The Effect of Participation of Youth in Camp Counselor Programs

This pilot study assessed the impact of participation of high school aged youth as volunteer camp counselors at summer resident camps coordinated by 4-H faculty and staff. Although ample research shows participation does have a positive impact on leadership development and life skills, this study is unique in that it measures the self-perceived impact of participation related to positive youth development outcomes of leadership and life skill development and general attitudes towards involvement in alumni 1 to 21 years after their experience.

Results showed participants felt being a camp counselor helped them learn:
Leadership skills, how to be a good role model, how to lead groups, how to contribute to a group effort, experience being part of a team.

74% felt “Being a camp counselor was one of the most important things I did in 4-H!”

“I had a good experience with my counselor and I wanted to do it, too!” (52%) was the main reason for becoming a camp counselor.

Participants reported participation DID NOT:
Teach them to handle emergency situations, encourage them to consider a career working with children or help them develop knowledge of child development.