Factors contributing to the decision of former 4-H campers to return or not return to the District IV Junior Camp in 1976 as seen by their parents

The purpose of this survey-type study was to determine what factors, as seen by parents, influenced Junior 4-H'ers decisions to return or not to return to 4-H camp in Tennessee's Extension Supervisory District IV in 1976. A total of 111 parents of former 4-H campers responded to a mail questionnaire designed to determine parental attitudes, preferences, expectations, and suggestions regarding junior camp. Seventy-one were parents of returners (i.e. 20 of boys and 51 of girls) and 40 were parents of non-returners (i.e. 16 of boys and 24 of girls). Characteristically, the members themselves: 1. Were 11.49 years of age 2. Had attended camp an average of 1.62 times 3. Had made decision to attend or not attend camp was made jointly with their parents. Other major camp findings included the following: 1. To have fun was the major reason for returning to 4-H camp 2. To make new friends and because their friends were going were other reasons for returning to camp 3. Miscellaneous reasons including other camps, ball teams and vacation constituted an additional major reason for those not returning to camp. Expectations of what parents wanted their children to get out of camp were: 1. A sense of responsibility and independence 2. New and worthwhile learning 3. Fun or a good time 4. New friends 5. Learning to get along with others. Parents expected their children to participate in various activities including: 1. Everything offered 2. Sports of all kinds 3. Crafts 4. Classes. Purposes for having camp were expressed by parents as, (1) to learn to assume responsibility, (2) to learn to get along with people, and (3) to develop individual personality and character. Favorable responses implied parental support of the camping program. Other implications and recommendations for use of findings and further research were included.