examining youth camping outcomes through a national collaboration: an overview of the national 4-h...
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Examining Youth Camping Outcomes Examining Youth Camping Outcomes Through a National Collaboration: Through a National Collaboration:
An Overview of the National 4-H Camping An Overview of the National 4-H Camping Research Consortium (NCRC)Research Consortium (NCRC)
2007 American Camp Association Conference; Austin, TX
PresentersPresentersNiki Nestor McNeely, Ph.D.Ohio State University [email protected]
Barry Garst, Ph.D.American Camp AssociationVirginia [email protected]
Allison Nichols, Ed.D.West Virginia [email protected]
Jill Martz, Ph.D.The University of [email protected]
Martha GartonWest Virginia [email protected]
Jill WalahoskiUniversity of [email protected]
Denise FrebertshauserUniversity of Maryland College Park [email protected]
Laura BovitzRutgers [email protected]
Donna FoxUniversity of [email protected]
Suzanne LeMenestrel, Ph.D.National 4-H Headquarters, [email protected]
Special ThanksSpecial 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
OverviewOverview
• Background of the NCRC
• Forming the Consortium
• Expected Products
• Keys to a Successful Collaboration
• Lessons Learned
• Future Plans
Background of the NCRCBackground 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 NCRCBackground 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 ConsortiumForming 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 ResourcesIdentify Start-Up Funding
Form Working Groups
Working Groups Developed Draft Instruments
Instruments Refined During Intensive 3-Day NCRC
Meeting
Three (3) Logic ModelsCamp Life Skill QuestionnaireCamp Context Questionnaire
Pilot-Site InstructionsPilot Instruments
Analyze DataRefine Instruments
Disseminate Tool Kit Nationally
Evaluate and Refine Tool Kit; Develop Additional
Resources
Expected ProductsExpected 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 Keys to a Successful CollaborationCollaboration
• Professional expectations
• University expectations
• Distribution of work
• Dimensions of communication
• Individual differences
• Time for group formation/cohesion
Lessons LearnedLessons 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 LearnedLessons Learned
• Need to increase evaluation capacity-building among 4-H camp directors and other Extension professionals who work with 4-H camping.
Future PlansFuture 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