“Come on in, but not too Far:” Social Capital in an Inclusive Leisure Setting

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to explore the nature of relationships that develop in an inclusive youth camp context using the framework of social capital. Inclusive recreation contexts are designed to promote awareness and minimize differences among participants with and without disabilities. Eight campers including four with disabilities and four without disabilities ranging in age from 12-16 were interviewed. Three conceptual categories were constructed related to social capital: reciprocity and investment, inclusion as camouflage, and roles played in mediating social capital. Findings indicate that social relationships among the campers were mixed in their facilitation of social capital. The assertion that social structures are hierarchical and reflect relative positions of status, power, and prestige was evident in this context.

Keywords:

• camp
• individuals with disabilities
• leisure context
• social capital

This paper is based on a presentation at the 2005 Leisure Research Symposium in San Antonio, Texas.