Positive Effects of Science and Technology Summer Camps on Confidence, Values, and Future Intentions

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of science and technology summer camps on the confidence, values, and future intentions of female and male campers. The week-long camps were administered by Actua, a national organization with a mandate to inctease awareness of science and technology among Canadian youth. Campers completed a sutvey both pteand post-camp. Camps were perceived to be a very positive expetience by 83% of campers. Significant positive changes were reported in confidence, values, and future intentions. Results provide some of the first quantitative evidence, at a national level, for the effectiveness of science and technology summer camps that use a hands-on, interactive approach.