American Camp Association - Designing Quality Youth Programs: Strategic Changes Across Structures, Policies, and Activities

Dedicated to all the staff who take the time to ask the hard questions, listen with an open mind, and bring about change because they believe that doing so is the path to quality experiences for youth.

To bring about change that increases the quality of what you offer often means taking some risks. The process for program improvement described here capitalizes on understanding multiple perspectives regarding what is happening and helps translate those perspectives to what could be better and how you get there. Much of the information in this book came from a national research study conducted by the American Camp Association (Innovations, 2006) with the help of Youth Development Strategies, Inc., and the generous support of the Lilly Endowment, Inc., of Indianapolis, Indiana. The 23 camps who participated in this national research project were the source for many of the practical applications, example strategies, and sample templates shared here. Without their insights and lessons learned, there would be no book. The following group of directors from the national research project also shared very specific Words of Wisdom in this workbook: Jill Frey, Pat Smith, Marah Lyvers, Mary Rogers, and Karen Lubecki.

We gratefully acknowledge the support and contributions of a group of colleagues who generously gave their time and expertise during the review process for this book. Their critiques and suggestions have helped shape and improve the contents of this book. Kudos to:

Nancy Frankel, CCD, director (retired) Girl Scout Camp Farnsworth

Ellen Gannett, National Institute of Out-of-School Time

Karla Henderson, Ph.D., North Carolina State University

Kathleen Jamison, Ph.D., 4-H Curriculum and Learning

Karen Lubecki, Glengarra Girl Scout Camp

Gwynn Powell, Ph.D., University of Georgia

Marge Scanlin, Ph.D., CCD

Marie Schmid, Camp Foley

Chris Thurber, Ph.D., Phillips Exeter Academy

Shane Wright, Camp Paha, City of Lakewood

We are also appreciative of the artistic support provided by Joyce Koeper, and the unflagging efforts of Grechen Throop, who kept the entire process moving along.

We hope that this book encourages you to explore new ways to approach change that reflects your own unique mission, philosophy, and values and provides the tools to turn these ideas into positive actions. Offering quality programs is the goal for every professional. We hope that Designing Quality Youth Programs helps you reach this goal.

Project Personnel

ACA National Staff Team

Amy Katzenberger, Education Services Director

M. Deborah Bialeschki, Ph.D., Senior Researcher

Barry Garst, Ph.D., Director of Research Applications

Kat Schreve, Director of Education

Congratulations! You likely believe that your program offers a quality experience for your participants. Because you picked up this book, you probably also believe that doing even better is ideal. This journey of improvement you are considering, although not necessarily quick and easy, is a rewarding experience to take with your participants, staff, and other key stakeholders.

This book will serve as a step-by-step guide for your journey. It contains information learned from other directors who wanted to make their programs a better place for their young people. As you choose how to use this workbook in your setting, the process will become unique for you and your organization. It is