Animal Based Summer Camp · Web viewAs a member of the greater YMCA corporation, the YMCA of the Rockies also follows three areas of focus: youth development, healthy living, and

Animal Based Summer Camp

Elizabeth Canupp, Mary Janousek, Jenny Rodgers & Becky Williams

Clemson University

The following program plan outlines a summer camp focusing on animals that will

utilize the resources that are currently in place through the YMCA of the Rockies. This

animal-based summer camp will focus on incorporating human to animal interactions

into the vast list of programs already being offered. From the following information, it

will be evident as to why an animal based summer camp will add to the programs

already being offered at the YMCA of the Rockies.

Agency Description

The YMCA of the Rockies, a nonprofit branch of the greater YMCA corporation,

considers three different locations as home in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains: Estes Park

Center, Snow Mountain Ranch, and Camp Chief Ouray. The Estes Park Center is

located between Rocky Mountain National Park and the town of Estes Park, Colorado

on over 860 acres of pristine property. It is normal to see an abundance of elk, deer,

and other wildlife. On the Estes Park Center location, there are many different

accommodations available, such as lodge rooms, family cabins, and large cabins that

have six to sixteen bedrooms (YMCA, 2014). Once on site, individuals have the

opportunity to engage in a multitude of activities, such as swimming, mini-golf, hiking,

sand volleyball, crafts, and more.

Additionally, the Snow Mountain Ranch location is perfect for winter escapes,

offering more than sixty miles of trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The

Ranch is located twelve miles north of Winter Park, Colorado and sits on 5,100 acres of

land (YMCA, 2014). Accommodations include cabins, lodge rooms, campgrounds, and

yurts, which are all available to rent throughout the year. In the summer, this location

offers guests the opportunity to rock climb, hike, build crafts, and bike.

Finally, the last location of the YMCA of the Rockies is Camp Chief Ouray, which

is a traditional overnight summer camp for girls and boys ages seven to seventeen.

This camp occupies the same space as Snow Mountain Ranch, but it is located on a

secluded area of the property (YMCA, 2014). The camp offers traditional camp

activities, such as craft projects, archery, mountain biking, and hiking.

While there are three different locations, the YMCA of the Rockies uses one

mission and vision for all. The YMCA of the Rockies focuses on Christian principles

and looks to place those principles into practice through the programs, staff, and

facilities that are offered on their sites. They focus on using the environment to build

people who are healthy in mind, body, and spirit (YMCA, 2014). Their core values

include: caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith. As a member of the greater

YMCA corporation, the YMCA of the Rockies also follows three areas of focus: youth

development, healthy living, and social responsibility (YMCA, 2014).

To promote youth development, the YMCA of the Rockies offers programs that

help engage kids and provide growth opportunities for them as well. No matter the

location, youth have the opportunity to make friends and to connect with counselors in a

healthy and safe environment. The YMCA also promotes healthy living by offering

miles of trails for hiking, biking, trail running, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing.

Finally, the YMCA of the Rockies helps promote social responsibility by offering

numerous community opportunities. The YMCA utilizes more than 50,000 hours of

volunteer service a year, hosts more than 2,500 outdoor education students, and

focuses on sustainability and recycling programs (YMCA, 2014). The mission and

vision of the YMCA of the Rockies is visible in each program that they offer its’

participants.

On average, the three locations serve over 250,000 visitors annually. Each year, the

YMCA hosts more than 800 family reunions, 180,000 family vacationers, 1,200

conferences, 300 military families, and 2,000 Camp Chief Ouray campers (YMCA,

2014). In addition, it offers employment to 900 full-time and seasonal staff, and it is a

major asset to the surrounding communities. While there is a discount for YMCA

members, nonmembers can also enjoy the programs and accommodations offered at

the YMCA of the Rockies. Some of the activities and programs offered include:

Teen programs of varying lengths

o (Adventure camps, backpacking, teen nights)

A drive on Trail Ridge Road

Professional Photography

Chapel Ministry

Yoga

Whitewater Rafting

Swimming

Snowshoeing

SummerFest Concert Series

Roller Skating

Outdoor rock climbing wall

Mini golf

Massage

Library

Indoor Activities

Ice Skating

Horseback riding

Hiking

Game room

Fishing and Fly Fishing

Craft and Design Center

Challenge courses

Campfires

Basketball and Volleyball

Archery

Adventure Activities (zipline, ropes course, etc.)

Disc Golf

And more!

The YMCA of the Rockies is a great example of an organization that is helping

create opportunities for youth and families to experience the natural environment in a

safe, healthy way.

