Running head: EVALUATING SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE
Fun with Friends: Evaluating Summer Camp Experience
Shana Morro
California State University, Northridge
SWRK 698
Dr. Jodi Brown
May 17th, 2015
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EVALUATING SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE
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Abstract
The majority of research about summer camp does not take the child’s perspective into account.
This study proposes to evaluate children’s level of satisfaction while attending a summer day
camp. The study utilized self-report surveys in a sample of campers (N=103) ranging in age from
4-12 years old (M = 7.5, SD = 2.38), male (63.1%) and female (35.9%), at AdventurePlex in
Manhattan Beach, California. Results suggest a small, positive correlation between age and
overall activity satisfaction, r = .21, n = 103, p = .03, with older campers associated with higher
levels of satisfaction. There was a large, positive correlation between youth outcomes and
satisfaction, with higher levels of satisfaction associated with increased physical (r = .53, n = 52,
p <0.01), social (r = .50, n = 52, p <0.01), and self-exploration development, (r = .65, n = 52, p
<0.01). Camp programs can provide positive experiences, particularly for older youth.
Keywords: summer camp, youth outcomes, satisfaction levels, physical, social, self-exploration,
self-esteem
EVALUATING SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE
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Fun with Friends: Evaluating Summer Camp Experience
AdventurePlex is operated by Beach Cities Health District and is a health and wellness
center for children and families whose mission is to help children and families play their way to
good health. AdventurePlex offers a ten-week summer day camp for children age four to twelve
that focuses on creating a fun experience for youth by providing various activities in a safe and
structured environment. Typical activities offered during camp at AdventurePlex include rock
climbing, sports court, arts and crafts, yoga, zumba, indoor play structure (AdventureRoom),
field trips, theme days, and days at the beach. AdventurePlex has been offering summer day
camp to children since 2002 without evaluating their services, and is interested in surveying the
campers that attend the camp program each week in an effort to measure the level of satisfaction
that campers experience while participating in the camp activities.
The camp management is interested in identifying if AdventureCamp at AdventurePlex is
creating a fun environment through the activities offered. The purpose of this study is to (1)
assess the level of satisfaction that campers experience while attending the AdventureCamp
program and, (2) explore the relationship between the camper’s age and their level of satisfaction
regarding camp activities.
Camp programs can be viewed through the lens of the Ecological model as an
intervention at the community level. The Ecological Systems Perspective of human development
is based on the concept of reciprocity between an individual and their environment (Gitterman,
& Germain, 2013). In the Ecological System, a person and their environment are in a shared loop
where each component influences the other (Gitterman, & Germain, 2013). Bronfenbrenner’s
Ecological Model of Child Development extends this theory to child development and
acknowledges the shared relationship of the child’s surroundings and the child (Bronfenbrenner,
EVALUATING SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE
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2004). Camp programs strive to offer a supportive environment through multiple activities and
peer interactions that contribute to positive child development. The following studies exemplify
the importance of the relationship between children and the environment provided in a camp
setting.
Camp Experience
Previous research has identified that camp programs offer a safe and fun experience for
youth that can be a foundation for positive growth and development (Henderson, Scheuler,
Whitaker, Biasleschki, Scanlin & Thurber, 2007). Camps that deliberately incorporate
experiences surrounding positive identity, skill building, connections with others, and resiliency
(Benson & Saito, 2006) support the youth development process and contribute to the child’s
overall health and well-being (Hickerson & Henderson, 2012). A nation-wide research study
encompassing eighty camps found that parents reported a growth in positive identity, social
skills, physical skills, and thinking skills among their children up to six months after camp
ceased (Thurber, Scanlin, Scheuler & Henderson, 2007), proposing that the camp environment
may initiate or speed up children’s growth in these particular areas (Thurber et al., 2007). Further
research suggests that camp contributes to children’s development in regard to independence,
peer relations, positive identity, and exploration (Thurber, Bialeschki, Whitaker, Henderson, &
Scanlin, 2007). Based on this research, AdventurePlex is interested in the older camper’s
experience, age eight to twelve, in regard to their perceptions of opportunities for development in
peer relations, positive identity, and physical abilities.
