Supporting our camping program is the evaluation process completed at each Kanawha County Camp measuring essential elements and lifeskills. This instrument evaluates whether the camp itself contains one or more of the elements needed to achieve positive outcomes in youth. After years of assessments, Kanawha County camps are productive, safe, educational and inclusive environments yet Kanawha has a lower than average representation of male campers at camp. At the state level, 4-H camps tend to have, on average, 38%. In younger residential camp, male campers tend to make between 30% and 35% of the campers. While in older camp, male camper population has been as low as 20% and as high as 35% in recent years. In 2017 a research project …show more content…
The focus group concentrated on what the male campers like about camp, and why they are there. It also addressed what issues and concerns that they noted. Kanawha County Older Camp was held June 5 to June 9, 2017. The sample size of the Older Camp focus group was 13 male campers out of 46 total campers. One male did not attend. Kanawha County Younger Camp was held June 12 to June 16, 2017. The sample size of the Younger Camp focus group was 36 male campers out of 96 total campers, plus a male teen counselor. During camp registration on Monday evening, male campers and parents were made aware of the focus group. Parents were given the information in a memo, with the option to decline their child’s participation and/or contact the program evaluator with questions. No parent decline their child’s participation. Instruments for Program Evaluation The instrument used for the program evaluation was a focus group with only the male 4-H campers. The four subject areas asked were: 1) Why do you come to 4-H Camp? 2) What do you like about 4-H Camp? 3) What would you change to make 4-H Camp