Evaluation of the Capacity Building Model for the Tremplin Santé Program: A Mixed Methods Study

Abstract

Introduction: Fewer than 1 in 5 Canadian children/youth met national guidelines for physical activity and sedentary behaviours in 2022 (ParticipAction, 2022). Summer camp environments provide a structured opportunity for children and youth outside of a school-setting to meet these guidelines and can foster emotional intelligence and independence, builds social skills and develops resiliency and confidence. Currently in Canada, there is no clear approach for summer day camps to follow that would serve to maximize the potential benefits that the camp experience has to offer camp staff and campers. Power Up is an intervention that aims to support the development of environments that are conducive to the promotion of healthy habits through the training and tools they offer to participating camps. The purpose of this research study is to evaluate: (1) how camp staff (administrators, coordinators and counsellors) implement the activities promoted by Power Up in summer day camps and (2) how the training and supports provided by La Fondation Tremplin Santé shape the environment of the camps through the leadership of counsellors and the physical activity of campers. Methods: This study involves mixed methods including interviews and structured observations in the camps. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with camp administrators, coordinators and counsellors to understand how they implemented the intervention in the camp setting. This study also included observations using two validated time-sampling tools: System for Observing Play and Leisure Activity in Youth (SOPLAY) and System for Observing Staff Promotion of Activity and Nutrition (SOSPAN) for assessing physical activity and promotion of healthy behaviours by counsellors. Results: The results of the direct observations and interview themes indicate that the training and resources provided by Power Up supported camp staff in the promotion of healthy habits and shaped the camp environment in a positive direction. Through the Power Up training, camp staff were able to learn and familiarize themselves with the available tools and resources to help with daily activity programming. However, there are challenges and barriers to implementing the Power Up intervention that requires further research. Conclusion: These results of this study will inform an understanding of program implementation and the way camp environments support physical activity and healthy eating in campers and counsellors for insight into program outcomes. This information will assist La Fondation Tremplin Santé in future iterations of the program and add to growing evidence regarding capacity building interventions to enhance healthy habits.