Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station [Cultivating Youth and Communities for Positive Futures Project]

Family Camp Impact

A total of 30 families have participated in family camp since its inception in 1999. Four families have participated every year, and two families have returned a second time. Family camp participants were primarily minority, 20% African American, 10% Latino, and 70% Caucasian. Process indicators reveal the Family Camp has achieved success in all areas:

  • An average of seven (7) families attended camp during each of the four years of operation.
  • 90% of parents participated in at least 4 hours of the 5-hour structured activities, and 80% of parents have participated in all 5 hours of the structured activities.
  • 100% of parents and 99% of children participated in the Family Memory Book session.
  • 85% of the parents participated in the non-structured recreation activities.
  • 75% of the camp families participated in the Picture Party and completed the posttest.
  • Participants rated the adventure-based teaching effectiveness at 4.61, and program content was rated 4.50.

Evaluations conducted immediately after Family Camp reflects changes in knowledge, skills, attitudes, motivation, awareness, and aspirations. The Rutgers Cooperative Research and Extension teaching evaluation form was distributed to all participants the last day of camp. Participants indicated (four year averages):

  • 100% of participants (children and parents) of Family Camp were more interested in the family strengthening experience.
  • 96% of participants would do something new or different as a result of attending Family Camp.
  • 89% of participants would change the way they think, act, or behave, and planned to share what they learned with others.

A father of 5 approached camp staff unsolicited and stated that his family had attended Family Camp for 2 years before his children convinced him to come.

"The kids treat each other so well the first few months after camp. They are respectful and don't fight. I had to come see what happens here that makes them change. It has really made a difference in my family's life. Thank you for this program."

Several weeks after camp the adult participants credited Family Camp with:

  • Increasing family members' trust, respect, patience and positive communications
  • Increasing the time families spend together
  • Improving family problem solving skills

Children stated that Family Camp:

  • Increased trust and positive communication between family members
  • Increased the time families spend together
  • Improved family problem solving skills
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