Camps have long addressed multiple components of young people's development, including spiritual development. In particular, transcendental communion with nature and the outdoors may provide one pathway for young people's spiritual development. The physical, mental, social, and spiritual growth of young people has been at the core of camps for…

Discusses how camps can focus on the connection between environmental ethics and spirituality. Addresses the importance of defining the meaning of spirituality; providing time alone for campers; developing rituals; celebrating natural holidays; sharing spiritual experiences; being open-minded about spirituality; cultivating respect; encouraging…

Discusses the nature of spirituality and the resources people use in responding to spirituality based on Robert Coles' book, "The Spiritual Life of Children." Answers questions as to how to use the camp experience to afford campers opportunities for spiritual growth while respecting the many expressions of spirituality in society. (LP)

Describes Camp Atwater (North Brookfield, Massachusetts), a summer residential camp founded in 1921 to assist African-American children in developing leadership, character, citizenship, interpersonal communication skills, personal and educational confidence, environmental awareness, physical fitness, and cultural awareness. Describes Camp…

Two former staff members reflect on their feelings about the August 1995 closing of Bark Lake Leadership Centre (Ontario, Canada), which for 49 years had offered outdoor adventure and environmental education courses to youth and adults. They discuss their experiences as both students and teachers at the center, which helped shape their careers in…