The short-term impact of a character growth intervention during a week-long summer camp among 10–15-year-old Baltic Sea region boys

This study assessed the short-term impact of a one-week intervention for 10–15-year-old boys from the Baltic Sea region. The intervention addressed the cognitive dimension of character growth using ‘taught’ and ‘caught’ elements. The mixed-methods study used a quasi-experimental quantitative approach (pretest and posttest questionnaires) and qualitative methods (open questions, interviews). The results support the short-term benefits of the intervention on adolescents’ character growth mind-set and practical knowledge and points to the importance of near-peers’ modeling, personal coaching conversations, and self-reflection for virtue growth. The study may be relevant for providers of extra-school activities promoting youngsters’ character growth. Further research directions are suggested.