JIM SIBTHORP, PhD portrait
  • Professor, Parks, Recreation & Tourism
801-581-5940

Research Statement

I remain most interested in how recreation programs and experiences can be designed and implemented to best afford developmental experiences for youth.  My approach to research is generally to bridge theory and practice. I believe Parks, Recreation, and Tourism is an applied discipline and that our research should have practical implications. I generally use quantitative techniques or mixed methods.

Research Keywords

  • Youth Development and Youth Programs
  • Recreation Program Design and Evaluation
  • Outdoor Adventure Education
  • Organized Camping
  • Experiential Education

Grants, Contracts & Research Gifts

  • Learning from Eight Decades of Global Character Training: Examining Cultural Adaptations with the Outward Bound International Network. PI: ALLISON, PETE. Co-PI(s): SIBTHORP,ROBERT J, WILEY, SARAH. John Templeton Foundation, 09/01/2022 - 08/31/2025. Total project budget to date: $1,400,000.00
  • Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Staffing Pathways. PI: SIBTHORP,ROBERT J. Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies, 08/16/2021 - 12/31/2023. Total project budget to date: $120,000.00

Languages

  • English, fluent.

Publications

  • Ricks, M. & Sibthorp, J. (2023). Promising practices for creating more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and racially just summertime programs and camps. Journal of Youth Development. 18(3). ISSN 2325-4017. Available at: https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/jyd/vol18/iss3/7. Published, 09/30/2023.
  • Lubeznick-Warner, R., Sibthorp, J., Froehly, M., Wainryb, C., & Taylor, J. (2023). A narrative identity approach to understanding meaning-making in summer camp employment. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration. DOI: 10.18666/JPRA-2023-11923. Published, 07/01/2023.
  • Lubeznik-Warner, R., Sibthorp, J., Richmond, D., Froehly, M., & Wycoff, T. (2023). Comparing summer camp to other summertime settings: An explanatory-sequential mixed-methods study. Journal of Leisure Research. DOI: 10.1080/00222216.2023.2244475. Published, 06/03/2023.
  • Povilaitis, V. & Sibthorp, J. (2023). Examining self-authorship in seasonal work: a study of summer camp employment and developmentally effective experiences. American Journal of Qualitative Research. 7(3), 115-138. DOI: 10.29333/ajqr/133395. Published, 06/02/2023.
  • Spielvogel, B., Ricks, M., Froehly, M., Sibthorp, J., Williams, T., Friedman, W., Hetz, T. (2023). Making summer camp inclusive: Staff perspectives from two national youth-serving organizations. Journal of Youth Development. 18(2), ISSN 2325-4017. Published, 06/01/2023.
  • Froehly, M., Riley, M., Sibthorp, J., & Rochelle, S. (2023). Re-examining the Relationship Between Indicators of Program Quality and Learning Leadership at NOLS. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership. DOI: 10.18666/JOREL-2023-11833. Published, 03/01/2023.
  • Meerts-Brandsma, L., Sibthorp, J., & Riley, M. (2023). Situating semester schools in the landscape of high school learning. Learning Environments Research. Published, 01/11/2023.
  • Meerts-Brandsma, L., Melton, T., & Sibthorp, J. (2022). Experiential education programs: Fertile environments for identity formation. Journal of Experiential Education. Published, 11/07/2022.
  • Richmond, D., McGovern, R. Wycoff, T., Froehly, M., Ricks, M., & Sibthorp, J., (2022). Differential impacts of COVID-19 on summer activities and environments for children from high- and low-income families. Children, Youth and Environments. Published, 08/02/2022.
  • Richmond, D., Sibthorp, J., & Hodge, C. (2022). Sending children to camp: An analysis of decision-making by family income. Family Relations. DOI: 10.1111/fare.12730. Published, 07/13/2022.
  • Povilaitis, V. & Sibthorp, J. (2022). Developmental experiences in seasonal employment: A national mixed-methods study of summer camp. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration. DOI: 10.18666/JPRA-2022-11485. Published, 06/07/2022.
  • Povilaitis, V., Sibthorp, J., & Warner, R. (2021). “It’s Not Real Life”: Liminality and summer camp employment. Journal of Adolescent Research. DOI: 10.1177/07435584211055980. Published, 12/01/2021.
  • Warner, R., Sibthorp, J., Povilaitis, V., & Taylor, J. (2022). Clarifying work values through seasonal employment: An instrumental case study of summer camp employment. Journal of Career Development. DOI: 10.1177/08948453211069115. Published, 11/03/2021.
