Graduate Research Papers
Availability
Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)
Abstract
The average child today spends 4-7 minutes a day outside. This is over 50% less than preceding generations. Screens have provided an undeniably attractive means to entertain ourselves and our children. With the constant access to screens though, an epidemic of children with increased anxiety, lack of sleep, and underdeveloped social skills has been created. The outdoors is accessible to most anybody. It is thought that if children did spend more time outside that they would experience better sleep, less anxiety and better development of social learning skills. This study looks at the opinions of 5th-8th grade youth on spending time outdoors after they complete one or more local, nature-based camps.
Six camps were offered that allowed youth the freedom to explore, play, interact, and learn within the natural landscapes of Mitchell County, Iowa. In order to measure the participants' attitudes towards outdoor activities vs. indoor, screen-based play, the participants completed a pre-survey that included a variety of questions to gain information on how they preferred to spend their time, whether they had a smartphone or other devices, and how much time they spent on them versus being outside. A post-survey was also given to them at the completion of the participant’s last day of camp. The post-survey gauged the participant’s level of enjoyment surrounding the camp, how it may have affected their desire to spend time outdoors, and their general thoughts on screen time. Through the assessment of these instruments, it was found that the participants agreed that the time spent at the camp(s) increased their desire to spend more time outside.
Year of Submission
2025
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Education
Department
Science Education Program
First Advisor
Jeffrey T. Morgan
Date Original
2025
Object Description
1 PDF file (57 pages)
Copyright
©2025 Lora E. Hargens
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Recommended Citation
Hargens, Lora E., "The Effect Outdoor, Nature-based Camps Geared for 5th-8th graders Can Have on Their Desire to Spend Time Outside" (2025). Graduate Research Papers. 4666.
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/grp/4666