Positive Youth Outcomes
Social Abilities and Camp
Research has identified camp programs as providing beneficial opportunities for children
EVALUATING SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE
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to cultivate positive relationships with peers (Henderson, 2012a). Peer relationships are defined
as making and maintaining friendships that foster a sense of belonging for the individual
(Henderson, 2012b). Camp environments assist in creating friendships through the distinctive
social environment and support that may be absent in school settings (Merryman, Mezei, Bush &
Weinsten, 2012). Parents reported that one of the essential benefits of sending their child to a
camp program was to assist them in cultivating new peer relations and ability to get along with
peers (Dworken, 2001). Children that attended a camp program have an increased aptitude of
social skills and the capacity to maintain them in comparison to children that did not attend camp
(Merryman et al, 2012). The American Camp Association (2005) revealed the lasting influence
of children’s friendships on their functioning later during adulthood. The American Camp
Association (2005) also documented parents’ reports of camp helping their child make friends
(96%), and maintain contact with friends outside of camp (69%). Further research has identified
fostering peer relations as a crucial component to youth development (Henderson, 2012a). These
findings suggest that camp programs provide a unique opportunity for children to develop and
maintain social skills and peer relations.
Self Esteem and Camp
The concept of self-esteem stems from individuals’ positive feelings and value regarding
themselves and their abilities (Stets & Burke, 2014). Camp programs are particularly designed to
provide opportunities for children to develop in this area (American Camp Association, 2005).
The American Camp Association conducted a study of twenty-three camps in which parents of
campers reported a 70% increase in self-confidence within their child (2005). An additional
study revealed that parents recognized a significant change in their child’s positive mental
attitude and ability to handle success and failures once they returned from camp (Dworken,
EVALUATING SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE
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2001). Campers reported similar results, noticing an increase in their self-esteem and confidence
up to six months after the succession of camp with 92% attributing this to camp attendance
(American Camp Association, 2005). Further research has supported the connection between
camp attendance and an increase in positive identity (Thurber et al., 2007) and the child’s belief
in a positive future for themselves (Merryman, Mezei, Bush &Weinsten, 2012). These studies
suggest that camp programs contribute to children’s development of positive identity.
Self-Exploration and Camp
Camp environments are conducive to children exploring new activities and becoming
more adventurous (American Camp Association, 2005). The American Camp Association (2005)
found that 75% of children who attended a camp program reported acquiring new knowledge or
participating in a new activity, while parents reported their children (63%) continued to
participate in new activities they learned at camp once camp had ended (American Camp
Association, 2005). Additional research has identified that camp experiences contribute to
children’s ability and willingness to take initiative in comparison to before camp attendance
(Dworken, 2001). Leadership and teamwork abilities (Henderson, 2012a) are developed through
the additional responsibilities offered in a camp setting that are inaccessible in alternative
situations (American Camp Association, 2005). Based on these studies, camp experiences
contribute to children’s development of positive identity through self-exploration.
Physical abilities and Camp
Physical activity and health benefits can be also be products of a camp program
(Hickerson & Henderson, 2012). Camp programs can offer exercise in alternative activities that
contribute to physical activity in the form of games, sports, and outdoor adventures in order to
appeal to the majority of campers (Henderson & Bialeschki, 2008). Research has shown that the
EVALUATING SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE
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Body Mass Index (BMI) of children increases more quickly during the months in the summer
and may cause children to be at a higher risk for obesity (Hickerson & Henderson, 2012; Zarrett,
Sorensen & Skiles, 2013). In addition, children that are already obese habitually have a lower
level of physical fitness and an increase in their BMI during the summer as well (Hickerson &
Henderson, 2012). The camp environment can offer campers positive role models to encourage
them to engage in physical activities (Henderson & Bialeschki, 2008) and a structured
environment that establishes and reinforces healthy behaviors in order to prevent obesity
(Zarrett, Sorensen & Skiles, 2013). Due to the physical activities that are offered in camp
programs, children may decrease their sedentary behaviors during the summer by attending a
camp (Hickerson, & Henderson, 2012; Zarrett, Sorensen, & Skiles, 2013). These findings
suggest that camp programs are beneficial to the development of physical activities in children.
