Informal youth educational programming and its effect on environmental stewardship and formal science classroom performance

Abstract

In this investigation, 4-H Outdoor Skills Programming was used to determine its effect on participants' formal science classroom performance, development of life skills, leisure activity choices, and whether this type of adventure programming can increase a participants' level of environmental awareness. Parent and participant surveys, interviews, and direct observation techniques were used to gather data during intervention sessions with two 4-H project clubs in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. Results indicated that these programs do accomplish life skill development and improvement in environmental awareness, but no correlation was found to indicate improvement in the formal classroom or in a decrease in reliance on electronic devices for entertainment.