  • Meerts-Brandsma, L. & Sibthorp, J. (2021). Examining adolescent identity formation processes in immersion semester high schools. Identity. DOI: 10.1080/15283488.2021.1916747. Published, 05/05/2021.
  • Warner, R., Povilaitis, V., Sibthorp, J., & Richmond, D. (2021). Emerging adults’ perceptions of summer camp as meaningful work. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership. 13 (2). 16-31. DOI: 10.18666/JOREL-2021-V13-I2-10539. Published, 05/01/2021.
  • Riley, M., Dickerson, J., Sibthorp, J., & Bialeschki, M. D. (2021) Neither camper nor staff: Understanding Counselor-in-Training programs. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership. DOI:10.18666/JOREL-2021-V13-I1-10581. Published, 02/01/2021.
  • Povilaitis, V., Sibthorp, J., & Richmond, D. (2021) Camp employment as a developmental setting for emerging adults: A national mixed-methods study. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership. DOI:10.18666/JOREL-2021-V13-I1-10545. Published, 02/01/2021.
  • Ricks, M., Meerts-Brandsma, L., & Sibthorp. J. (2021). Experiential education and self-authorship: An examination of students enrolled in immersion high schools. Journal of Experiential Education. DOI:10.1177/1053825920980787. Published, 01/05/2021.
  • Warner, R., Sibthorp, J., Wilson, C., Browne, L., Barrett, S., Gillard, A., and Sorenson, J. (2021). Similarities and differences in summer camps: A mixed-methods study of lasting outcomes and program elements. Children and Youth Services Review. 120. DOI:10.1 0l 6/j.childyouth.2020.105779. Published, 12/31/2020.
  • Richmond, D., Sibthorp, J., & Bialeschki, D. (2020). Employer Perceptions of Seasonal Summer Camp Employment. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration. DOI: 10.18666/JPRA-2020-10355. Published, 10/01/2020.
  • Meerts-Brandsma, L. & Sibthorp, J. (2020). Considering transformative learning for adolescents enrolled at semester schools. Journal of Transformative Education. DOI: 10.1177/1541344620936779. Published, 05/03/2020.
  • Richmond, D., Sibthorp, J., & Bialeschki, D. (2020). Motivations and barriers for seasonal camp employment. Journal of Youth Development. 15(1). 180-203. DOI 10.5195/jyd.2020.822. Published, 04/03/2020.
  • Rushford, N., DiRenzo, A., Furman, N., & Sibthorp, J. (2020) Implications of shortening outdoor adventure education courses: Identifying prioritized outcomes and effective processes. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership. 12(2). 164-180. DOI: 10.18666/JOREL-2020-V12-I2-9963. Published, 03/09/2020.
  • Sibthorp, J., Wilson, C., Povilaitis, V., & Browne, L. (2020). Active ingredients of learning at summer camp. Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education. DOI: 10.1007/s42322-019-00050-6. Published, 01/14/2020.
  • Meerts-Brandsma, L., Sibthorp, J., & Rochelle, S. (2019). Using transformational learning theory to understand outdoor adventure education. Journal of Adventure Education & Outdoor Learning. DOI : 10.1080/14729679.2019.1686040. Published, 10/10/2019.
  • Garg, H., Schubert, M., Gappmaier, E., Sibthorp, J., Foreman, K., & Dibble, L. (2019). Test-retest reliability, response stability of gaze stabilization, postural sway and dynamic balance tests in persons with Multiple Sclerosis and controls. International Journal of MS Care. Published, 10/10/2019.
  • Richmond, D. & Sibthorp, J. (2019). Bridging the opportunity gap: College access programs and outdoor adventure education. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership. 11(4). 301-319. DOI 10.18666/JOREL-2019-V11-I4-9646. Published, 09/09/2019.
  • Jostad, J., Sibthorp, J., Butner, J., & Rochelle, S. (2019). Adolescent sense of belonging in outdoor adventure education: The influence of conflict and instructors. Journal of Research in Outdoor Education. 17. 20-37. DOI 10.1353/roe.2019.0001. Published, 08/08/2019.
  • Richmond, D., Sibthorp, J., & Wilson, C. (2019). Understanding the role of summer camps in the learning landscape: An exploratory sequential study. Journal of Youth Development. 14(3). 9-30. DOI 10.5195/jyd.2019.780. Published, 08/01/2019.
  • Meerts-Brandsma, L., Sibthorp, J., & Rochelle, S. (2019). Examining long-term transfer between socioeconomically differentiated students in outdoor adventure education. Journal of Experiential Education. 42(3). 213-228. DOI 10.1177/1053825919846154. Published, 05/01/2019.
  • Wilson, C., Akiva, T., Sibthorp, J., & Browne, L. (2019). Fostering distinct and transferable learning via summer camp. Children and Youth Services Review. 98. 269-277. DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2019.01.017. Published, 01/03/2019.
