Satisfaction in Organized Camping.Ah, summer camp. Memories of that wonderful time include bright sunshine, smiling faces, new friends, fun activities, and wacky campfire songs. Most children love camp; it is new, fun, exciting, and different. They get to do new things with new people in a new environment. The euphoria An interpreted programming language developed in 1993 by Robert Craig at Rapid Deployment Software that is noted for its execution speed, flexibility and simplicity. It can simulate any programming method including object-oriented constructs. of overcoming their fears of newness and getting involved in camp life is almost overwhelming. Meeting new friends and learning to fit in gives them a tremendous sense of belonging. By becoming a part of something larger, they are able to make a difference in the microcosm mi·cro·cosm n. A small, representative system having analogies to a larger system in constitution, configuration, or development: "He sees the auto industry as a microcosm of the U.S. that is camp. Children change at camp, and it is an amazing a·maze v. a·mazed, a·maz·ing, a·maz·es v.tr. 1. To affect with great wonder; astonish. See Synonyms at surprise. 2. Obsolete To bewilder; perplex. v.intr. and wonderful transition to witness. Exactly how those changes come about is perhaps debatable de·bat·a·ble adj. 1. Being such that formal argument or discussion is possible. 2. Open to dispute; questionable. 3. In dispute, as land or territory claimed by more than one country. , but an examination of the organized camping experience is certainly in order. The American American, river, 30 mi (48 km) long, rising in N central Calif. in the Sierra Nevada and flowing SW into the Sacramento River at Sacramento. The discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill (see Sutter, John Augustus) along the river in 1848 led to the California gold rush of Camping Association, which is "dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults through the camp experience," offers the following definition of camping: [Organized camping is] a sustained experience which provides a creative, recreational and educational opportunity in group living in the outdoors. It uses trained leadership and the resources of the natural surroundings to contribute to each camper's mental, physical, social and spiritual growth (ACA ACA - Application Control Architecture , 1990). Organized camping is a sustained experience. Resident camps can be effective because they last from several days to several weeks. Their 24-hour-a-day connection with the campers and the fullness of each of those days lead to a very intense experience in a short period of time (Chenery, 1994). One important aspect of growing up is being able to stay away from home and learning to do without parents. Resident camps provide excellent experiences in this respect because they offer safe places for the growing process to occur. Trained counselors stand in as parental figures; exciting activities and new friends help take children's minds off the separation. Children typically live together in small groups at camp, and by this simple organizational structure  This article has no lead section.To comply with Wikipedia's lead section guidelines, one should be written. they must learn about living with others and gain some skill in relating to relating to relate prep → concernant relating to relate prep → bezüglich +gen, mit Bezug auf +acc their peers. Organized camps have the same ultimate goal as other types of recreational programs: provide memorable experiences to please their customers. Recruitment of new participants, and their subsequent satisfaction and return, rates high on camps' wish lists. In the recreation field, we know that customer satisfaction is of paramount importance because we deal in experiences and memories, not in durable goods durable goods Goods, such as appliances and automobiles, that have a useful life over a number of periods. Firms that produce durable goods are often subject to wide fluctuations in sales and profits. Also called consumer durables. . Experiences cannot be returned if something does not work out. Memories cannot be substituted if the program is not what the participants expect or desire. The experience has to be right the first time, or participants may not return. Satisfying demands in organized camping can be a bit tricky Adrian Thaws (born January 27, 1968), better known as Tricky, is an English rapper and musician important in the trip hop and British music scene (despite loathing the "trip hop" tag). He is noted for a whispering lyrical style that is half-rapped, half-sung. , however. Camps have found that while their participants are primarily children and youth, it is the parents who make the final decisions about camp attendance -- and parents may have little contact with the camp itself (Cony, 1995). Parents and children sometimes disagree on the exact nature of their desires, and camp personnel must be aware that they must please both populations. What They Want from Camp Parents and children are not always looking for Looking for In the context of general equities, this describing a buy interest in which a dealer is asked to offer stock, often involving a capital commitment. Antithesis of in touch with. the same thing