A program evaluation of a recreation-based military family camp
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2019.0199Keywords:
camp programing, family systems theory, homecoming theory, military family, program evaluation, recreational therapyAbstract
Camps may be beneficial environments to provide military families with opportunities to participate in meaningful leisure to revitalize family relationships and to form connections within the military family community. While research has investigated the effects of these programs on veterans and families, limited research incorporates consumer-based evaluations of the service provider. Thus, the purpose of this study was to perform an evaluation of a therapeutic, recreation-based military family camp. A multiphase importance performance analysis (IPA) was implemented with 19 individuals who attended the camp. Participants rated program components using a 5-point Likert scale. Results revealed high importance and performance scores on all program components, as well as highlighted areas of programing with opportunity for maintenance and improvement. These findings provide recommendations for the improvement of this camp, as well as insight into future research and/or evaluations of military family camp programing.
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