Overview
The National Camp Evaluation Project (NCEP) was a nationwide study (14 states) that investigated the impact of residential camp programming on the growth and development of campers with varying disabilities and ages. In responding to recommendations from professionals for improved research, the NCEP a) developed validated instruments to conduct quantitative assessments of campers and b) employed a comprehensive evaluation design (quantitative and qualitative measures) to determine the effects of such outdoor programs on camper achievements. A major thrust of the NCEP was measuring the affective (socio-emotional) and the recreation skill (i.e., level of independence) dimensions of camper performance. The intent of this abstract is to summarize the major research results regarding the effects of residential camp experiences on such campers.

Methods
The NCEP included 15 summer residential camps from across the nation (14 states) that specialize in serving campers with disabilities. A total of 2,184 male and female campers participated in the study, including 73 case study subjects representing campers from each of the regional camps. Participating campers typically attended one-week summer camp sessions and were enrolled in special education programs during the year in their respective communities. Campers representing a wide range of ages, disabilities, and levels of functioning were selected for the study. The majority of campers were mildly to severely disabled and ranged in age from 7 to 21 years. Approximately 94% of the camper population was comprised of persons with an intellectual (50%), physical/health (23%), or sensory impairment (21%). The evaluation of camper performance relied primarily on the use of quantitative measures using project validated rating scales: the Affective Behavior Scales for the Disabled (ABSD) and the Outdoor Skills Inventory (OSI). Qualitative measures (i.e., case studies) were also employed, and used the Outdoor Case Study Method (OCSM) to extend, complement, and validate the evaluation study. Camper test (ABSD & OSI) and case study (OCSM) data were collected using project supported research assistants to assist camp staff at each site. Parents used the ABSD to complete pre-post evaluations of their child (before and after attending camp); counselors used the OSI to complete pre-post evaluations of their campers (beginning and end of camp session); and on-site research assistants used the OCSM to record observations of campers during their session, and to conduct interviews with counselors (end of camp session) and parents (1-3 weeks following camp) regarding camper achievements.

Major Research Questions and Results
Question 1: What were the effects of residential camping on the affective (socio-emotional) growth of campers as judged by their parents on the ABSD?

Results: Significant camper growth was found in areas of independence, communication with others, self-esteem, social interactions, and domestic responsibility.

Question 2: What were the effects of residential camping on the outdoor recreation and living skills of campers as judged by their counselors on the OSI?

Results: The overall achievement level of campers (i.e., level of independence) was found to be relatively high at the end of camp in the areas of personal/social, self-help, nature/environmental, fitness/hiking, boating, swimming, arts/crafts, equestrian, ropes/challenge, and sports/games.

Question 3: What were the effects of residential camping on the affective and recreation/living skills performance of campers as judged by independent observers, and their counselors and parents on the OCSM?

Results: Impartial observers indicated campers displayed high levels of enjoyment and participation, and relatively high levels of skill in the majority of activities observed. Interviews with counselors and parents indicated the camp experience furthered their camper's (or child's) enjoyment, motivation, and level of participation, plus increased their case study subjects' level of personal development in various areas (i.e., self-reliance, self-esteem, social interactions, communication with others).

Conclusion
The NCEP conducted the first systematic research nationwide using validated instrumentation to substantiate the benefits of residential camp experiences on campers with varying ages, types of disability, and levels of functioning. The use of both quantitative (ABSD & OSI) and qualitative (OCSM) measures revealed that campers made notable achievements in the affective and recreation/living skill areas as judged by impartial observers, and their counselors and parents. The finding that campers with more difficult challenges (i.e, severely disabled) fully enjoyed camping and were able to perform recreation skills at relatively high levels of independence is important. Further, the finding that campers made positive gains during camp in various areas ( self--reliance, independence, communication, self-esteem, etc.) that carried over to home and community settings is significant. It is also noteworthy that the combined results of all measures revealed that increased independence was a predominant outcome for the campers. Lastly, the research results confirm the "power" of organized programs in the out-of-doors, and, particularly, the contributions of one-week residential camp programs to the growth and development of persons with disabilities.

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