Food and Fun Camp: Evaluating the ImpactVanessa Young, BSc, RD. Central Regional Health Authority, Newfoundland and Labrador, 2014

ContextThe Food and Fun Camp program, a hands-on health promotion approach to teaching children cooking skills, has been operating in central Newfoundland since 1999, however had never been formally evaluated.

To identify strengths and weaknesses of this program for more effective implementation and to measure gains in knowledge and behavior change in the children and families who participated during the summer of 2013.

Objective DesignData was gathered through pre- and post-tests as well as written surveys at the end of the 5-day camp from attendees (n=74). In addition, information was gathered through 3-month follow-up telephone surveys to parents (n=35), written questionnaires from camp leaders (n=13) and community development nurses (n=10), as well as community partners who donate time, space, or other resources (n=10). Survey results were analyzed using FluidSurveys.

In 2013, camps were offered in 17 communities within central Newfoundland (12 represented in survey

results). Seventy percent of participants were female, and 98% said they enjoyed the camp. Three

months later, 80% of parents reported improvements in their child’s food preparation abilities since

attending camp, 74% reported improvements in safe food handling skills, and 48% noticed their child

choosing healthier food and beverages at least some of the time. Over half of parents said their child

was more likely to try new food, and 46% of parents reported making changes in their own lifestyle as a

result of their child attending camp.

Results

ConclusionThe Food and Fun Camp is a successful program worthwhile of continued investment and expansion. The food literacy skills learned within the camp are transferrable to the home setting, and can be a part of the public health solution to reduce the risk of diet-related chronic disease.

"I am so pleased to see my son

trying new foods (as he is a picky

eater) and that he thoroughly

enjoys coming to camp!"

“I found out

that there are

foods I like

that I never

tried before.”

“My child was ecstatic to

go to camp each day!”

Food and Fun Camp Logic Model