An Observational Assessment of Physical Activity Levels and Social Behavior During Residential Summer Camp Unstructured Time

Author ORCID Identifier

Zachary Wahl-Alexander:https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6020-2809

Publication Title

American Journal of Health Promotion

ISSN

08901171

E-ISSN

43952

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate children’s physical activity (PA) levels, social play behavior, activity time, and social interactions during unstructured time. Approach: Systematic observation tool to record child’s PA level, social group size, activity type, and social interaction during play. Setting: Northeast US residential summer camp, pseudonym Forest Hills Camp. Participants: Fifty-nine third-grade campers (27 males and 32 females). Method: Observational data were obtained using the System for Observing Children’s Activity and Relationships during Play (SOCARP). Data were analyzed using independent samples t tests (with Bonferroni adjustment) to assess statistical differences between boys and girls SOCARP categories. Results: Both boys and girls spend over 50% of their time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Statistically significant differences between genders were observed: activity level—(a) girls sat more than boys, and (2) boys engaged in more vigorous activity; activity type—(1) boys engaged in more sport activity, girls engaged in more locomotion activity, and girls were more sedentary; and social interactions—(1) boys had more physical conflict, and (2) boys had more verbal conflict. Conclusion: Contrary to previous research suggesting that summer campers have increased sedentary behavior during unstructured time, our results indicate that third-grade campers engaged in MVPA over 50% of their unstructured time. This suggests that unstructured time in outdoor camp settings may provide valuable opportunities for adolescent children to choose PA.

First Page

387

Last Page

392

Publication Date

5-1-2020

DOI

10.1177/0890117119897191

PubMed ID

31902217

Keywords

children, physical activity, SOCARP, social behaviors, summer camps

Department

Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KNPE)

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