In 1992, a review of research in adventure therapy offered a perspective that utilized work in psychotherapy as a lens to view the current state of the field. From that review, recommendations were made to gain respect within the field of traditional mental health. This update examines the 1992 recommendations and updates them based on recent…

A study examined features of camps and camp staff that might affect the personal and social benefits of organized camping for children. Questionnaires were completed by 29 camp directors and 270 campers aged 8-14 from 33 residential camps across the United States. Results indicate that higher personal and social outcomes were associated with…

This directory is designed to help parents, caregivers, and professionals locate appropriate summer programs for children and youth with disabilities. It includes descriptions for more than 300 day and sleepaway programs and separate sections for young children and teenagers. Program descriptions are presented in English and in Spanish and include…

Discusses various program activities at New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) camps, including environmental workshops which foster exploration, discovery, and skill development. Highlights recreational and evening activities for the one-week camping experience for 12 to 17 year olds. (JN)

Describes an overnight camping experience in Gateway National Recreation Area, New York, with a class of physically handicapped elementary school children. Special problems exist, but virtually every activity could be adapted to the students' abilities. (WB)

Children with physical handicaps can participate in many of the same summer camp activities as non-disabled persons. Described are the programs at Camp Merry Heart, operated by New Jersey's Easter Seal Society. (WB)

Traces the development of environmental education in the United Kingdom from the early 1900s to the present. Educational and organizational efforts described include urban studies, field studies centers, school curricula, national associations, and teacher education. High quality programs now exist at all levels of education. (WB)

A nationwide survey of 31 residential summer camps indicated that disabled and nondisabled campers attended the same camp sessions; that camps served youth with a wide range of disabilities; that disabled and nondisabled campers jointly participated in meals, recreation, evening programs, and arts and crafts; and that camps were willing to…

Tim Horton Children's Foundation operates camps for disadvantaged children that build their self-confidence. The newest camp, Onondaga Farms in Ontario, is also a year-round outdoor education center. Its five program streams--environmental education, creative arts, agriculture, adventure, and recreation--all have direct links to Ontario's…

A month-long summer camp in Maine combines recreation, sports, and arts activities with daily conflict resolution sessions to help adolescents from regions of conflict (primarily the Middle East) learn the art of coexistence and peace. From its center in East Jerusalem, Seeds of Peace provides regular activities to reinforce the lessons that…

Summarizes three studies relevant to camp. In focus groups, 68 adolescent camp counselors reported camp helped them become more responsible and confident, communicate better, and manage stressful situations. A study involving 400 campers found improvement in communication, leadership, decision making, working in groups, and understanding self.…

This article describes the steps taken by the University of Oregon to create a prototype contracted camp service for 6-13 year old children of military personnel stationed overseas. Selection and training of college students for staff positions is outlined, and brief descriptions of the day and resident camps are given. (IAH)

Traces the early history of Children's International Summer Villages, developed by Doris Allen in the late 1940s to promote peace and global understanding by exposing mixed groups of 11-year olds from different countries to a month-long experience in international living. The first camp, held near Cincinnati in 1951, included a social science…

Addresses difficulties that campers with attention deficit disorder experience at camp, including respecting the personal space and belongings of other campers and sustaining attention during play activities. Stresses the importance of communication among the child's physician, the camp staff, the camper, and parents concerning medications and…