Addressing the human element.

The human element of camp consists of campers, parents, staff, and owners; people who are all complex individuals in their own way. Each person is a blend of the influences of home; relationships among peers, family, and non-family adults; and the totality of who they are. The following research summaries reflect this human element of camp. I ask readers to think about how their camps and organizations might address the types of issues reported here.

Children of substance abusers

Knight, S. (1994). Elementary-age children of substance abusers: Issues associated with identification and labeling. Elementary School Guidance Counseling, 28 (4), 274-284.

Parental substance abuse presents emotional, physical, and social problems to children, families, communities, and society-at-large. Chemically abusing parents have been found to be ineffective in meeting their children's needs. It is estimated that 43% of American adults have been exposed to familial alcoholism, and 7 million American children now live with an alcoholic parent.

Many of those who abuse alcohol also abuse other substances. Over 95% of COSA (children of substance abusers) are never identified [in school]. A report of the research indicates that in grade school, the adverse effects of parental substance abuse may be seen in academic performance, peer relationships, self-esteem, and mood regulation. In general, when observing behavior patterns, the following may serve as clues to help identify COSAs: absenteeism (from school), neglected physical appearance, fluctuating academic performance, fatigue and lack of energy, psychological symptoms (nervous tics, nail biting, bladder control problems), people-pleasing behavior, conflict avoidance, problems controlling mood and behaviors, social isolation, concerns about parents, and physical symptoms (headaches, stomachaches, injuries). Children of substance abusers tend to learn and follow unwritten rules to "don't talk, don't feel, and don't trust."

Implications for camp: At one time or another, every camp has had in its midst, a child of a substance abuser (COSA). The impacts of parental substance abuse on the lives of children are felt throughout their lifetime. The COSA might be a 6- or 10- or 13-year-old camper, a 15- or 16-year-old CIT, or an 18- or 21-year-old camp staff member. The coping mechanisms learned in the home tend to be exhibited in other aspects of one's life.

To fully meet the needs of campers and camp staff who have been affected by familial substance abuse we must first know and understand them. The research noted above identifies characteristics of COSAs in a school setting. In camp we might be on the look-out for the following behaviors: absenteeism (from day camp or specific camp programs), neglected physical appearance (particularly at day camp, but also in the clothes and belongings of a child at resident camp), fluctuating abilities in camp activities (e.g., in sports, arts, drama), fatigue and lack of energy, psychological symptoms (e.g., nervous tics, nail biting, enuresis), people-pleasing behaviors, social isolation, concerns about parents, and physical symptoms (e.g., headaches, stomachaches, injuries) that result in continuous visits to the infirmary.

Knowing the tremendous numbers of children living with substance abuse in the home, it would be wise to incorporate some knowledge related to substance abuse and its impact on children, both young and old, into pre-camp training. Adding resources that address substance abuse and its impact on family members to the camp library might be another way to increase staff member knowledge.

Adolescent relationships

Bennett, L. & D. Westera. (1994). The primacy of relationships for teens: Issues and responses. Family and Community Health, 17 (3), 60-69.

Adolescence is a time of relationships. It is a time when young people form cliques and are eager to be affirmed by their peers. At the same time, relationships with parents and other family members are changing. It has been found that when essential elements in building relationships is blocked, loneliness and isolation result.

This study surveyed over 2300 teenagers between the ages of 15 and 19 years. The teens placed high value on peer relationships; friendship was the number one value and the teens' greatest source of enjoyment and support. Family relationships also were reported as important and as having an influence on the lives of the teen participants. It was interesting to note that while 86% of the adolescents reported having a happy home life, 61% indicated that they, at times, would like to leave home. A gender difference was noted with 70% of the girls reporting family life as very important, while only 56% of the boys so indicated.

Concerning relationships between teens and adults in the community, young people indicated that while they felt that, in general, adults liked them and were courteous to them, they did not feel as though they were understood or respected. Teens felt as though adults did not recognize their special needs (e.g., for recreation facilities) and that adults held negative stereotypes of teenagers.

Implications for camp: Teens often are the most difficult population camps serve and attempt to serve. Marketing, attracting, and programming for teen-aged campers requires understanding of adolescent needs and a good deal of creativity. The research indicated that relationships are extremely important to young people, particularly those with peers. This element of peer relationships and opportunities to be with one another would be attractive to teens.

Adolescents at camp often speak about family relationships, vacillating between affiliation one moment and independence the next. The research supports the notion that this is a normal aspect of adolescent development. It is important for us to note that teens do not feel understood or respected by non-family adults. Camp is an excellent medium where teens can receive the understanding and respect of adults. Perhaps it would behoove all adults in camp to examine teen programs and camps for the articulation of opportunities for understanding (e.g., active listening, teen-generated programs), teen involvement, and respect as individuals.

Deb Jordan, Re.D., is an associate professor of leisure services at the University of Northern Iowa. Send your letters and one-page summaries of research related to camp to: Research Notes, c/o Dr. Deb Jordan, Leisure Services Division, 203 East Gym, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0161. Note: Only research completed within the past two years will be considered for review.