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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. Jill Walahoski University of NE-Lincoln jwalahoski2@unl.edu Denise Frebertshauser
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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 Jill Walahoski University of NE-Lincoln jwalahoski2@unl.edu Denise Frebertshauser University of Maryland College Park dfrebert@umd.edu Laura Bovitz Rutgers University bovitz@aesop.rutgers.edu Donna Fox University of Kentucky dfox@uky.edu Suzanne LeMenestrel, Ph.D. National 4-H Headquarters, USDA slemenestrel@csrees.usda.gov Niki Nestor McNeely, Ph.D. Ohio State University mcneely.1@osu.edu Barry Garst, Ph.D. American Camp Association Virginia Tech bgarst@acacamps.org Allison Nichols, Ed.D. West Virginia University ahnicols@mail.wvu.edu Jill Martz, Ph.D. The University of Tennessee jmartz@utk.edu Martha Garton West Virginia University Martha.Garton@mail.wvu.edu
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 Three (3) Logic Models Camp Life Skill Questionnaire Camp Context Questionnaire Pilot-Site Instructions Recruit NCRC Partners Pilot Instruments Analyze Data Refine Instruments Share Existing Resources Identify Start-Up Funding Form Working Groups Disseminate Tool Kit Nationally Working Groups Developed Draft Instruments Evaluate and Refine Tool Kit; Develop Additional Resources Instruments Refined During Intensive 3-Day NCRC Meeting
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