Graduate Research Papers
Availability
Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Abstract
Service-learning programs implemented at colleges and universities concentrate on service experience and academic learning. The academic aspect is explored in the classroom and in the field, and the service experience is reflected upon and reviewed in the classroom. Depending on the design of a service-learning program, desired outcomes may vary and some outcomes might be emphasized more than others. Intended outcomes for students of service-learning programs often include academic achievement, personal competence and interpersonal relationship development, and citizenship. The desired outcomes for students of a service-learning program can be extensive. It is important for both desired and possible outcomes to be identified within service-learning programs. The "Camp Adventure TM Child and Youth Services" program is one such organization that identifies as a service-learning program. Therefore, identifying the student outcomes and attitudes through participation in the program is the focus of this research project.
"Camp Adventure TM Child and Youth Services" is an educational organization that focuses on the development of undergraduate students while providing a needed service. Participants in the program from across the country partake in a ten-week staff development training course. Following the conclusion of the staff development training course, students are sent to various sites to provide day camp, aquatics, and child development center counselors on U.S. military instillations stateside and abroad. Services offered by the organization are dated back to 1985 when the program first began. The "Camp Adventure TM Child and Youth Services" program and its participants have since then been dedicated to serving children and youth.
The purpose of this study was to identify the outcomes and perceptions of participants in "Camp Adventure TM Child and Youth Services." Identifying the outcomes and perceptions experienced by participants will be useful in promoting the program in the future. The "End of Course Survey - Service Learning" from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis Center for Service and Learning has been adapted and used to measure learning and development, and attitudes towards "Camp Adventure TM Child and Youth Services" and service-learning programs in general. The present study explores the potential outcomes for participants and their attitudes toward "Camp Adventure TM Child and Youth Services."
Studies have shown service-learning provides students with a unique educational experience and has the ability to promote positive student development. The results of this study agree with these findings. The majority of respondents felt the reflection coursework activities were well structured, provided an opportunity to explore and clarify their values, and was clearly linked to the learning objectives of the program. However, overall satisfaction with reflection coursework assignments was not very high.
The results of this study demonstrate positive perceptions of service-learning. One might suggest that due to respondent's positive experience in CACYS, they have generated positive perceptions of service-learning. Respondent satisfaction with their summer experience was extremely high. The researcher agrees the literature and this study demonstrates the importance of service-learning and the positive outcomes that can occur when careful planning, preparation, and implementation of a program are applied.
Year of Submission
2012
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
School of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Services
First Advisor
Christopher Edginton
Date Original
2012
Object Description
1 PDF file (119 pages)
Copyright
©2012 Ashley Cayford
Language
en
Recommended Citation
Cayford, Ashley, "Outcomes and Attitudes of Service-Learning Gained Through Participation in Camp Adventure Child and Youth Services" (2012). Graduate Research Papers. 4244.
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/grp/4244
Comments
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