Selected normal children were paired in a buddy relationship with emotionally disturbed or socially maladjusted children (termed emotionally handicapped) from a special class during a summer outdoor, eight-week nature study program. Purposes were to facilitate social interaction and improve the social relationships of the emotionally handicapped children. Social techniques used are described, as are the devices and techniques used to evaluate the program, which included a social preference scale, structured interviews of children, parents, and staff, and an advisory board of research specialists. The program was reported effective in establishing compatible social relationships between the buddies and the handicapped while under staff supervision (but not in free play), and developing socially acceptable behavior by the handicapped children for longer periods of time and the ability to accomodate to group activities for short periods of time. It was concluded that children aged six to nine years cannot accept the emotionally handicapped as friends but can enjoy such learning programs and be good models of behavior. (KW)