Studies have contributed to the understanding of the benefits of a positive camp
experience, including nurturing areas for growth in youth development. Previous research
utilized self-report questionnaires to focus on camp staff and parents’ perceptions of change
within their child after a camp experience (Thurber, Bialeschki, Whitaker, Henderson, &
Scanlin, 2007; Thurber, Scanlin, Scheuler & Henderson, 2007), however these studies did not
include the child’s perception of their camp experience. Merryman et al. (2012) used qualitative
interviews with camp participants to explore their camp experience and perception of personal
growth in various domains, but few studies included the camper’s perception of the camp
experience in regards to specific youth outcome domains (American Camp Association, 2005;
Dworken, 2001). The current study contributes to a growing understanding of the positive camp
experience in relation to developmental domains by seeking the perspective of the camper. There
is limited research that focuses primarily on the children’s experience during a camp program
EVALUATING SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE
relating to their level of satisfaction with activities and programs offered. The current study is
interested in focusing on the camper’s perception of the camp experience and their overall level
of satisfaction with the camp program by assessing the services offered by AdventureCamp at
AdventurePlex. The purpose of this study is to (1) assess the level of satisfaction that campers
experience while attending the AvdentureCamp program and, (2) explore the relationship
between the camper’s age and their level of satisfaction regarding camp activities.
Methodology
Procedures
The data for this study were collected from children attending a summer day camp in
Manhattan Beach, California from June 16thto August 22 nd, 2014. Every child that attended any
of the ten weeks of camp was a potential study participant. Children from all ten weeks of camp
were invited to participate in the study each week they attended camp. There was no procedure
in place to identify duplicate surveys from a participant during multiple weeks. Parents were
informed daily of the study and provided with consent forms during the drop off and pick up
hours of camp. The primary investigator was available during the drop off and pick up hours of
camp in order to review the study and answer parent questions as needed.
The primary investigator met with the participants during a break in their camp activity
schedule on the last day of the camp week to administer the survey to participants. The primary
investigator was available during the completion of the survey to assist the participants as
necessary. The primary investigator assisted the children that were unable to read in the
completion of the survey, using a survey instruction script (see Appendix A). The California
State University, Northridge Institutional Review Board approved this study on June 5th, 2014.
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Sample Characteristics
Study participants (N=103) ranged in age from 4-12 years old (M = 7.5, SD = 2.38), male
(63.1%) and female (35.9%), who attended at least one week of summer day camp at
AdventurePlex.
Design
This study used a convenience sample in a one shot case study, XO design, without using
a control group or randomization. The design of this study has a low degree of internal validity
due to the inability to control for causal correlation between the dependent and independent
variable (Rubin & Babbie, 2014). A one shot case study lends itself to assessing agency services
through the observation of the dependent variable in relation to the introduction of the program
(Rubin & Babbie, 2014). There is limited external validity and generalizability due to the lack of
a pretest in addition to no randomization or use of control groups (Rubin & Babbie, 2014). The
use of convenience sampling was conducive to this study due to the availability and timeliness of
data collection (Rubin & Babbie, 2014). A disadvantage of utilizing a convenience sampling is
the possibility of the sample’s inability to be representative of the population as whole (Rubin &
Babbie, 2014). The strengths of design lie in the low cost of implementation, minimal risks to
participants, and the ability for reproduction.
