Military Teen Adventure Camps

IMPACT. 1: Because campers tackle challenging activities, a residential camp experience combined with adventure programming provides a multitude of emotional, cognitive, and physical benefits. -- 2. The adventure camp experience fosters adaptation to change – something needed by all of today's young people, but especially military youth, who must adapt to separations during moves or deployments. -- 3. A partnership with OSU Extension, the Ohio National Guard, and Ohio University has made possible five years of successful camps, reaching 523 military teens from Ohio and 28 other states.OSU PARTNERS: 4-H Youth DevelopmentCOMMUNITY PARTNERS: Ohio National Guard (Family Readiness and Warrior Support); Ohio University (Department of Recreation and Sport Pedagogy)PRIMARY CONTACT: Theresa M. Ferrari (ferrari.8@osu.edu)OSU Extension partners with the Ohio National Guard and Ohio University to conduct adventure camps for a specialized audience – military teens. They have unique challenges setting them apart from their peers. Bringing together those who share the experience of being in a military family allows teens to develop connections with others who can relate to their situation, building a common bond and social support. The combination of challenge, mastery, and success leads to participant growth