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

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.