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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
11:21
Methodology for Establishing a Community-Wide Life Laboratory for Capturing Unobtrusive and Continuous Remote Activity and Health Data
Published on: July 27, 2018
Overview of camp research.
Karla A Henderson1, M Deborah Bialeschki, Penny A James
1Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, North Carolina State University, Box 8004 Biltmore, Raleigh, NC 27707, USA. karla_henderson@ncsu.edu
Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America
|September 8, 2007
Summary
Organized camp experiences, a cornerstone of American culture for 150 years, significantly enhance child development. Research confirms the positive impact of outdoor camps on youth and adults, highlighting their role in personal growth.
Area of Science:
- Child Development
- Recreational Studies
- Environmental Psychology
Background:
- Organized camp experiences have been integral to American culture for approximately 150 years.
- Millions of individuals have benefited from positive developmental outcomes in outdoor camp settings.
- Existing research validates the significant role of camps in fostering human development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize key trends in organized camp research.
- To identify and suggest future research directions for camp studies.
- To ensure continued enrichment and development through camp experiences.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing camp research.
- Analysis of trends in camp outcome studies.
- Synthesis of findings to propose future research agendas.
Main Results:
- Camp experiences are consistently linked to positive developmental outcomes for participants.
- Research trends show a growing interest in understanding the mechanisms of camp's impact.
- The operational aspects of camps are increasingly studied alongside participant outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Camp experiences offer substantial benefits for human development across various age groups.
- Future research should explore innovative approaches to maximize the positive impact of organized camps.
- Continued investigation is crucial to sustain and enhance the value of camp experiences for future generations.
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