ABSTRACTTHE EFFECTS OF A SUMMER CAMP PROGRAM ON YOUTH CONNECTION TO HERITAGE SPORTSByShaun B. McKeon Historically speaking, Michigan has been a state with a long history of participation in outdoor heritage sports. Hunting, fishing, and trapping pursuits have helped to define what it means to be a Michigander. Over the last few generations, Michiganders have begun to move away from the traditional heritage sports, while other activities such as outdoor adventure recreation have seen an increase. The portion of the Michigan population with the least amount of exposure to heritage sport opportunities are youth. The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine the impacts of a conservation-focused residential summer camp on intended and actual behaviors of youth connection with heritage sports. This study used pre-camp, post-camp, and follow-up camp surveys covering youth behaviors over a period of 18 months. Using the theory of reasoned action and the theory of responsible environmental behavior as frameworks for measuring behavior change, I addressed the following question: Does participation in a conservation-focused youth camp program have an impact on increased connection to heritage sports? Measuring the changes in youth behavior has allowed for the camp program staff to evaluate whether the organizational goals are being met. The results of this study indicated an increase in hunting trips taken by camp participants. There were was also a significant increase in conservation knowledge gained by the campers.
Read
