Research indicates positive effects of camp experiences

Date: 4/17/2013

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The American Camp Association (ACA) announced a new educational alliance with the Center for Adolescent Research and Education (CARE) at Susquehanna University, a source of authoritative information for parents, educators, mentors, coaches, and health professionals concerned with the attitudes and behaviors of adolescents and young adults.

Through this new educational alliance, ACA and CARE will conduct joint original research and existing research reviews, develop research-based counselor training content for use across multiple platforms, and strengthen the role that camp experiences play in youth risk reduction.

According to ACA CEO Peg Smith, "Camp experiences have long been developmental opportunities for both campers and staff to acquire the social, cognitive, and emotional skills needed by tomorrow's leaders. One critical aspect of this is learning healthy, positive attitudes and behaviors. ACA's educational alliance with CARE builds and strengthens the research and resources ACA provides toward quality experiences for campers, staff, and families."

Stephen Gray Wallace, director of CARE, said, "This new alliance between ACA and CARE underscores the urgency of our mutual missions to enrich the lives of children and young adults while reducing risk behaviors that may derail them from reaching their full potential. We are excited to share research and resources that truly benefit young people and families."

ACA's research covers topics such as youth outcomes of the camp experience, camp program quality assessment and improvement, camp business operations, and more. Find ACA research reports and briefs at www.ACAcamps.org/research. For more information about ACA's educational alliances, visit www.ACAcamps.org/partnerships/educational-alliance.

ACA works to preserve, promote, and enhance the camp experience for children and adults. ACA-Accredited camp programs ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally challenging learning opportunities. There are over 2,400 ACA-accredited camps that meet up to 290 health and safety standards. For more information, visit www.ACAcamps.org.

CARE at Susquehanna University is a source of authoritative information for parents, educators, mentors, coaches, and health professionals concerned with the attitudes and behaviors of adolescents and young adults. The center's primary mission is to conduct original research on adolescent development and decision making. The center investigates development and decision making, focusing on issues of personal development, underage drinking and drug use, sexual behavior, bullying, violence, and suicide. Learn more at www.susqu.edu/care