Measures
Concepts of interest included the overall camp experience, whether or not children were
returning campers, satisfaction with different camp activities, and youth outcomes for the older
children. Each variable was measured using a self-report survey. The demographic variables
were measured by standard fact sheet items (e.g., age, gender). Activity satisfaction and youth
outcomes were measured using self-designed Likert scale measures not tested for reliability or
EVALUATING SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE
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validity. AdventurePlex requested that the researcher use a self-designed survey in order to
measure activities specific to AdventureCamp. Two survey instruments were used in this study
(see Appendix B and C); both were written with age appropriate language, and used images to
assist in the completion of the survey. The survey for participants age four to seven assesses
activity satisfaction. The survey for participants age eight to twelve assesses for activity
satisfaction and youth outcomes. The surveys also offered room for participants to leave
comments regarding their camp experience.
Camp Experience. Satisfaction of camp experience were measured using 1 self-designed
Likert scale question (e.g., “How fun do you think camp is?”) and the response choices follow: 1
= no fun, 2 = a little fun, 3 = not sure, 4 = some fun, 5 = a lot fun. The response choices are also
identified by a corresponding happy or sad face.
Return to Camp. Camper’s return to camp was measured using 2 self-designed
questions. Camper’s current return to camp was assessed using a two-part question (e.g., “Have
you been to this camp before?”, “If yes, how many summers?”). The response choices follow:
“yes”, “no”. Camper’s potential return to camp was assessed by the question, “Would you come
back to this camp?” with the following response choices: “yes”, “no”.
Activity Satisfaction. Activity satisfaction was measured using a 12-item scale. Activity
satisfaction was assessed by campers’ perception of their satisfaction level regarding the
activities offered during the past week of camp. A sample item includes: “AdventureRoom”,
“Rockwall”, “Yoga”, “Arts & Crafts”, “Zumba” (activities offered). The response choices are
as follows: 1 = no fun, 2 = a little fun, 3 = not sure, 4 = some fun, 5 = a lot fun, and 0 = I didn’t
do this. The response choices are also identified by a corresponding happy (or sad) face. The
ropes course activity was not included on the survey for age four to seven because the age
EVALUATING SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE
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requirement to participate is eight years old; it was included on the survey for age eight to
twelve. The field trip and theme activity changed weekly on the survey to correspond with the
scheduled events.
Positive Youth Outcomes. Positive youth outcomes were measured only with youth ages
8-12 years old using a 10-item scale. Youth outcomes were assessed by camper’s perceptions of
their social skills, self-esteem, physical abilities, and self-exploration during the past week of
camp. A sample item includes: “At camp other kids think I am fun to be around”, “At camp I got
better at an athletic or physical activity”, “At camp I tried something I was afraid to do before”,
“At camp I learned what I’m good at”. The response choices are as follows: 1 = disagree a lot, 2
= disagree a little, 3 = not sure, 4 = agree a little, and 5 = agree a lot.
Results
Overall Camp Satisfaction and Gender
The relationship between overall camp satisfaction and gender was investigated using
Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient (see Table 1). Preliminary analyses were
performed to ensure no violation of the assumptions of normality, linearity and
homoscedasticity. There was a small, positive correlation between gender and overall
satisfaction with camp activities, r = .115, n = 103, p = .25, with higher levels of overall
satisfaction with camp activities associated with females.
Overall Camp Satisfaction and Age
The relationship between overall camp satisfaction and age was investigated using
Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient (see Table 1). Preliminary analyses were
performed to ensure no violation of the assumptions of normality, linearity and
homoscedasticity. There was a small, positive correlation between age and overall satisfaction
EVALUATING SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE
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with camp activities, r = .21, n = 103, p = .03, with older campers associated with higher levels
of overall satisfaction with camp activities.
