Honors College Theses

Publication Date

2016

Major

Recreation (B.S.)

Document Type and Release Option

Thesis (open access)

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Brent Wolfe

Abstract

As children with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) begin to age out of the school system, they begin losing opportunities for socialization and recreation participation. Losing these opportunities greatly affects these individuals’ quality of life. Limitations to socialization and recreation participation are problematic and research shows it would be beneficial to provide such opportunities. This study explores how a camp environment can increase adults’ with I/DD perceptions of quality of life through providing opportunities to participate in recreation activities and socialize with other campers. Through the use of a Qualtrics survey, researchers contacted campers who attended Camp Sunlight, a camp for adults with I/DD disabilities. Researchers asked campers about their perceptions of camp and found recurring themes. After analyzing the data collected, researchers compared the themes found through the study with themes found in the literature. Study findings suggest that the camp experience does positively impact adults with I/DD perceptions of quality of life.

Download

Share

COinS