A program evaluation of a recreation-based military family camp
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Mitchell, K., Townsend, J., Hawkins, B. L., & Van Puymbroeck, M. (2019). A program evaluation of a recreation-based military family camp. American Journal of Recreation Therapy, 18(4), 19–26. https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2019.0199
Abstract Created by REACH:
This study examined the potential strengths and areas of improvement of the Family Warrior Weekend (FWW) camp among military families. 19 Service members or spouses rated the quality and services of FWW (e.g., promotion of family bonding, sensitivity of staff to family needs, provision of childcare) based on importance and the extent to which FWW met specific needs. Overall, the military families rated the quality and services provided by the camp highly while also providing suggestions for specific areas for improvement.
Focus:
Programming
Parents
Children
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Subject Affiliation:
Military families
Child of a service member or veteran
Spouse of service member or veteran
Active duty service member
Veteran
Population:
Childhood (birth - 12 yrs)
Adolescence (13 - 17 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Methodology:
Cross sectional study
Qualitative Study
Authors:
Mitchell, Kathryn, Townsend, Jasmine, Hawkins, Brent, Puymbroeck, Marieke Van
Abstract:
Camps may be beneficial environments to provide military families with opportunities to participate in meaningful leisure to revitalize family relationships and to form connections within the military family community. While research has investigated the effects of these programs on veterans and families, limited research incorporates consumer-based evaluations of the service provider. Thus, the purpose of this study was to perform an evaluation of a therapeutic, recreation-based military family camp. A multiphase importance performance analysis (IPA) was implemented with 19 individuals who attended the camp. Participants rated program components using a 5-point Likert scale. Results revealed high importance and performance scores on all program components, as well as highlighted areas of programing with opportunity for maintenance and improvement. These findings provide recommendations for the improvement of this camp, as well as insight into future research and/or evaluations of military family camp programing.
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Author Affiliation:
ManorCare Health Services, Marietta, Georgia, KM
Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, JT
Clemson University, Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Clemson, South Carolina, BH
Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, MVP
Keywords:
camp programing, family systems theory, homecoming theory, military family, program evaluation, recreational therapy
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
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