Abstract:
This thesis describes summer camp outcomes experienced by camp staff. Summer camps
are a $15 billion dollar industry with more than 12,000 day and resident camps that
welcome more than 11 million children and adult campers and more than 1,500,000 camp
staff to work in various camp positions annually (American Camp Association, 2015).
Summer camps provide a safe space, a supportive community, and a fun atmosphere for
campers to learn and grow (Coleman, 2009). However, the full potential and power of the
camp environment has yet to be recognized. Research and literature that focuses on
summer camps, primarily looks at the value of camp for campers. Yet, summer camps
provide staff members numerous growth opportunities as well. This study explored
personal outcomes staff members experienced as a result of working at summer camp.
This study found numerous significantly correlated personal growth categories among
camp staff. Data collected indicates that young, new, counselors perceive the most
growth from camp employment.
