Discusses the benefits of outdoor nature-oriented activities for very old, frail elderly, and institutionalized elderly persons with regard to exercising to increase mobility, spiritual development, sensory stimulation, and social interaction. A study of elderly participants in a "back to nature" experience suggests that modified camping…

Summarizes research on the benefits of integrating campers with diverse characteristics, and describes the "benefits-based model" of programming, which addresses social problems through recreational activities. Implications for camp administration include recruiting participants and staff from various ethnic and social backgrounds and identifying…

For camps to be successful, management should empower camp staff to be heroes (leaders). This is based on three rules: campers look for heroes; heroes build successful camps; and successful directors build heroes. Being a hero implies being the best one can be and always attempting to improve the example communicated to others. (LP)