What question did this study set out to answer?

To evaluate how 4-H camp influences the development of life skills and leadership abilities among campers.

May 28, 2026

Does 4-H Camp Influence Life Skill and Leadership Development?

Key Points

To evaluate how 4-H camp influences the development of life skills and leadership abilities among campers.
Two-phase study involving over 2,000 campers from 15 counties and 28 camps.
Measurement of campers' camp experiences, targeted life skills, and leadership skills.
4-H experiential learning activities positively affect campers' life skills and leadership skills.
Findings provide a basis for strengthening camping curriculums and measuring camp impact.

Abstract

WV conducted a two-phase study involving over 2,000 campers to learn how 4-H camp affects life skills and leadership development. Camp is at the heart of many states' 4-H programs; however, there is limited research to document the impact. Fifteen counties with 28 individual camps participated in the study, which measured (1) camp experience, (2) targeted Life Skills, and (3) leadership skills. The study found that 4-H experiential learning activities at camp positively affect campers' life skills and leadership skills. Results should be used to guide the future measurement of 4 H camp impact and to strengthen camping curriculums.

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