Why a Camp for Youth in Care?
Why do youth in care need science education?
When young people focus on challenges facing natural and human communities (such as pollution, loss of resources, and invasive species) and how to solve them in a positive and structured environment, they become more aware of challenges all members of a community face. “Doing science” (as opposed to learning about science) and contributing data to real research can provide a sense of empowerment (“I can actually do something to change this”). While all youth can benefit from such experiences, those who are in the foster care system often lack control over their lives and may feel especially powerless. Building practical research skills, interacting with people solving real-world puzzles, collaborating with peers to tackle complex problems, and increasing connections to their environment and the larger community, will help participants develop strategies to overcome their own challenges and increase self-efficacy.
Why a camp for youth in care?
Youth in care face obstacles in participating in science education experiences. Family difficulties may result in few opportunities to attend camps. Foster parents may struggle to provide transportation to camps, pay for tuition, or spend time writing applications. Young people in group homes may have even fewer opportunities. Fostering Science tailors programs to meet the needs of foster youth and their caretakers, for example by providing transportation, field clothing, etc. We are aware of the types of challenges that are particularly likely to arise among this group, such as confidentiality and safety issues or moves between residences at short notice.
In addition to science and adventure components, the camp includes activities designed to strengthen socio-emotional skills.
One of the most important components of this camp is the connections youth make with peers who have had similar experiences, and with the instructors. Kids return again and again (we have about a 65% return rate between years), with several youth having participated in all 4 camps we have run to date. It's the friendships they build with other kids and the instructors that keep them coming back.
Does it work?
Yes! We recently conducted an evaluation through an independent organization. Here are a few of the things we learned:
About half of the campers reported that they now wanted to be a scientist or would seriously consider it as an option
The vast majority of campers reported that participating changed how they felt about challenges, and about half reported that they better understood how persistence can help them overcome challenges.
The majority of repeat campers reported that they returned because of the relationships they built with other kids or instructors.
About a third mentioned the importance of being with other foster kids
Who leads this program?
The Director, Dr. Christa Mulder, and the Associate Director, Dr. Katie Spellman, are biologists with experience in science education and working with vulnerable youth. In designing this program they collaborated with four additional instructors with a wide range of expertise in science and working with youth. To find out more about the instructors, click here. We also consulted extensively with our "Advisory Board", a group that includes people from social service agencies, youth advocates, and foster parents. If you have ideas, questions, or concerns, please contact Christa.
