Youth development and the camp experience.

The organized camp experience has been an important part of the lives of children, youth, and adults for over 150 years. The camp experience is a way for young people to explore and search for an authenticity often missing in other parts of their lives that contributes to their healthy transition into adulthood. Over the past decade, tremendous growth in the volume and rigor of camp-related research has occurred, facilitated by a targeted research agenda conducted by the American Camp Association.

Spiritual development and camp experiences.

Camps have long addressed multiple components of young people's development, including spiritual development. In particular, transcendental communion with nature and the outdoors may provide one pathway for young people's spiritual development.

Camp experiences and developmental outcomes for youth.

Most children view camp as an enjoyable experience. In addition to the essential fun aspect of camp, researchers are discovering several positive developmental outcomes. This article describes some of the developmental outcomes that occur at camp based on developmental theories that underlie camp programs and the research that has been conducted.

Overview of camp research.

Organized camp experiences for children have been a part of American culture for almost 150 years. Millions of young people and adults have had positive developmental experiences in outdoor camp environments. Research about the outcomes of camp as well as about camp operations has documented the role that camps play in enhancing human development.