Does Camp Give More Hope?
CCCA launches research study to find out
This summer, CCCA conducted research on the subject of “hope” through experts at the University of Oklahoma, Tulsa. Seven CCCA member camps, each of which received Corners of the Field scholarship funds for this summer, conducted pre- and post-camp surveys with the goal of measuring the impact of the camp experience on a child’s hope. Both scholarshipped campers and those who have funded their camp experience were surveyed.
“We all know that camp is a place where life change happens,” said Gregg Hunter, president/CEO of CCCA. “We’re investigating several ways to gather data about the impact of camping that carries the power of scientific research. Our goal with this kind of study is to provide CCCA members the facts they need to help them communicate powerfully with their constituents about the proven impact of a camp experience.”
Dr. Chan Hellman, Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Oklahoma, Tulsa, is the leader of this summer’s research project. He also is the founding director of the Center for Applied Research for Non-Profit Organizations. As a psychologist, Dr. Hellman has an extensive background studying character strengths and the impact of hope as the theory of change for vulnerable populations served by nonprofit organizations. Hellman, the leader and expert in the field of hope, said. He said he became interested in the topic of “hope” a few years ago. Amazed at the power of hope to promote health and well-being. In his research into the power of camp, he found amazing things — dramatic increases in hope in campers pre- and post-camp. He said “Hope leads to self-control, gratitude and curiosity.” He added “Hope is also the single greatest predictor of quality of life.”
CCCA will release the findings from The Hope Study later in 2017.