The Attributes of Effective Camp Counselors: Changing Youths' Perspectives of Being “Cool”

Abstract

ver the past six years, a number of researchers in the western United States have studied the effects of challenging outdoor recre ation on youth and families using a mixed method approach.Although the quantitative research focused on specific psychological vari ables such as self-efficacy (Widmer, Taniguchi, Freeman, & Duerden, 2005) and identity development (Duerden, Widmer, Taniguchi, McCoy, 2006), the qualitative data from this particular study produced findings in an unexpected area.Participants in an adventure recreation program designed for at-risk youth, called Camp WILD, consistently made remarks regarding the important and influential role played by their counselors. Because few studies have focused on program counselors as an influential variable with at-risk youth (Freeman, Anderson, Kairey, & Hunt, 1982;Middleman, 1989), the purpose of this study was to explore the youth participants' perceptions of the role counselors play in promoting meaningful experi ences in this adventure recreation program.This study was conducted during one of Camp WlLD's 2-week pro grams located near Salmon, Idaho. Camp WILD has operated for three years as a coordinated effort between a nonprofit foundation, a major west ern university, and public educators. Camp WILD has been funded by pri vate grants and donations. This allows the youth to participate at little or no cost.College-aged counselors taught and mentored middle school boys [n = 22), who were identified through applications and intake interviews by researchers as being at-risk academically and/or socially. Youth par ticipated in a variety of outdoor skills, including mountain biking, whitewater rafting, and outdoor group leadership.

Positive Youth Development: What It Is and How It Fits in Therapeutic Settings

“…Long term, ongoing exposure allows staff to model appropriate behavior and provides developmental support. A recent study of a wilderness adventure programs found the key themes in youth experiences in the program centered around their relationships with staff, not necessarily on the actual activities provided (Taniguchi, Widmer, Duerden, & Draper, 2009). …”