Comparing summer camp to other summertime settings: An explanatory-sequential mixed-methods study

Abstract

Summer camp can be a developmental setting; however, little is known about camp’s developmental characteristics compared to other summertime settings. In this explanatory-sequential study, we used survey data (N = 279) and narrative data (N = 37) to compare the developmental characteristics of camp to other summertime settings. In phase 1, we compared youth-reported engagement, belonging, experiential learning, and positive adult-youth relationships at camp to another impactful summertime setting. In phase 2, we collected narrative data to understand how developmental characteristics manifested across settings. Summertime settings had different developmental strengths. For example, camp was more engaging than home and school, and sports and arts programs offered more opportunities for reflection than camp. Family vacation shared some characteristics with camp (e.g., they were both engaging). The narrative data illustrated how these developmental characteristics occurred across settings. These results better situate camp’s potential as a developmental setting among other common summertime settings.

Keywords:

• Youth development
• learning landscape
• developmental relationships
• developmental experiences
• narrative methods

Disclosure statement

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

Data availability statement

Data are available from the first author upon request.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by a grant from the American Camp Association [ACA grant no. 2017-01].