Woodcraft Rangers’ Camp Woodcraft was awarded the Eleanor P. Eells Award for Evaluation and Research this year. This award recognizes excellence in research practices that improve program practice or evaluate the outcomes of the camp experience. The award is one of nine national awards put together by the American Camp Association (ACA) to honor those who lead the way in exemplary leadership, in service, and in passionate commitment to the value of the camp experience.
The Eleanor P. Eells Award for Evaluation and Research is designed to honor programs in which camp professionals conduct or apply meaningful, quality research or evaluation to improve program practice and uncover findings that are useful to other camps. The ACA-accredited Camp Woodcraft team’s Director of Outdoor Education, Helen Morales, and Camp Coordinator, Jesse Esquivel, presented the award-winning research findings at the ACA’s National Conference in Dallas, Texas, February 18-21.
The evaluation data was conducted annually by Woodcraft Rangers, a provider of expanded learning in Southern California that focuses on developing its students’ SEL skills, and these skills were measured in students enrolled in its programs. Findings from data collection through surveys suggested an improvement in SEL skills after participating in afterschool and outdoor education programs with the agency. Studies show that SEL programs can improve academic performance, reduce behavioral issues, and increase overall well-being. SEL can also help students develop empathy, problem-solving skills, and self-awareness.
Woodcraft Rangers measures SEL indicators as a provider of expanded learning because of the importance of SEL in defining success. Sampled data collected can determine whether a child maintains and/or improves their previous score from the pre-measurement, while advanced would be defined as children scoring above the “emerging” threshold for SEL skills. In addition to the SEL data, Woodcraft surveys and analyzes data as required for Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI).
Woodcraft Rangers holds itself to the highest standards and aligns with CASEL’s five components of social-emotional learning. By tracking the progress of its programs, student success, parent and participant satisfaction, Woodcraft assesses and shares findings. This is one of many ways Woodcraft continues to improve, reflect, and retool, if necessary, with its partner schools’ and community members’ goals in mind. Ultimately, helping each participant acquire the tools and skills they will need to excel in life is Woodcraft’s objective.
Woodcraft Rangers uses this data to continuously improve its programs to support the holistic development of every child in mind, body, spirit, and sense of service. Organization staff use the data to facilitate training such as the agency’s Behavior Engagement Model, learning and development, site coordinator and club leader training, and revise recommendations based on the region where the training is taking place to improve SEL skills that need greater attention. These programs include before and after school, summer and school breaks, specialty enrichment, early learning (TK/K), inclusion, outdoor education experiences, recess and residencies, and ELO-P programs.
Camp Woodcraft offers year-round outdoor education programs and experiences. These programs include traditional summer sleepaway camps, where children can enjoy a classic camp experience filled with activities like hiking, archery, arts, and campfire storytelling, all in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Woodcraft offers school retreats and environmental youth leadership retreats designed to complement academic science goals while fostering essential skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. These programs promote resilience, environmental stewardship, and hands-on connections with nature through immersive outdoor experiences.
Woodcraft also offers inclusive family camps that welcome individuals of all ages, skills, and abilities to experience the magic of camp. These camps are supported by inclusion specialists who ensure every participant can engage fully, fostering an environment where all participants feel valued and can thrive together.
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