from a camping experience. Studies show that parents, whether their children have previously been to camp or not, expect a camp to provide some basic elements. They want a safe environment, caring counselors and personal attention for their children, and fun activities that will make the camping experience a quality time (ACA, 1998; Cony, 1995). Some parents saw personal and social growth as among the most important benefits of camp (ACA, 1998). One camp collected information over a two-year period to find out how to increase their camper return rate and improve the satisfaction of parents (Chenery & Akers, 1987). It found that parents expect a good camp to provide six things: a safe environment, good food, good health, an increase in the camper's skill level, some growth of character, and communication with home. By working to improve these aspects and, thus, camper and parental satisfaction, the camp grew the number of returning campers, from 60 percent to 80 percent, and watched the average number of years campers returned almost double, from two years to three and one-half years. While safety is important, children are less concerned with this aspect of camp. Campers are looking for fun activities, new friends, and neat counselors who will make the experience at camp a great time (Cony, 1995). What They Get from Camp The outcome of any program can be measured by examining the skills, experience, and knowledge that participants take with them. Sometimes an experience can be so intense that it takes awhile a·while adv. For a short time. Usage Note: Awhile, an adverb, is never preceded by a preposition such as for, but the two-word form a while may be preceded by a preposition. to process. Chenery (1991) interviewed 318 campers, staffers, directors, alumni of camps, and parents of campers to determine what children acquired from the camping experience. Their replies were grouped into six categories: learning about specific activity skills, learning about oneself, learning about group living and interpersonal skills "Interpersonal skills" refers to mental and communicative algorithms applied during social communications and interactions in order to reach certain effects or results. The term "interpersonal skills" is used often in business contexts to refer to the measure of a person's ability , having fun, gaining an appreciation of nature, and no change perceived (p. 43). From campers' responses and the observation of others, children derive the same benefits from camp that parents hope they will: experience in new activities, a little personal growth, some social skills, and a whole lot of fun. Campers reported that camp helped them gain independence, discover themselves, and improve their self-esteem self-esteem Sense of personal worth and ability that is fundamental to an individual's identity. Family relationships during childhood are believed to play a crucial role in its development. and self-confidence. Individual growth and self-knowledge self-knowl·edge n. Knowledge or understanding of one's own nature, abilities, and limitations; insight into oneself. Noun 1. self-knowledge - an understanding of yourself and your goals and abilities is very important to young people. Campers also mentioned that they learned to make friends, get along with others, be responsible, and strengthen values (Chenery, 1991). Moorman (1997) used statements from the personal and social outcomes of Chenery's study to see if certain characteristics of camp would lead to higher outcomes for campers. Twenty-eight camp directors described their camps, while 270 campers from those camps answered questions about the personal and social aspects of their camping experiences. One characteristic of camp found to greatly increase social outcomes was American Camping Association accreditation accreditation, n a process of formal recognition of a school or institution attesting to the required ability and performance in an area of education, training, or practice. . The ACA's accreditation process goes far beyond governmental food service laws and health codes and addresses issues of programming, personnel, and management (ACA, 1996). Its concern with these issues and how they affect campers shows in the improved social aspects of their camps. A second characteristic of camp that was associated with increased social outcomes was the type of camp. General camps, where a variety of activities were offered, scored significantly higher than specialty camps, where one particular activity occupied at least 60 percent of the programming time. It appears that the social aspects of camp, such as making friends and getting along with others, are increased when campers are not concentrating so hard on gaining the knowledge and skills emphasized in specialty camps. Unusual incidents occurred in several of the camps. Some of the incidents were positive (one camp director's wife had a baby), and some were not (a water main broke and there was no water all day, a counselor was injured in·jure tr.v. in·jured, in·jur·ing, in·jures 1. To cause physical harm to; hurt. 2. To cause damage to; impair. 