Learning landscapes: American summer camps and educational possibilities

Abstract

For over 100 years educational researchers have concerned themselves with a “summer learning gap” for students who experience academic losses during the summer months they are away from school. Simultaneously, American summer residential camps have provided landscapes of learning for generations of school children to improve skills and build competencies. Despite the current availability for camp experiences to fill the “summer learning gap” experienced by students during the summer vacation, contemporary education reform initiatives have largely not recognized the seemingly natural connection between camp and school. This article examines the significant historical linkages and theoretical underpinnings that relate the American camp movement and formal school settings, as well as contemporary possibilities for camps to serve as learning landscapes for 21st century learning outcomes that include relationship building, role modeling, collaboration, confidence, independence, and academic enhancement. Conclusions of the article indicate the significant role of camp experiences in the learning lives of children, and the need for policy makers to adopt reforms that include provisions for out-of-school time learning opportunities such as summer camp.