Table 1
Pearson Product-moment Correlation Between Measures of Overall Camp Satisfaction
and Gender and Age
Scale
1. Overall Camp Satisfaction
1
-
2. Gender
2
3
.115
.213*
-
.032
3. Younger Campers (ages 4-7) & Older Campers (ages 8-12)
-
* p < 0.05 (2-tailed).
Overall Camp Satisfaction and Social Development Outcomes
The relationship between overall camp satisfaction and social development outcomes was
investigated using Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient (see Table 2). Preliminary
analyses were performed to ensure no violation of the assumptions of normality, linearity and
homoscedasticity. There was a large, positive correlation between social development and
overall satisfaction with camp activities, r = .50, n = 52, p <0.01, with higher levels of overall
satisfaction with camp activities associated with higher scores of social development.
Overall Camp Satisfaction and Self-esteem Development Outcomes
The relationship between overall camp satisfaction and self-esteem development
outcomes was investigated using Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient (see Table 2).
Preliminary analyses were performed to ensure no violation of the assumptions of normality,
linearity and homoscedasticity. There was no relationship between self-esteem development and
overall satisfaction with camp activities, r = .019, n = 52, p = .89.
Overall Camp Satisfaction and Self-exploration Development
The relationship between overall camp satisfaction and self-exploration development
outcomes was investigated using Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient (see Table 2).
EVALUATING SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE
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Preliminary analyses were performed to ensure no violation of the assumptions of normality,
linearity and homoscedasticity. There was a large, positive correlation between self-exploration
development and overall satisfaction with camp activities, r = .65, n = 52, p <0.01, with higher
levels of overall satisfaction with camp activities associated higher scores of self-exploration
development.
Overall Camp Satisfaction and Physical Development
The relationship between overall camp satisfaction and physical development outcomes
was investigated using Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient (see Table 2).
Preliminary analyses were performed to ensure no violation of the assumptions of normality,
linearity and homoscedasticity. There was a large, positive correlation between physical
development and overall satisfaction with camp activities, r = .53, n = 52, p <0.01, with higher
levels of overall satisfaction with camp activities associated higher scores of physical
development.
Table 2
Pearson Product-moment Correlation Between Measures of Overall Camp
Satisfaction and Youth Outcomes
Scale
1
1. Overall Camp Satisfaction
2. Social Development
3. Self-esteem Development
4. Self-explore Development
5. Physical Development
** p < 0.01 (2-tailed).
2
-
3
4
5
.504**
.019
.647**
.527**
-
.220
.641**
.621**
-
.233
.130
-
.645**
-
EVALUATING SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE
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Overall Satisfaction and Activities
The relationship between overall camp satisfaction and activities offered at
AdventurePlex during camp show youth attending camp experience overall satisfaction with the
activities offered (See Figure 1). The most well liked activities offered consisted of the
AdventureRoom, Beach Day, and Field Trips. The least liked activities included yoga, songs,
and Zumba.
Figure 1. Percent of Overall Fun by Activity
% Of Overall Fun
Which Activity Is The Most Fun?
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Discussion
The purpose of this study is to (1) assess the level of satisfaction that campers experience
while attending the AdventureCamp program and, (2) explore the relationship between camper
demographics and their level of satisfaction regarding camp activities. The findings suggest that
youth attending AdventureCamp have fun and experience satisfaction with the camp activities
offered, with the AdventureRoom, beach, and field trips being the most well-liked activities
while yoga, songs, and zumba were the least well-liked activities. Consistent with previous
literature AdventureCamp offers a safe, fun experience for youth that can be a foundation for
EVALUATING SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE
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positive growth and development conducive to children exploring new activities that may be
absent in alternative settings. The findings support previous literature identifying camp
attendance as influential on youth developing physical abilities through the camp structure and
activities offered in the form of games, sports, and outdoor adventures such as rock climbing and
ropes course. In addition, the current research implications are consistent with preceding research
suggesting youth development in social abilities is supported by attending AdventureCamp due
to the social environment that assists in positive peer relations and interactions. In conjunction
with previous literature, the findings support the notion that camp programs, such as
AdventureCamp, assist youth in self-exploration development through the introduction and
accessibility of new activities.
