Narratives About Memorable Camp Experiences: Fostering Growth in Youth from Low-Income Backgrounds

Abstract

Summer camp is an experiential learning setting that supports youth development. Due to high fees, youth from low-income backgrounds often have fewer opportunities to attend. Subsequently, there is little literature about these youth’s camp experiences. This research examined growth and the characteristics supporting growth in memorable camp experiences shared by youth more than one year after attending camps for youth from low-income backgrounds. We collected written narratives via an online survey distributed May 2022. A total of 352 youth ( Mage=16.06; SDage=0.88) provided narratives. About 56% of youth identified as female and about 23% of youth identified as a youth of color (36% identified as white; race/ethnicity data was not available for about 40% of youth). Considering the entire narrative as the unit of analysis, we inductively coded narratives for growth and characteristics supporting growth. We identified growth in 33% of youth’s narratives (e.g., adopting new perspectives, discovering passions, value clarification, developing resilience). Growth occurred when youth had opportunities to try new activities, overcome challenges, or felt accepted and connected with peers or staff. These findings provide useful information for practitioners and serve as a foundation for research about youth from low-income backgrounds’ camp experiences.