| Abstract: | The present study evaluated the effectiveness of a two-week therapeutic day camping experience in facilitating change in children aged 8–12 years with adjustment or behavioral problems. For each of the 42 children attending camp, three Goal Attainment Scales (GAS) were administered before camp separately to the children, parents and counselors. These scales specified individualized behavioral goals for problem areas relating to self, family, children, and group which could be realistically attainable within two weeks. Post-camp GAS follow-up showed that children, parent, and counselor groups each perceived the children as achieving significant positive change in regard to specified goals. Children were also administered a locus of control measure. The hypothesis that “internals” would be perceived as achieving significantly more positive behavioral change on the GAS than “externals” was confirmed. Discussion centered on the viability of therapeutic camping, the merits of using the GAS and the multi-informant approach, and specific therapeutic strategies indicated by the present findings. |
