Examining Youth Camping Outcomes Through a National Collaboration: An Overview of the National 4-H Camping Research Consortium (NCRC) 2007 American Camp Association Conference; Austin, TX

Presenters Niki Nestor McNeely, Ph.D. Ohio State University Barry Garst, Ph.D. American Camp Association Virginia Tech Allison Nichols, Ed.D. West Virginia University Jill Martz, Ph.D. The University of Tennessee Martha Garton West Virginia University Jill Walahoski University of NE-Lincoln Denise Frebertshauser University of Maryland College Park Laura Bovitz Rutgers University Donna Fox University of Kentucky Suzanne LeMenestrel, Ph.D. National 4-H Headquarters, USDA

Special Thanks Army/4-H Youth Camping Project Virginia Cooperative Extension (State 4-H Office at Virginia Tech) Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES), USDA

Overview Background of the NCRC Forming the Consortium Expected Products Keys to a Successful Collaboration Lessons Learned Future Plans

Background of the NCRC Conceptualized in 2003 –National trend towards multi-site 4-H camp evaluation and research –Increased interest in across-state collaboration –Lack of consistent measures/procedures Communicated in 2004 –Partner universities invited to join at National 4-H/Extension Conference

Background of the NCRC Structured in 2005 –First face-to-face meeting –Plan for the development of standardized measures and procedures Field test of initial measures/procedures in 2006

Forming the Consortium Representation Level of Involvement Resources Available Resources Needed Timeline

Establish and Confirm Need for Valid, Reliable Evaluation Tools Recruit NCRC Partners Share Existing Resources Identify Start-Up Funding Form Working Groups Working Groups Developed Draft Instruments Instruments Refined During Intensive 3-Day NCRC Meeting Three (3) Logic Models Camp Life Skill Questionnaire Camp Context Questionnaire Pilot-Site Instructions Pilot Instruments Analyze Data Refine Instruments Disseminate Tool Kit Nationally Evaluate and Refine Tool Kit; Develop Additional Resources

Expected Products National 4-H Camp Evaluation Tool Kit Logic Models Recommended Practices for Camp Evaluation 4-H Camp Context Questionnaire 4-H Camp Life Skills Questionnaire Increased Across-State Dialogue Regarding 4-H Camp Evaluation and Research

4-H Camp Context Questionnaire Selected context measures (Eight Essential Elements, National 4-H, 1999) –A positive relationship with a caring adult –Emotionally and physically safe environment –An inclusive environment –Engagement in learning

4-H Camp Context Questionnaire Selected context measures (Eight Essential Elements, National 4-H, 1999) –Opportunity for skill building and mastery –Opportunity to see oneself as an active participant in the future –Opportunity for self-determination –Opportunity to value and practice service for others

4-H Camp Life Skills Questionnaire Selected life skill measures: –Self responsibility and decision making –Social skills –Self concept –Teamwork and cooperation –Citizenship –Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Keys to a Successful Collaboration Professional expectations University expectations Distribution of work Dimensions of communication Individual differences Time for group formation/cohesion

Lessons Learned Communication is key! Trust enables success Accepting constructive criticism Opportunities for buy-in and input Protecting individual and group interests Timelines and deadlines Recognition

Lessons Learned Need to increase evaluation capacity- building among 4-H camp directors and other Extension professionals who work with 4-H camping.

Future Plans Finalize the National 4-H Camping Evaluation Tool Kit Data collection in summer 2007 New tools for measuring life skill outcomes for teens ages 14-18