Effects of an art-based environmental education camp program on the environmental attitudes and awareness of diverse youth

ABSTRACT

This study used a combination of surveys and drawing-based metrics to evaluate whether integration of art-based activities into EE camp programing could enhance environmental orientations of diverse youth ages 6–12 (n = 285) in Athens, GA, USA. Compared to a control group, art-based EE had a positive effect on children’s eco-awareness and environmental knowledge. However, effects of the art-based EE were comparable to those observed for a conventional EE summer camp. Interactions between the treatment and demographic variables (e.g., gender, age, race/ethnicity) were minimal, suggesting that both types of EE programing worked well for different groups of youth. Results highlight the potential value of art in EE research and practice.

Keywords:

• age
• art
• environmental orientations
• gender
• non-formal EE
• race
• youth

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowledge the Athens-Clarke County Department of Leisure Services and Sandy Creek Nature Center for their financial support and assistance with this project.

Additional information

Funding

The authors wish to acknowledge the Athens-Clarke County Department of Leisure Services and Sandy Creek Nature Center for their financial support and assistance with this project.