Needs Assessment / Rationale

While the YMCA of the Rockies offers a significant number of programs for

youth, it does not offer an opportunity for youth to engage in an animal based program.

With the surrounding wildlife and natural environment, it would be beneficial for youth

and for the families who visit the YMCA of the Rockies to engage in this type of animal

based programming. Traditionally, the YMCA does not offer programs that are animal

based; yet, research in youth development indicates that animal based programs

actually make a positive impact on youth of all ages from young childhood to adulthood

(Mueller, 2014).

In general, positive youth development programs increase the levels of

confidence caring, connection, character, and competence in youth (Mueller, 2014), all

of which the YMCA of the Rockies aims to build in the youth that visit. Attaining these

outcomes can have a great effect on youth as they transition into adulthood. Animal

based programs add to positive youth development programs.

Throughout history, humans have made connections and developed

relationships with animals for a variety of reasons, including working purposes, food

sources, companionship, hunting, assistance to disabled humans, etc. (Mueller, 2014).

Animal interaction is linked to an overall increase in mental health, self-regulation skills,

social skills, and physical health and fitness (Mueller, 2014). The link between animal

interaction and these benefits align with the overall mission and vision of the YMCA of

the Rockies, making an animal based summer program a great opportunity for growth.

Furthermore, a potential outcome that youth can gain from animal contact is

purpose. Purpose is defined as “a stable and generalized intention to accomplish

something that is at once meaningful to the self and consequential for the world beyond

the self” (Damon, 2008, p. 33). The growth of this idea of purpose in adolescents has

been linked to the nurturing, care, and interaction with animals, which indicates the

importance of an animal program at the YMCA.

By having animals at the YMCA of the Rockies, the YMCA will be able to add to

their philosophy of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Animals

will help youth develop social skills, as they help act as social facilitators, and they will

help youth learn to recognize how their actions can have an impact on animals and the

environments in which they live (Mueller, 2014). The animal based program will only

add to the overall mission and philosophy of the YMCA, and visitors with youth will

benefit from this program as well.

NAME OF PROGRAM/PROJECT:

ANIMAL BASED SUMMER CAMP AT YMCA OF THE ROCKIES

GOALS:

Improvement of participant self-efficacy through learning about, showing, and maintenance without the large inputs normally necessary in livestock projects Participant’s greater connection to nature through time spent in the outdoors.

OBJECTIVES:

80% filled to capacity with a 5% growth every year after. 100% participation in all activities. All activities are by-choice so there are many options for participation.

INPUTSOUTPUTS OUTCOMES

Activities Participants Short-term Mid-range Impacts

Staff to teach in conventional classroom & outside of the classroom. Trail ride leaders trained in first aid.

Classroom-type meeting location.

Arena to learn basic animal handling & riding skills.

Barn, livestock handling & grooming equipment.

Various livestock species. Workbooks, papers, &

activities for participants. Vehicle transportation 1 weeks of intense

programming with a capstone show for friends & family.

Classroom meetings with interactive smartboard labeling & diagraming of animals.

Active learning strategies to increase participation & unity within the group.

Mini-shows Mini-clinics on

animal care & handling

Daily trail rides on horseback as well as archery & other outdoor sports to supplement learning.

Youth ages 6-17 from the local area & throughout the U.S. with a new thirst for knowledge & investment in the livestock industry as well as a new knowledge & investment in themselves.

Knowledgeable instructors who are able to build youth up through livestock.

Animal handling skills improvement

Knowledge of the livestock industries expanded

Interest in livestock piqued & followed up on in future camp sessions.

Group skills through working with other to prepare & show animals.

Connections with adult role models who can be mentors.

Continued volunteer and job opportunities

Connection to future and past members of the camp to share experiences & advice.

Increased awareness of the livestock industry

Increased awareness of nature & increased time spent in nature to help improve both physical & mental health.

Proponents for agriculture Higher self-efficacy through management

of livestock & communion with nature. Ability to think about a bring other than

themselves & how they can affect the life of this being for the better (whether human, animal, or other)

EVALUATION:

Followup surveys with participants and parents. Evaluation of participants who do and do not return to improve future programs. Evaluation of individual activities to determine effectiveness in the program as a whole.

Logic Model Continued

As stated in the Needs Assessment & Rationale “positive youth development programs

increase the levels of confidence caring, connection, character, and competence in youth (Mueller,

2014).” More than 10 million children attend sleep-away or day camps every year with positive strides

made in adventure/exploration, independence, making friend, positive identity, leadership, and peer

relationship (Henderson et.al., 2007). Among these changes environmentally related summer camps

can increase feelings of connection with the natural world as well as stimulate greater interest in

future recreation experiences in nature (Dresner, 1994).

