NICP update.

Data from the six residential summer camps that participated in the National Inclusive Camp Practices (NICP) research this past summer is coming in to Portland State University, Portland, Oregon. Overall, thirty camper pairs (thirty with disabilities and thirty without) were studied at each camp. The on-site research efforts at the camps were highly successful, due in large part to the project supported research assistants who monitored, collected, and organized the data.

Emphasis in the NICP study is on using both validated instrumentation and measures that produce both quantitative and qualitative data. The major instruments/measures used at each camp to describe inclusive practices and determine camper outcomes are listed below:

* Individual Characteristic Survey (ICS): pre- and post-camp survey of parents about their child's personal and social development.

* Social Interactions Observation (SIO): camper subjects were videotaped (in five-minute segments) during meals, recreation activities, and cabin times when social interactions were likely to occur. Trained graduate students will view the videotapes and determine the frequency of social interactions and level of instructional support.

* Outdoor Case Study Method (OCSM): a battery of assessments that include the Group Interaction Matrix (GIM) for determining social interaction patterns of camper subjects by cabin group, extended videotaping and use of the SIO to determine camper subjects social interactions, and use of counselor and parent interviews to obtain their observations/judgements regarding the effects of the camp experience on the camper or child.

* Outdoor Skills Inventory (OSI): counselor ratings of their campers' skills (level of independence) in program areas, such as personal/social, swimming, nature/environmental, fitness/hiking, boating, and overnight camping.

* Inclusive Practices Inventory (IPI): a measure of the types and frequency of instructional support given to campers in the areas of self-help (dressing, organizing personal belongings); social settings (campfire, meals); and outdoor recreation (swimming, hiking).

* Director/Specialist Interviews: Comprehensive surveys of each camp administrator and two specialists/instructors on the inclusionary nature of their respective programs. These staff provided detailed written and verbal information/opinions on inclusive practices being implemented, benefits, and challenges.

The January/February issue of Camping Magazine will feature a full-length article detailing the results of the National Inclusive Camp Practices study. For more information on the study or how your camp can participate, contact Steve Brannan at 503-239-1077 or e-mail [e-mail].

Sprint Reaches Out to Small Businesses

To provide more value versus just competitive price, Sprint is trying to help its clients with their business challenges. They are offering the Sprint Small Business Performance Pledge: "We pledge to work with you to solve your business challenges using the right mix of products and proven tools from recognized experts to help your business excel." To support the pledge, they have put together a collection of products and services called Sprint Performance Tools. Several of these toolkits have been developed so far, including "Improving Employee Effectiveness," "Increasing Sales," and "Ensuring Customer Satisfaction."

The kits are free when you sign up for Sprint. Call 800-473-0898 for more information. Tell the operator you are a member of the American Camping Association.

Camping Magazine Wants to Hear from You

What do you think of Camping Magazine? What type of articles and information would you like to see more of? What would you like to see less of? How are we doing?

The Camping Magazine staff would like to know what you think of your magazine. Please send us a note or e-mail us! Contact the editors at: Camping Magazine, 5000 State Road 67 North, Martinsville, IN 45151-7902; or e-mail [e-mail].

Listserve Provides Idea Exchange

Camp directors are always on the lookout for new programming ideas. These responses, excerpted from ACA's online Camp Professionals Discussion Group, offer some activities that may become favorites at your camp.

Question:

I am looking for a few ideas for our camper choice programming options. We currently offer tie-dyeing, candle making, climbing wall, creek hike, garbage can pizza, ropes course, and other typical camp traditions. I am looking to expand on this. Does anyone have a unique idea that works at their camp?

Response One:

We have hula instruction, beach walks, and lei making, but that is due to our location - Hawaii.

Response Two:

Years ago, when I was a camp director, we had some optional program time, which we called "College Day." We gave campers schedule cards with four periods to be scheduled. The campers took the cards to the activity of their choice and "signed up." Since we always had a lot of unique and innovative activities (learning how to change a tire or french braid hair), it provided small classes and no one seemed to get left out. Usually, there were too many choices and campers were happy when one of the classes had "closed." Of course, we had some "college advisors" who helped rearrange schedules as needed.

Response Three:

How about building bird houses or bat houses? Model rockets? Nature stuff? Tanning a deer hide? Making projectile points ("arrowheads" in kid-speak), survival skills, compass use?

Response Four:

Our older kids love snorkeling and regular or inner tube water polo. Hayride is an absolute favorite for all ages.

Response Five:

A very unique program at our camp is Sumo Wrestling. We do it on our sand volleyball court. You simply need a rope to create a fairly large circle on one half of the court. The two opponents face each other, stamp one foot, then the other, and then the first again, and then touch a center line drawn in the sand. The object is to either push or pull your opponent so that a part of his body goes outside the circle or a part other than his feet touches the ground.

To join this members-only discussion group, send an e-mail message to [e-mail]. List CPDG as the subject and include your name, ACA membership number, and e-mail address. For more details, visit ACA's Web site: www.aca-camps.org.