Camp Counseling and the Development and Transfer of Workforce Skills: The Perspective of Ohio 4 H Camp Counselor Alumni
Recent research shows that camp counselors, including those in 4 H, benefit from the experience by developing important life skills. However, because research regarding the perception of workforce skill development in this context has yielded inconsistent findings, the present study used focus groups to examine 4 H camp counselor alumni perceptions about the skills gained and transfer of these skills to other settings. Overall, 4 H camp counselor alumni thought their experience was fun and enjoyable, yet challenging. They believed they developed important life and workforce skills. Not only did alumni learn these skills, but the skills transferred beyond the camp setting. Leadership was noted as the skill most frequently applied to other contexts. Alumni believed that their counseling experiences had both indirect and direct impacts on their career choice. This study suggests many practical applications for those who work with camp programs.