Inclusion in summer camps: Attitudes and perceptions of camp stakeholders

Abstract

This study is the result of a collaborative project with the YMCAs of Québec (Canada), whose tool “Maximize Participation of all Campers” (MPC) aims to support camp staff in implementing inclusive practices. The objectives were to examine the evolution of their camp staff’s attitudes towards inclusion and to compare their perceptions regarding the implementation of the strategies suggested in the MPC tool subsequent to its use. Data were collected from 32 participants (companions = 17; counsellors = 15) who completed two questionnaires (June and August 2021). Companions’ and counsellors’ attitudes were positive despite a small significant decrease in companions’ attitudes regarding outcomes of inclusion, and both camp stakeholders reported positive perceptions.

In conclusion, to support the inclusion of children in summer camps, it is important to nurture the camp staff’s positive attitudes towards inclusion. Accordingly, the MPC tool appears effective, as the staff reported positive perceptions regarding its use.

Cette étude est le résultat d’un projet collaboratif avec les YMCA du Québec (Canada), dont l’outil « Maximiser la participation de tous les campeurs » (MPC) vise à soutenir le personnel de camps dans la mise en œuvre de pratiques inclusives. Les objectifs étaient d’examiner l’évolution des attitudes du personnel envers l’inclusion et de comparer leurs perceptions quant à la mise en œuvre des stratégies de l’outil MPC. Les données ont été recueillies auprès de 32 participants (accompagnateurs = 17; animateurs = 15) qui ont rempli deux questionnaires (juin et août 2021). Les attitudes des accompagnateurs et des animateurs à l’égard de l’inclusion étaient positives, malgré une légère diminution significative des attitudes des accompagnateurs quant aux retombées de l’inclusion, et leurs perceptions étaient positives.

En conclusion, pour favoriser l’inclusion des enfants en camps, il importe d’encourager les attitudes positives du personnel de camp à l’égard de l’inclusion. À cet effet, l’outil MPC semble efficace, puisque le personnel entretenait des perceptions positives quant à son utilisation.

Keywords:

• interest
• enjoyment
• perceived competence
• perceived choice
• tension
• pressure
• camp staff
• inclusion

Mots clés:

• intérêt
• plaisir
• compétence perçue
• choix perçu
• tension
• pression
• personnel du camp
• inclusion

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. One item was removed (I felt like I had to use the strategies from the tool) to reach better internal consistency with our data.

2. One item was removed (I felt relaxed while using the strategies from the tool) to reach better internal consistency with our data.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC 892-2021-0064).