A New Research Initiative for Canadian Camps
Introduction
For generations, those of us in the camp community have seen the personal growth and social development that happens over a summer. We know how it changes lives, but when we talk to government officials, health authorities, or major donors, our personal stories aren't always enough to secure the funding the sector deserves.
The Canadian Camping Association (CCA) is starting a multi-phase research project to change that. Thanks to a contribution from Dr. Eric Jackman, we are beginning the Jackman Initiative - a study focused on proving the value of the Canadian camp experience through data and academic rigor.
Why This Matters for Your Camp
This project provides a strategic tool for every camp director and provincial association in the country. By building a Canadian evidence base, we are addressing a long-standing hurdle for our industry.
Closing the Knowledge Gap: While valuable research exists, there has never been a formal, comprehensive literature review to understand the full scope of Canadian camp data. This project will consolidate that information while ensuring new studies reflect the modern era of summer camping and the specific challenges of a post-COVID world.
Data-Backed Advocacy: Whether you are applying for a local municipal grant or seeking provincial support, you will have the facts to support your claims. We are moving toward empirical evidence to back up our testimony.
A National Case for Support: The CCA will use this research to build a formal "Case for Support" at the national level. This will help us advocate for federal policies and investments that lower barriers and help more children attend camp.
The Roadmap: Phase 1
We have partnered with a research team led by Dr. Victoria Povilaitis (Spark Consulting) and Drs. Madeleine Orr and Daniel Sailofsky from the University of Toronto. The CCA will manage this collaboration as the team completes the first phase of work through 2026:
The Systematic Review: A comprehensive look at all existing Canadian camp research to establish where we stand.
Advisory Groups: The CCA and our Project Lead will form three advisory groups (Research, Administration, and Professional) to ensure the study reflects the real-world needs of camp professionals.
The Phase 2 Blueprint: By the end of 2026, we will have a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) ready for a multi-year longitudinal study—the first of its kind in Canada.
The Road Ahead: 2026 Project Milestones
We are moving quickly to ensure this research gets into your hands as soon as possible and the impact study can begin. Here is what the roadmap looks like for the coming year:
Spring & Summer - Building the Foundation:
The team is currently diving into decades of Canadian research, reports, and data. This "Knowledge Synthesis" will identify exactly what we already know and, more importantly, where the gaps are that we need to fill.Late Summer - Engaging the Experts:
We will begin convening our three Advisory Groups—made up of researchers, camp administrators, and frontline professionals. These groups ensure the study stays grounded in the actual day-to-day realities of running a camp in Canada.Fall - Analyzing the Impact:
As we head into the autumn, the team will begin drafting the formal scholarly manuscript. This paper will serve as our official, peer-reviewed proof of camp's impact, specifically looking at how the summer camp experience serves as a vital health intervention for children.Winter - The Blueprint for the Future:
By the end of December, the CCA will deliver a "shovel-ready" plan for a multi-year longitudinal study. This includes a finalized Phase 2 proposal and a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) to take the next big step in our national research strategy.
The CCA’s Role
The Jackman Initiative represents the core work of a national association. By securing this funding and managing a high-level research partnership, the CCA provides the infrastructure and advocacy tools that individual camps cannot produce on their own.
We appreciate Dr. Jackman’s belief in the importance of camp and his interest in how our programs contribute to the long-term wellness of children. We will share updates and findings as the work progresses.
Meet the Research Team:
Dr. Victoria Povilaitis (Project Lead – Spark Consulting) Dr. Povilaitis is an expert in positive youth development and a lifelong "camp person" who spent over 15 years as a camper and staff member at day and overnight camp in Canada and the US. Her academic work focuses on how camp environments foster growth, and through her firm, Spark Consulting, she helps organizations bridge the gap between research and practice. As Project Lead, she is overseeing the systematic literature review and the initial formation of the advisory groups.
Read more about Dr. Povilatis’ work here
Dr. Madeleine Orr (Academic Support – University of Toronto) Dr. Orr is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto whose passion for recreation stems from her own history as a camper and staff member at both day and overnight camps in Quebec. Her research typically explores how environmental factors impact sports and recreation. For the Jackman Initiative, she provides the academic oversight necessary to ensure the study meets rigorous scholarly standards and will co-author the final systematic review manuscript.
Read more about Dr. Orr’s work here
Dr. Daniel Sailofsky (Academic Support – University of Toronto) Dr. Sailofsky is a researcher at the University of Toronto with a deep personal background in the sector, having spent 15 years as a camper, staff member, and supervisor at an overnight camp in Ontario. His academic expertise lies in the social impacts of sport and recreation. Starting in September 2026, he will lead the facilitation of the advisory group meetings, ensuring that stakeholder feedback is effectively integrated into the Phase 2 research design.
Read more about Dr. Sailofsky’s work here
Matt Wilfrid (Research Project Manager – CCA) As the Executive Director of the Canadian Camps Association, Matt brings over 20 years of experience in the camp industry to his role as Research Project Manager. Having served as a Director for several Canadian camps, he understands the practical challenges camp leaders face. Matt is responsible for the overall coordination of the initiative, managing communications between the research team, the advisory groups, and the CCA membership.