Contrary to previous literature, youth self-esteem development was not related to camp
attendance. The question used in the survey to measure self-esteem focused specifically on the
self-efficacy motive referring to the amount that individuals perceive they have the capability of
influencing the environment around them (Stets & Burke, 2014). The formulation of the question
may have influenced the results due to the emphasis on self-efficacy as opposed to a broader
concept of self-esteem measured in previous studies.
Limitations and Research Implications
The current study suggests that participant’s overall level of satisfaction influences the
development of youth outcomes in physical, social, and self-exploration domains. A limitation to
consider when reading this study is the data were collected from campers at one summer day
camp in southern California, which inhibits the data from being generalized to other camps in
different geographic locations. Future researchers should consider collecting data from multiple
summer day camps in various geographic areas. Another limitation to consider when reading
EVALUATING SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE
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this study is the data were collected using a one-shot case study design and only allows for the
participants to respond during one time period and limits the possible range of responses.
Researchers may want to look at the data using a longitudinal design or pre and post-test to allow
the data to show level of satisfaction at various points in time. The use of self-report surveys in
this study is a limitation because the participants may be giving socially desirable responses. The
design of the self-report surveys is a limitation due to being self-designed and not tested for
reliability or validity. Future researchers may consider utilizing a standardized instrument. The
evaluation of the summer day camp was designed solely by the primary investigator. Researchers
may want to consider including youth in the evaluation process in order to accurately evaluate
youth summer day camp experience.
Conclusion
There are some strengths in this study that should be noted in addition to the stated
limitations. One strength of the study is the large amount of participants, approximately 103.
Another strength is the focus on camper’s perception in order to contribute to the evolving
understanding of the camp experience in relation to satisfaction and developmental domains as
opposed to their parents’ or camp staff member’s observations. In addition, the findings offer
valuable data and insight into the camp experience and overall satisfaction of youth attending
AdventureCamp. Finally, the procedures in place ensure quality data were collected. Results
suggest (1) a significant relationship between older campers, ages 8 – 12 years, and overall
satisfaction with camp activities and (2) a significant relationship between overall satisfaction
with camp activities and youth development outcomes including, physical, social, and selfexploration development. These findings should be considered by social workers when
interacting with youth that could benefit from developing in social, physical, and self-exploration
EVALUATING SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE
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domains. In addition, social workers should consider the benefits of camp attendance for youth in
regards to the safe and healthy environment fostered through the structure of camp programs in
addition to the activities and peer interactions offered that may be absent in alternative situations.
These findings suggest that summer day camp programs should be considered as a community
intervention to assist youth in healthy development as well as offer a safe, fun experience outside
of the school environment. During summer day camp program evaluations for youth, it is
important to gain the participant’s perspective in addition to parents and camp staff members.
Camp professionals should consider the findings in this study when implementing or creating
summer day camp programs for youth.
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References
American Camp Association. (2005). Directions: Youth development outcomes of the camp
experience. Martinsville, IN: American Camp Association.
Benson, P. L., & Saito, R. N. (2006). The scientific foundations of youth development.
Minneapolis: Search Institute.
Bronfenbrenner, U. (2004). "Urie Bronfenbrenner and the Ecology of Human Development."
Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Model of Child Development.
Dworken, B. (2001). Research reveals the assets of camp: Parents and campers give their
opinions. Camping Magazine, 74(5), 40.
Gitterman, A., & Germain, C. (2013). Human Behavior, Race, Ethnicity, and Culture. Ecological
Framework, 1-14. doi: 10.1093/acrefore/9780199975839.013.118
Henderson, K. (2012a). Physical Activity and Health in Camps. Accredited Camp Association.
