Abstract
There are few studies about the thousands of summer camps in the United States and how they work as a social institution that inspires and fosters personal growth among counselors. In this study I view residential summer camp as a total institution that nurtures and creates chances for self-discovery and personal growth/change among counselors. This study will encompass information I gather from academic sources that were written by others in an academic setting and what I learn from structured interviews with six people who have experience being a camp counselor at a residential summer camp. I use Goffman’s concept of total institution for the overall bases of what must be present for a place to be considered a total institution. The interviews I conduct and other studies I utilize show that residential summer camps fit into the criteria needed.
Advisor
Nurse, Anne
Department
Sociology and Anthropology
Recommended Citation
Greene, Conor J., "Summer Camp as a Social Institution of Change: An Investigation of the Relationship Between Summer Camp as a Total Institution that Cultivates and Fosters Self-Discovery and Personal Growth/Change Among Counselors" (2023). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 10735.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/10735
Disciplines
Other Sociology | Work, Economy and Organizations
Keywords
summer camp, camp counselor, total institution
Publication Date
2023
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2023 Conor J. Greene