ACA Receives Lilly Endowment Grant. (the American Camping Association[R]).

Years of effort were recently rewarded with full funding for the research portion of ACA's project to determine the youth development outcomes of the camp experience! On September 20, 2001, we were informed that Lilly Endowment has funded ACA's $640,000 request to conduct the first-of-a-kind national study looking at outcomes and the program and leadership factors related to accomplishing strong outcomes in camps.

The main portion of the study will be conducted in the summer of 2002, with camps selected across all types of ACA-accredited programs around the country. A follow-up study that includes visits to and analysis of high-performing camps will be conducted during the summer of 2003.

The study will be evaluating the accomplishment of outcomes in four areas that were identified in preliminary research over the past two years. ACA will analyze the strength of the relationship between the provision of inputs by the camp and the manifestation of specific outcomes in campers, including:

* Increased positive identity,

* Increased positive values and spiritual growth,

* Enhanced social skills, and

* Learned new skills (cognitive and psycho-motor).

How will this affect camps?

The study is designed to provide information, training tools, and evaluation tools for camps. Many camps have requested tools that measure outcomes for youth. This study will culminate in the development and application of such a tool.

Many camps have asked for training materials to help staff understand their role in the development of young people. We will learn much about this process, and we will observe camps that help us determine models for best practices in this arena.

The study will also provide us with information that will help parents, school boards, camp boards, the media, and camp staff understand the value of the camp experience in the mosaic of experiences that help young people develop and hone the skills that lead to productive adulthood.

What will happen next?

This fall, the sample of camps to be included in the study will be identified. Training will be provided to help these camps successfully participate in the study.

How is the study designed?

The study will include campers who are between nine and fourteen. Both the campers and their parents will be asked to complete a short, thirty-five-item survey one month before camp, at the end of camp, and six months after camp. In addition, camp counselors working with the campers in the study will complete observation forms. Camps will also provide us with information on their staffing, training, supervision, and program structure

What will camps have to do?

Camps in the study will have to work with our research firm to mail out survey/permission packets to campers in selected age groups attending camp during selected sessions. Those preliminary surveys and permission forms will be returned to an independent research firm who will then confirm to the camp which campers have permission to participate in the study. Camps will need to see to it that those campers complete surveys again at the end of camp. They will also need to confirm that these campers have a counselor-observation form completed on them.

Who is doing the research work?

Philliber Research Associates, a nationally recognized research firm doing work in youth development and other areas, will be conducting the research. The actual survey forms will only be seen by Philliber. They will enter the data, complete the statistical analysis, and provide results back to ACA.

At a time in our country when we seek the most effective means of educating and assisting youth to take a productive place in the society of the future, understanding the role camps can play is critical. There is so much need and so much potential. We have anecdotal information on the value of camp. This study provides an opportunity to lay an important foundation to future research in our field.