptional quiet (except when the propane burners are firing), the lack of a feeling of movement, and the bird's-eye view. , canoe building, astronomy, circus arts "Circus arts" refers to a body of performing arts featured in, derived from, or inspired by circus productions. Three similar terms are often confused here: circus arts, circus acts, and circus skills. The difference lies in the level of specificity. , and wind surfing Parents and camp directors form partnerships The American Camping Association's vision statement is "Camp gives kids a world of good." Camp is a building block in the successful development of children and youth. Camp directors and parents rated camp's four most important contributions to child development: * self-confidence and self-esteem * getting along with others/teamwork * an appreciation for the outdoors/environmental concerns * recreational skills Camp builds community * 85% of camps surveyed reported offering financial assistance to campers, with the average amount being $33,000; campership amounts ranged from small contributions to $870,000. * 30% of camps reported having community service or other good deed programs, including food drives, recycling programs, trail maintenance and cleanup at local parks, and fire/rescue volunteering and support. Camp utilization * 29% offer summer day camp * 51% offer youth group rental * 62% offer weekend programs/retreats * 53% offer group trainings/meetings * 34% offer family reunions * 69% offer summer resident camp * 40% offer outdoor education * Less than 1% offer elder hostel * 17% offer corporate retreats * 45% offer programs school groups [TABULAR DATA OMITTED] |
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