Retrieved October 20, 2014, from
http://www.acacamps.org/sites/default/files/images/research/connect/documents/PeerRelationships-and-Camps-briefing-%28updated-2012%29.pdf
Henderson, K. (2012b). Peer Relationships and Camps. Accredited Camp Association. Retrieved
from http://www.acacamps.org/volunteers/care/carebriefings.
Henderson, K., & Bialeschki, D. (2008). Teens and Physical Health Issues. Camping Magazine.
Hickerson, B., & Henderson, K. (2012). Physical Activity and Health in Camps. Accredited
Camp Association, 1. Retrieved October 20, 2014, from
http://www.acacamps.org/sites/default/files/images/research/connect/documents/Physical
-Activity-and-Health-in-Camps-Briefing-%28updated-2012%29.pdf
Merryman, M., Mezei, A., & Weinstein, M. (2012). The effects of a summer camp experience on
EVALUATING SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE
19
factors of resilience in at-risk youth. Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 1(1), 3.
Rubin A., & Babbie, E. (2014). Research methods for social work (Eighth ed.) Belmont,
California: Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning.
Stets, J., & Burke, P. (2014). Self-esteem and identities. Sociological Perspectives, 57(4), 409433.
Thurber, C. , Bialeschki, M. , Whitaker, L. , Henderson, K. , & Scanlin, M. (2007). Summer
camp experiences: Parental perceptions of youth development outcomes. Journal of
Family Issues, 28(8), 987-1007.
Thurber, C. , Scanlin, M. , Scheuler, L. , & Henderson, K. (2007). Youth development outcomes
of the camp experience: Evidence for multidimensional growth. Journal of Youth and
Adolescence, 36(3), 241-254.
Zarrett, N. , Sorensen, C. , & Skiles, B. (2013). Environmental and social-motivational
contextual factors related to youth physical activity: Systematic observations of summer
day camps. The International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical
Activity, 10(1), 63.
EVALUATING SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE
APPENDIX A
SURVEY INSTRUCTION SCRIPT
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EVALUATING SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE
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Survey Instruction Script
AdventureCamp Program Evaluation: Measuring Camper Satisfaction
INTRODUCTION
Hi, my name is Shana. AdventurePlex wants to learn what the kids think about AdventureCamp. I am going to give
you a survey with some questions about camp on it. If there are any questions that make you feel uncomfortable,
you do not have to answer them. Try to answer every question, and remember there are no right or wrong
answers. We will go over all the questions together, and you can ask questions at any time.
QUESTIONS 1 -5
The question asks…
1. If you are a Boy or a Girl, please circle the correct answer.
2. How old you are, please write in your age.
3. How much fun you think camp is (“No fun” is shown with a very sad face, “A little fun” is shown with a
kind of sad face, “Not sure” is shown with a face that is not sad or happy, “Some fun” is shown with a kind
of happy face, or “A lot of fun” is shown with a very happy face), please circle to correct happy or sad
face.
4. If you have been to this camp before, and if you answer yes please write in how many times.
5. If you want to come back to camp (“Yes”, or “No”), please circle your answer.
ACTIVITIES AT CAMP
Ok, now let’s talk about the activities you did at camp. AdventurePlex wants to know how much fun you had doing
them. If you didn’t do an activity you can circle the red “X”. For each activity we want to know how much fun it is
for you, (“No fun” is shown with a very sad face, “A little fun” is shown with a kind of sad face, “Not sure” is shown
with a face that is not sad or happy, “Some fun” is shown with a kind of happy face, or “A lot of fun” is shown with
a very happy face). Please circle to correct happy or sad face.
1. AdventureRoom
2. Arts & Crafts
3. Rockwall
4. Sports Court
5. Yoga
6. The weekly theme
7. Beach Day
8. Songs
9. Games
10. The weekly field trip
11. Zumba
THE FOLLOWING SECTION IF FOR AGES 8 – 12 ONLY
CAMPER EXPERIENCE
Ok, now let’s talk about your experience at camp. AdventurePlex wants to know what your experience at camp
was like.
