Effects of a Conservation Education Camp Program on Campers' Self-Reported Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior

• Published in: The Journal of environmental education Vol. 35; no. 4; pp. 33 - 45
• Main Authors: Kruse, Cara K., Card, Jaclyn A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Madison Heldref 01-07-2004; Heldref Publications, Helen Dwight Reid Educational Foundation; Taylor & Francis Inc
• Subjects: Adolescents; Adults; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Attitude Change; Behavior Change; Breeding of animals; Camps; Conservation; Conservation (Environment); conservation attitude; Conservation Education; conservation knowledge; Educational Experience; Environment; Environmental education; Florida; Knowledge; Knowledge Level; Natural Resources; Negative Attitudes; Positive Attitudes; Program Effectiveness; Recreational Facilities; Research Design; Student Attitudes; Student Behavior; Teaching Methods; zoo education; Zoos; Florida
• ISSN: 0095-8964; 1940-1892
• DOI: 10.3200/JOEE.35.4.33-45

In this study, the authors examined the effects of a conservation education camp program offered through one zoo education department. The conservation education program included 4 levels of camps with increasing levels of animal husbandry. Campers rated their conservation knowledge, attitude, and behavior prior to, immediately after, and 1 month after the camp experience. Results indicated that conservation knowledge scores increased over the study period, as did attitude and behavior, though patterns of change were varied in each level of camp. Campers' self-reported knowledge, attitude, and behavior also increased with increased levels of animal husbandry. And, campers with previous conservation education camp experience had higher knowledge and attitude self-ratings than did those without experience. However, as knowledge, attitude, and behavior are complex characteristics and difficult to assess, more research is needed to verify the effectiveness of conservation education programs in effecting change.