3. , there were lice). But positive or negative, it did not matter. Camps with unusual incidents were associated with significantly increased personal outcomes. Hard times have a way of bringing people together. This combination of unusual incidents and positive outcomes -- celebrating the good times and helping each other deal with the difficult ones -- may be an indication of campers' personal growth. The nurturing environment embraces all campers. Through this small-group organization, children are given access to positive role models. Expectations of acceptable behavior in a good camp "create a psychologically safe environment, where campers feel it is okay to take risks with new behaviors and new feelings" (Chenery, 1994, p. 23). Having time to think and reflect, to laugh and play and make friends is one of the most nurturing aspects of camp. Time allows campers to grow as individuals, to process what they see and hear, to question and debate and discuss important issues. Today's society pressures children to become adults before they have even experienced the innocence innocence, in botany: see madder. Innocence See also Inexperience, Naïveté. Inquisitiveness (See CURIOSITY.) Insanity (See MADNESS.) Adam and Eve naked in Eden; knew no shame. [O.T. of childhood. Rather than make life easier, oftentimes of·ten·times also oft·times adv. Frequently; repeatedly. Adv. 1. oftentimes - many times at short intervals; "we often met over a cup of coffee" frequently, oft, often, ofttimes technological advances have increased the pace of life and the expectation that more can be accomplished in less time. From a very early age, there is pressure for children to grow up, do well in school, and land a scholarship from a big-name university. Elkind (1988) sees the pressure of fast-paced living entering the camping atmosphere as well, evidenced by camps that specialize spe·cial·ize v. 1. To limit one's profession to a particular specialty or subject area for study, research, or treatment. 2. To adapt to a particular function or environment. in science, computer training, or foreign languages. Dustin (1994) worries that children are growing up as "miniature adults" (p. 28) instead of having time to dream and explore, to laugh and celebrate the mystery of life. Camp offers children time away -- away from parents, away from the sensory overload
Sensory overload (sometimes abbreviated to SO) is a condition where one or more of the five senses are strained and it becomes difficult to focus on the task at hand. of computers and television and radio and advertising, away from the constant peer pressure of home life. Camp gives children a break from the rush of everyday life. Parents want a quality camping experience for their children. They want them to be safe and participate in fun activities, have caring counselors and personal attention, and have the opportunity to grow personally and socially. Camps provide this in a variety of ways. Accreditation through the ACA helps to ensure a safe environment. Low camper-to-counselor ratios and small-group structure gives campers easy access to counselors who act as positive role models. General camps give children the opportunity to participate in activities they enjoy, try other ones that look like fun, and de-emphasize the necessity to perfect any one sport. The nurturing environment gives campers a safe environment to discover who they really are, make new friends, and practice new social and personal skills. Perhaps best of all, a good camping experience gives campers time -- time to be children. Opportunities are provided to laugh, play, enjoy the outdoors, learn to trust and gain the trust of others, and reflect upon the beauty and preciousness of life. It is as simple as that. References American Camping Association. 1996. 1996/97 Guide to accredited to attribute something to him; as, Mr. Clay was accredited with these views; they accredit him with a wise saying s>. See also: Accredit camps. Martinsville, Ind IND Investigational new drug Therapeutics A status assigned by the FDA to a drug before allowing its use in humans, exempting it from premarketing approval requirements so that experimental clinical trials may be conducted. See Phase 1.2, 3 studies, Sponsorship. . --. 1998. "1997 Summer camp survey results." Camping (March/April): 38. --. 1990. Standards for day and resident camps. Martinsville, Ind. Chenery, M.E 1994. "Explaining the value of camp." Camping (May/June): 20-5. --. 1991. I am somebody: The messages and methods of organized camping for youth development. Martinsville, Ind.: American Camping Association. Chenery, M.E, and W. Akers. 1987. "Camp market research: A Tennessee Tennessee, state, United States Tennessee (tĕn`əsē', tĕn'əsē`), state in the south-central United States. camp ups return rate with its analysis." Camping (Sept./Oct.): 30-1. Cony, S.R. 1995. "Marketing camp to parents and children." Camping (Nov./Dec.): 23-5. Dustin, D.L. 1994. "The weight of the world: Why camp is ever more important." Camping (March/April): 26-31. Elkind, D. 1988. The hurried hur·ried adj. 1. a. Moving or acting rapidly. b. Required to move or act more rapidly; rushed. 