Self-efficacy is a common focus of Equine Assisted Therapy (Geddes, 2010) and other animal

species could be of use as well. In this animal based summer camp students will be able to work with

both large and small livestock and learn how to control and care for them, something outside

themselves.

The activities in this project consist of quite a bit of group work but also self-reflection and

individual work. Research has shown that a mixture of both team and individual work is the best way

to help participants retain information and also grow as a person (Prince, 2004). Activities will range

from labeling parts of an animal in the classroom to helping feed and groom animals on a farm as well

as trail rides and fun animal related games and general outdoor related fun like kayaking, hiking, and

archery. Likely, this camp will need a few iterations before it is perfected and the desired results are

achieved but even in the early group’s self-efficacy, an awareness of the livestock industry, and an

increased enjoyment of nature is a key goal.

Target Audience

The Animal Based Summer Camp at YMCA of the Rockies is targeted for

children and youth ranging in age from 6-17. Its main purpose is to improve the youth’s

level of self-efficacy though learning about, showing and maintaining livestock without

large inputs normally necessary in livestock projects.

Outside of the immediate target audience of the youth going through the

program, this camp is designed to attract the attention of the parents of these youth,

community members and also those working in the livestock industry to make a

statement that these large inputs are not necessary. By educating these youth on the

previously mentioned principles and methods, a domino effect of knowledge is expected

to take place to educate the next generation of livestock advocates and professionals.

Marketing Plan

Product

The Animal Based Summer Camp is designed as a tool to educate and progress

a youth’s awareness and self-efficacy about livestock without requiring such large

unecessary use of resources.

Price

Established by the YMCA of the Rockies pricing plan, the cost of camp is $15 per

day plus a $40 riding fee to Jackson Stables or Sombrero Ranches for a 1 hour

horseback or pony ride and access to the petting farm and stables. Additionally, need-

based scholarships are also available for program participants.

Promotion

The camp’s goal is to raise awareness and resources necessary for program

sustainability and positive participant outcomes. To achieve this goal, the program will

utilize the YMCA of the Rockies’ social media accounts including Facebook, Twitter,

Instagram, Blog and YouTube channel. Promotion through emails, electronic

newsletters and the Annual Support Campaign will be sent to YMCA employees and

members, as well as to community leaders and partners including local and regional

Chambers of Commerce. Flyers and posters with program specific information will be

made available at local and regional YMCA locations, public schools, libraries,

veterinary clinics, and Outdoor Expos, as well as the YMCA of the Rockies’ booths in

county and state fair exhibitions.

Place

The camp will utilize two of the YMCA of the Rockies’ locations. Estes Park

Center is situated at an elevation of 8010 feet on over 860 acres of Colorado’s Rocky

Mountains, 65 miles Northwest of Denver and three miles Southwest of Estes Park.

Snow Mountain Ranch sits at approximately 9000 feet above sea level in Granby,

Colorado which is 90 miles from Denver and is located on more than 5200 acres of

forested beauty.

Budget

YMCA of the Rockies12/31/14 Annual Budget

Animal Based Summer CampEstimated Budget

Revenue & Support Fee Income Staff for Kids

Fundraising Campaign Spirit Society (will and

estate donations) Cabin Donors Capital Gifts Memorial and

Honorarium Gifts Annual Giving

Fee Income Staff for Kids Fundraising

Campaign Annual Giving

Estes Park Center Program Services

$22,687,650 $15 daily rate per participant (classroom instruction and activities)$40 riding fee per participant

Snow Mountain Ranch Program Services

$10,146,768 $15 daily rate per participant (classroom instruction and activities)$40 riding fee per participant

Contributions $6,544,613Membership Dues $1,658,226Investment Income $434,403

Total $41,542,673Expenses

Estes Park Center Program Services

$17,514,666 $9.16 (percentage of staff salary per hour, per staff member)

Snow Mountain Ranch Program Services

$9,048,663 $9.16 (percentage of staff salary per hour, per staff member)

Depreciation $4,437,044Supporting Services $3,374,990 $40 riding fee per participant

(Jackson Stables)$40 riding fee per participant (Sombrero Ranches)$186.49 (classroom curriculum)

Fund Raising $544,139 $3000 (printing and postage)Forestry $47,734Loss on Disposal of Asset $13,879

