Education and the Summer Camp—An Experiment
Lloyde Burgess Sharp, 1930
Lloyde Burgess Sharp, outdoor education pioneer and scholar, conducted a four-year study of implementing an education-centered curriculum in a New York City summer camp from 1925-1930. Through the combination of educational philosophies from progressive educators (John Dewey and others), camp standards, programming, and planning, the general welfare of the children attending camp drastically improved. It is also important to note that much of the curriculum created for Sharp’s camp was inspired by the field of education and by the “best present practices of the Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA), and Camp Directors Association.”
The findings of Sharp’s study were one of the most significant contributions to summer camp operations in this era. His research is significant in organized camping and is cited in contemporary research today!
Figure 1: Pottery, Life’s Girls’ Camp image from Sharp’s Education and the Summer Camp—An Experiment (1930).
Figure 2: Description of the importance of summer camp and a "form and color" reference from Sharp’s Education and the Summer Camp—An Experiment (1930).
Figure 3: In 1925-1926, The Committee on Fresh Air and Convalescent Care of the Children’s Welfare Federation met numerous times to discuss important factors of youth activities, particularly summer camps. Educators, camp directors, and conservationists, among others, were in attendance. At a meeting on February 24, 1926, the subject of “Arts and crafts” was part of round table discussions centered around summer camp activities.
Figures 4 & 5 (BELOW): “Hand-craft” as “Other Major Interests In The Camp Program” and the inclusion of “Crafts” on “A Sample Daily Schedule at Boys Camp.”
