Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Optimal Experience Among Campers In A Resident Camp Setting, M. Deborah Bialeschki, Karla A. Henderson

Research in Outdoor Education

The purpose of this exploratory study was to assess optimal experience, also known as "flow" and "quality of experience," in a resident camp setting. Campers from a private coeducational children's camp in the southeastern United States were asked to record descriptions of their involvement, attitudes, and feelings during randomly selected times during two camp sessions in 1991. The research questions addressed were: How do experiences associated with a quality of experience and flow occur in the resident camp setting? How frequently do they occur? What implications does an understanding of flow have for providing better camp experience.,? Based on this …