For each statement we want to know if you Disagree a Lot (1), Disagree a Little (2), Not Sure (3), Agree a Little (4),
or Agree a Lot (5). Circle which one best describes each statement.
1. At camp other kids think I am fun to be around.
2. At camp I’m good at doing things on my own.
3. At camp I made new friends.
4. At camp I got along with other kids.
5. At camp I tried something I was afraid to do before.
6. At camp I learned something new.
7. At camp I got better at an athletic or physical activity.
8. At camp I learned about helping others.
9. At camp I learned what I am good at.
10. At camp I learned to work with other campers.
COLLECTING COMPELTED SURVEYS
Once you have completed your survey, please let me know and I will collect it from you.
EVALUATING SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE
APPENDIX B
CAMPER SATISFACTION SURVEY INSTRUMENT
AGES 4 – 7
22
EVALUATING SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE
23
ADVENTUREPLEX CAMPER SATISFACTION SURVEY
AdventurePlex wants to learn about kids that attend AdventureCamp. Please read each statement
carefully then circle the best answer. If there are any questions that make you feel uncomfortable, you
do not have to answer them. Try to answer every question, and remember there are no right or wrong
answers.
1. Are you a boy or a girl? (Please circle your answer)
Boy
Girl
2. How old are you? _____________
3. How fun do you think camp is?(Please circle your answer)
No Fun
A Little
Not Sure
Some Fun
A Lot of
Fun
Fun
4. Have you been to this camp before?(Please circle your answer)
Yes
If yes, how many summers? _____________
No
5. Would you come back to this camp?(Please circle your answer)
Activities
No Fun A Little
Not
Some
A Lot
I Didn’t
Fun
Sure
Fun
of Fun
Do this
X
AdventureRoom
Arts & Crafts
Rockwall
Sports Court
Yoga
Super Hero Day
Beach Days
Songs
Games
Raging Waters
Zumba
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Yes
No
Comments
EVALUATING SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE
APPENDIX C
CAMPER SATISFACTION SURVEY INSTRUMENT
AGES 8 - 12
24
EVALUATING SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE
25
ADVENTUREPLEX CAMPER SATISFACTION SURVEY
AdventurePlex wants to learn about kids that attend AdventureCamp. Please read each statement
carefully then circle the best answer. If there are any questions that make you feel uncomfortable, you
do not have to answer them. Try to answer every question, and remember there are no right or wrong
answers.
6. Are you a boy or a girl? (Please circle your answer)
Boy
Girl
7. How old are you? _____________
8. How fun do you think camp is?(Please circle your answer)
No Fun
A Little
Not Sure
Some Fun
A Lot of
Fun
Fun
9. Have you been to this camp before?(Please circle your answer)
Yes
If yes, how many summers? _____________
No
10. Would you come back to this camp?(Please circle your answer)
Activities
No Fun A Little
Not
Some
A Lot
I Didn’t
Fun
Sure
Fun
of Fun
Do this
X
AdventureRoom
Arts & Crafts
Rockwall
Sports Court
Yoga
Super Hero Day
Beach Days
Songs
Games
Raging Waters
Zumba
Ropes Course
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Yes
No
Comments
EVALUATING SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE
Disagree a Lot
26
Not Sure
Agree a Little
Agree a Lot
1
1
Disagree a
Little
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
At camp I got along with other
kids.
At camp I tried something I was
afraid to do before.
At camp I learned something new.
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
At camp I got better at an athletic
or physical activity.
At camp I learned about helping
others.
At camp I learned what I am good
at.
At camp I learned to work with
other campers.
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
At camp other kids think I am fun
to be around.
At camp I’m good at doing things
on my own.
At camp I made new friends.