Article Title

Outcomes of Camping: Perceptions from Camper Focus Groups

Authors

M. Deborah Bialeschki, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
Amy Krehbiel, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
Karla A. Henderson, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

Print Reference

p. 147-156. 10p.

Abstract

The Recreation and Leisure Studies De­partment at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) and Morry's Camp are working together to develop an evaluation re­search plan that blends appropriate measurement tools with assessing desired outcomes. Several methodological techniques are in place to gather qualitative and. quantitative longitudinal data from Morry's Camp.

This paper, however, will focus on one set of qualitative results gathered from three exploratory focus groups conducted with campers. The purpose of this paper is to describe the match between the camp's objec­tives and the valued aspects of the camp experi­ence as articulated by the campers. Our intent is to offer camps interested in validating outcomes an example of one method of qualitative data collection, analysis, and interpretation. The paper also relates the Morry's Camp findings to the professional literature surrounding youth from at-risk communities, resiliency, protective fac­tors, and youth development

Recommended Citation

Bialeschki, M. Deborah; Krehbiel, Amy; and Henderson, Karla A. (2002) "Outcomes of Camping: Perceptions from Camper Focus Groups," Research in Outdoor Education: Vol. 6, Article 18.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.cortland.edu/reseoutded/vol6/iss1/18