Total $36,879,366Increase in Assets $4,663,307

Fig. 1 YMCA of the Rockies 2014 Annual Report

Resources

Fortunately, the YMCA of the Rockies is a well-established organization with a

plethora of existing resources with which the Animal Based Summer Camp can utilize

including:

Vetted and Trained Staff

Facilities

Estes Park Center

Snow Mountain Ranch

Colorado Conference Centers Meeting Rooms & Equipment

Transportation

YMCA Vans with existing liability insurance and participant paperwork

National YMCA Advertising and Fundraising Campaigns

Annual Support Campaign

Staff for Kids Fundraising Campaign

Existing Social Media and Outreach

YMCA of the Rockies Website

YouTube Channel

Visitor Planning Guides

Twitter

Instagram

YMCA of the Rockies’ Blog

Visitor Planning Guides

Supporting Services Relationships, Supplies & Equipment

Jackson Stables

Sombrero Ranches

Livestock

Animal Handling/Grooming Equipment

Diversity

Often, when diversity is mentioned the first thing that comes to mind is a variation

in race, however, a variety in ability is also a key part of diversity. An increased number

of summer camps are becoming integrated for youth with disabilities and those without.

The importance of these youth being included just as important to these youth as it is to

those without disabilities and sometimes has an even larger impact on youth with

disabilities (Goodwin, 2005). We will have specially trained staff to assist youth with

certain disabilities ranging from autism to physical challenges. There are groups such

as The Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EGALA) that specifically

focus and are trained to assist youth with disabilities through equine activities.

In 2010, 43 percent of all American young people were minorities. Because of

this distribution and increasing racial tension, tolerance and acceptance, is a skill and

value needed in today’s youth (Johnson, 2010). To help increase diversity and teach

participants tolerance and acceptance minorities will be encouraged to attend the

camps through work with regional urban clubs and organizations as well as making

scholarships available for youth of lower socio-economic status.

Evaluation Plan

Most of the evaluation used for this camp would be based on qualitative research

because it is hard to quantify the changes that we are looking for in participants. Of

course, we would use a satisfaction-based survey to ensure that even while learning

both parents and participants are satisfied with the program. This will ensure future

participants and spreading the word of the program.

Based on the evaluation lecture from week 5 of this class, the retrospective

pretest would probably be one of the best ways to ensure growth in self-efficacy and

appreciation of nature and livestock. It has been shown that traditional pretest-posttest

comparisons resulted in an underestimation of the program effects that would be

negated with the use of a retrospective pretest (Pratt, 2000).

References

Antoniewicz, R. J., Kissel, N. (N.D.). Developing Youth Through Horseless Horse

Projects, The University of Wisconsin, Cooperative Extension Services.

Damon, W. (2008). The path to purpose: Helping our children find their calling in life.

New York: Free Press, Simon & Schuster.

Geddes, J. H. (2010). Self-Efficacy and Equine Assisted Therapy: A Single Subject

Study (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from Google Scholar.

Goodwin, D., & Staples, K. (2005). The Meaning of Summer Camp Experiences to

Youths With Disabilities. Physical Activity Quarterly, 22, 160-178. Retrieved June

14, 2015, from http://journals.humankinetics.com/

Johnson, K., & Lichter, D. (2010). Growing Diversity among America's Children and

Youth: Spatial and Temporal Dimensions. Population and Development

Review, 36(1), 151-176. doi:10.1111/j.1728-4457.2010.00322.x

McCawley, P. F. (N.D.). The Logic Model for Program Planning and Evaluation, The

University of Idaho, Cooperative Extension Services.

Mueller, M. (2014). Human-animal interaction as a context for positive youth

development: A relationsl developmental systems approach to constructing

human-animal interaction theory and research. Human Development, 57, 5-25.

Pratt, C., McGuian, W., & Katzev, A. (2001). Measuring Program Outcomes: Using

Retrospective Methodology. American Journal of Evaluation, 21(3), 341-

349. doi:10.1177/109821400002100305

Prince, M. (2004). Does Active Learning Work? A Review of the Research. Journal of

Engineering Education, 93(3), 223-231. Retrieved May 27, 2015, from

http://www.rlillo.educsalud.cl/

YMCA of the Rockies. (2014). the YMCA 2014 Revealed in Stories: 2014 Annual

Report. Retrieved from http://ymca_rockies_epc_backup.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-

content/uploads/sites/7/2015/03/2014-Annual-Report_web.pdf

YMCA of the Rockies. (2014). Retrieved from https://www.ymcarockies.org