2. Done in great haste: a hurried tour. child. New York New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of : Addison-Wesley Publishing Company Inc. Moorman, M.K. 1997. Factors affecting the personal and social outcomes of organized camping (Unpublished doctoral dissertation dis·ser·ta·tion n. A lengthy, formal treatise, especially one written by a candidate for the doctoral degree at a university; a thesis. dissertation Noun 1. ). University of Arkansas The University of Arkansas strives to be known as a "nationally competitive, student-centered research university serving Arkansas and the world." The school recently completed its "Campaign for the 21st Century," in which the university raised more than $1 billion for the school, used . RELATED ARTICLE: Research Into Action: The Camping Experience Introduction Organized camping is a traditional American experience American Experience (sometimes abbreviated AmEx) is a television program airing on the PBS network in the United States. The program airs documentaries about important or interesting events and people in American history, many of which have won impressive for youth and, at times, the entire family. Camping provides opportunities for children to grow and change in ways they could not at home. In that sense, organized camping is a sustained experience that affects how participants respond to their world. Resident camps provide a particularly appropriate experience for this change and growth because they provide safe places for such change to occur. Organized camping is like other recreation programs, providing memorable experiences. Satisfying the participant demand for experiences is balanced between the knowledge that students desire the experience and parents typically make the decision about camp for their children. Research about organized camping, as presented in this month's "Research Update," has focused on expectations of campers and their parents. Impact of this Research For residential camping organizations, organizations considering residential camping programs, and parents the data presented in this research provide important information regarding the types of experiences that lead to positive experiences by campers. Encouraging campers to return to future camps is based on camper/parent perceptions of the camp. The presence of a safe environment, good food and health, an increase in the camper's skill level, some growth of character, and communication with home are cited as influencing the decision to return in future years. Personal and social outcomes are seen to be key ingredients in a positive camping experience. These include improved self-esteem and self-confidence, individual growth, and self-knowledge. The presence of American Camping Association accreditation has a positive impact upon what campers perceive as being an important factor in increasing social outcomes. How to Use this Research 1. Existing camping organizations and organizations considering entering into organized camping should carefully consider the design of camping programs and desired experiences to ensure that participants have the opportunity for personal growth experiences, fun, and social development opportunities. 2. Achieving American Camping Association accreditation appears to reflect the presence of a camp that is seen as meeting many of the needs of participants and parents. 3. The social aspects of camp appear to be important considerations in the design and development of any camp setting. 4. Public park and recreation practitioners and nonprofits that operate organized camps, whether they be resident or day camps, would do well to review the camping research literature and make efforts to measure the impact of their programs upon participants. For More Information American Camping Association. 1990. Standards for day and resident camps. Martinsville, Ind. Cheney, M.F. 1991. I am somebody: The messages and method of organized camping for youth development. Martinsville, Ind. Research Into Action is published monthly by the Society of Park and Recreation Educators, National Recreation and Park Association. As an accompaniment to "Research Update," its goal is to turn research findings into field action by highlighting management strategies. Founding editors are Dr. Ruth Russell Ruth Russell, Australian peace activist, was one of five Australian citizens who travelled to Iraq in 2003 to function as a human shield. Her stated reason for doing so was to show "solidarity with the Iraqi civilians who will suffer greatly from the planned invasion of Iraq". and Dr. Daniel D. McLean, Department of Recreation and Park Administration, Indiana University Indiana University, main campus at Bloomington; state supported; coeducational; chartered 1820 as a seminary, opened 1824. It became a college in 1828 and a university in 1838. The medical center (run jointly with Purdue Univ. . Marta K. Moorman, Ed.D. is an assistant professor of recreation at the University of Nebraska at Kearney The University of Nebraska at Kearney (also known informally as UNK), founded in 1905 as the Nebraska State Normal School at Kearney, is the Kearney campus of the University of Nebraska system. . Research Update is edited by Dr. Irma O'Dell of Southern Illinois University Southern Illinois University, main campus at Carbondale; state supported; coeducational; est. 1869, opened 1874 as a normal school, renamed 1947. It has a center for archaeological investigation and a fisheries research laboratory. There is also a campus at Edwardsville. at Carbondale. |
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