As camp youth development professionals, we all try to keep up
with the camp program research base. Research reported in these
studies is vital in planning for the inputs required to reach
targeted outcomes of our own camp programs. We know that camp is
comprised of three interrelated attributes: the outdoors,
education, and community (Slatter 1984). These attributes
combine to create the camp experience. Research on positive
youth development emphasizes the importance of a positive,
inclusive atmosphere in youth programming (Roth & Brooks-Gunn
2003). When youth participate in programs, they need to feel
included and comfortable in order to benefit from the program.
At 4-H camp the adult leaders, the camp counselors, who are
often older 4-H teens, and the friendliness of other campers
combine to play an instrumental role in ensuring a fun and
inclusive camp community where youth can flourish. While
environmental education may not be what most people think of
when 4-H is mentioned, developing environmental ste