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Abstract
A random effects model of meta-analysis
was used to identify the influence of a camp experience
on youth self constructs. Twenty-two studies provided
sufficient data to identify a sample of thirty-seven
(37) independent measures. These cases were aggregated
to identify the effect. Interpretation of the
data was based on data-point line plots, regression
analysis and effect size sensitivity analysis.
Identified moderator variables explained 33 percent
of the variance of the entire sample, Rē= .330
for r = .1023. The influence of those programs
focused on enhancing self constructs is r
= .2006, twice the positive effect from across
all studies. The random effect is positively related
to the individual camp's ability to operationalize
strategies that focus on enhancing self. The effect
is greater for younger campers and a positive
effect was found across all ages studied. These
findings confirm the current thinking that positive
influence on constructs of self is greater at
a younger age and that the influence can be enhanced
by targeted programming. The influence on self
in a relatively short period of time represents
an exception to current theory about the length
of time required to affect the self.
Author's
Note
This meta-analysis was made possible through
a grant administered through the American Camping
Association (ACA). Without this support from the
ACA and the organizations that comprise the National
Camping Executives Group the time and expense
of conducting a meta-analysis would not have been
possible.
Acknolowledgements
The author would like to thank the following
for their support during the course of this research:
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The ACA and NCEG for making the research
possible through a grant.
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Dr. Joel Meier, Dr. Alan Ewert and Dr. Doug
Knapp, the Thesis Committee.
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Mary Beth Camp and Randall Grayson for serving
as the panel of experts.
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Mary Beth Camp for being the other meta-analyst
on campus.
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Jason B. Kay and Marc Searcey, the verification
coders.
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Florence K. G. Riley, mom.
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Judith A. McClish, sister.
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