.The Impact of a Residential Wellness Camp on Self Efficacy, Autonomy and

Content Knowledge for Zest Quest StudentsSandra S. Blankenship

Clemson University Youth Development Leadership

IntroductionOver 5,000 elementary school students are involved in Zest Quest , a children’s health initiative, within Pickens, Greenville and Oconee Counties. Each year Clemson University’s Youth Learning Institute offers a residential wellness camp called Zest Quest University, as added reinforcement to the Zest Quest mission to encourage students to make healthier lifestyle choices.

Problem StatementChildhood obesity is an epidemic in America today, particularly in South Carolina. According to the CDC’s Obesity Trends, “In 2009, no state met the Healthy People 2010 obesity target of 15%, and the self-reported overall prevalence of obesity among U.S. adults had increased 1.1 percentage points from 2007.” The state with the highest percentage of obese people in 2009 was Louisiana at 33%. South Carolina was not far behind with a total of 29.4% of the population being obese. The goal of Zest Quest University is to help boost self-efficacy and autonomy, so students feel comfortable and confident making healthy choices for themselves.

Purpose StatementThe purpose of this study is to examine the impact of a residential wellness camp on self efficacy, autonomy and content knowledge for Zest Quest students. Specifically, this study will compare these attributes in Zest Quest students who attend Zest Quest University and Zest Quest students who do not attend ZQU. The study will show that Zest Quest University can be an effective tool in increasing self-efficacy, autonomy and content knowledge in children who have experienced the Zest Quest curriculum throughout the school year.

Guiding Questions• Will participation in a residential wellness camp have a positive effect on self-efficacy in students?• Will participation in a residential wellness camp have a positive effect on self-efficacy compared to students who do not attend?• Will participation in a residential wellness camp increase students’ content knowledge related to healthy eating habits?• Will participation in a residential wellness camp increase students’ content knowledge related to healthy eating habits compared to students who do not attend?• Will participation in a residential wellness camp increase students’ levels of autonomy?• Will participation in a residential wellness camp increase students’ levels of autonomy compared to students who do not attend ?

LiteratureDescription of Subjects

Research Methodology

Implications

• In a study by Walker, Gately, Bewick and Hill on Children’s weight-loss camps, they investigated the change in body image, self esteem and worries in obese adolescents attending a residential, weight-loss camp. They found that not only the obese adolescents lost weight, but body shape dissatisfaction significantly decreased and self-esteem increased on measures of global self-worth, athletic competence and physical appearance. • In a research article from American Camp Association, Belois and Mitchell state that social skills and self-efficacy are fundamental processes and are necessary for individuals in everyday life. Empirical studies show that outdoor residential camps improve these areas of development in children. • A research study by Thurber et al shows that children who attend a residential camp show significant improvements in positive identity, social skills, positive values and spiritual growth and physical and thinking skills.

• 100 3rd and 4th grade Zest Quest students who attend Zest Quest University • 100 3rd and 4th grade Zest Quest students who do NOT attend Zest Quest University

• Quantitative Research Design• Quasi-experimental• Systematic Sample• Both the control group and the treatment group will be given a pretest in May of 2011. The treatment group will be given a post test at the end of their session of Zest Quest University. The control group will be given a post test when they return to school in the fall.

Results of this study will serve one of two purposes:1. If study does not support the efficacy of the camp experience, improvements to the program will be made and tested OR2. If the study supports the efficacy of the camp experience, results will be used to market Zest Quest University more effectively.