Molly Lippman
Abstract:

A study was conducted to determine whether a day camp experience that included a supplemental environmental education program had any significant effect on children’s attitudes toward the natural environment. Forty-seven children completed both a pre- and post- camp environmental attitude survey. In addition, six staff members at the camp, two camp directors, and twenty-seven parents or caregivers of campers completed questionnaires pertaining to children’s experiences at the camp and the adults’ perceptions of the effectiveness of both the general program and the environmental education component. The results of this study did not support the hypothesis that children’s attitudes toward the natural environment are improved by attendance at the summer camp. Children’s attitudes toward the environment, although moderately high to begin with, did not improve after attending camp for four weeks. The qualitative data gathered from staff, camp directors, and parents of the campers supported the campers’ data. Although children and families appreciate the overall positive experience of camp attendance, by all accounts, this day camp is not focusing effectively on environmental education, nor is it fostering children’s connections with nature. The possible limitations and implications of the findings are examined, both on their own and in regard to modern developmental and environmental education theory.