Effects of a Structured Camp Experience on Locus of Control Orientation

Abstract
Inner-city teenagers (n = 261) experienced a structured camp program for a week. It was predicted and found that this experience led to a change toward internality, in the locus of control orientation of these youngsters. The trend toward internality continued in a group of youngsters (n = 27) who returned for an additional week. Item analyses revealed the specific items on which the changes occurred and indicated that a rather general change of orientation had occurred. The results were discussed in terms social learning theory and suggestions were made to improve future programs of this sort.