Helping Families Access Summer Camp: Constraints and Associated Negotiation Strategies

Authors

  • Taylor Wycoff University of California, Irvine
  • Jim Sibthorp University of Utah
  • Laurie Browne American Camp Association

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/JOREL-2024-12202

Keywords:

out-of-school-time, summer camp, constraints, negotiation strategies

Abstract

Developmentally enriching experiences are important for all youth and may take place in a variety of contexts, including during a child’s out-of-school-time. However, these experiences are less accessible to certain families due to the opportunity gap. The purpose of this study was to identify constraints parents face when attempting to access summer camp, and the most promising negotiation strategies for navigating around those constraints. Using an online, census matched, panel survey, we asked 1,019 parents of children aged 7-14 to consider sending a child to summer camp and report their most concerning constraints together with the neogitation strategies most likely to alleviate those constraints. Results from this study offer concrete strategies to help families of all backgrounds access the benefits of summer camp participation. For example, while constraints varied depending on one’s social identity, all camps would benefit from proactively addressing infectious diseases, supervision, adequate medical care, and cost.

Published

2024-08-01

Issue

Section

Regular Papers