  • Wilson, C. & Sibthorp, J. (2018). The role of behavioral loyalty in youth development at summer camp. Journal of Leisure Research. DOI 10.1080/00222216.2018.1544840. Published, 12/01/2018.
  • Garg, H. & Schubert, M., Gappmaier, E., Sibthorp, J., Foreman, K., Dibble, L. (2018). Gaze stability, dynamic balance and participation deficits in people with multiple sclerosis at fall-risk. The Anatomical Record. DOI 10.1002/ar.23852. Published, 07/2018.
  • Sibthorp, J. & Funnell, A., Riley, M., Chan, B., & Meerts-Brandsma, L. (2018). Outdoor adventure education in East Asia: Interpreting data from Outward Bound Hong Kong. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership. 10(1). 67-78. DOI 10.18666/JOREL-2018-V10-I1-8194. Published, 07/2018.
  • Wilson, C. & Sibthorp, J. (2018). Examining the role of summer camps in developing academic and workplace readiness. Journal of Youth Development. 13 (1-2) 83-104. DOI 10.5195/jyd.2018.563. Published, 06/2018.
  • Wilson, C., & Sibthorp, J. (2017). The developmental importance of success and failure experiences at summer camp. Journal of Youth Development. 12(3). 18-36. DOI 10.5195/jyd.2017.502. Published, 12/06/2017.
  • Jostad, J., Sibthorp, J., Butner, J., Rochelle, S., & Gookin, J. (2017). Using dynamical systems theory in outdoor adventure education research. Journal of Research in Outdoor Education. Published, 11/01/2017.
  • Wilson, C., Sibthorp, J., Brusseau, T. (2017). Increasing youth's physical activity and enjoyment through goal-setting at summer camp. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration. 35(4). 24-26. DOI 10.18666/JPRA-2017-V35-I4-7930. Published, 08/09/2017.
  • Richmond, D., Sibthorp, J., Annarella, S., & Ferri, S. (2017). Complementing classroom learning through outdoor adventure education: Out-of-school-time experiences that make a difference. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning. 10.1080/14729679.2017.1324313. Published, 02/09/2017.
  • Morgan, C., Sibthorp, J., & Browne, L. (2016). Moving beyond outcomes: An applied example of implementation evaluation in a youth recreation program. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration. 34(4). 66-81. DOI:10.18666/JPRA-2016-V34-I4-7290. Published, 08/15/2016.
  • Schumann, S. & Sibthorp, J. (2016). Improving the accuracy of outdoor educators teaching self-efficacy beliefs through metacognitive monitoring. Journal of Experiential Education. DOI: 10.1177/1053825916640540. Published, 06/01/2016.
  • Collins, R., Sibthorp, J., & Gookin, J. (2016). Developing ill-structured problem-solving skills through wilderness education. Journal of Experiential Education. DOI:10.1177/1053825916639611. Published, 05/25/2016.
  • Richmond, D., Sibthorp, J., Jostad, J., Pohja, M., & Gookin, J. (2016). Social dynamics in outdoor adventure groups: Factors determining peer status. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership. 8(1). 41-56. DOI: 10.18666/JOREL-2016-V8-I1-7283. Published, 04/04/2016.
  • Morgan, C., Sibthorp, J., & Tsethlikai, M. (2016). Fostering self-regulation skills in youth: Examining the effects of a mentoring curriculum in a summer recreation program. Leisure Sciences. DOI: 10.1080/01490400.2015.1083496. Published, 02/09/2016.
  • Wilson, C., Sibthorp, J., & Richmond, D. (2016, February). Research update: Freedom to fail, strategies for recreation programmers to facilitate growth mindsets among youth. Parks and Recreation. 16-18. Published, 01/04/2016.
  • Sibthorp, J. & Richmond, D. (2016). Adventure Education: Crucible, Catalyst, and Inexact. Handbook of Outdoor Studies (Humberstone, B., Prince, H., & Henderson, K., Eds.) Routledge. Published, 12/01/2015.
  • Jostad, J., Sibthorp, J., Pohja, M., & Gookin, J. (2015). The adolescent social group in outdoor adventure education: Making social connections that matter. Journal of Research in Outdoor Education. 13. 16-37. Published, 11/02/2015.
  • Sibthorp, J., Collins, R., Rathunde, K., Paisley, K., Schumann, S., Pohja, M., Gookin, J., & Baynes, S. (2015). Fostering experiential self-regulation in college age students through outdoor adventure education. Journal of Experiential Education. DOI: 10.1177/1053825913516735. Published, 01/01/2015.
  • Schumann, S. & Sibthorp, J. (2014). The development and scaling of the Teaching Outdoor Education Self-Efficacy Scale. Journal of Research in Outdoor Education.12(1). 80-98. Published, 11/04/2014.
  • Browne, L., & Sibthorp, J. (2014). Training staff to create caring communities: Promises and challenges. Journal of Youth Development. 9(4). 47-60. Published, 11/03/2014.
  • Schumann, S., Sibthorp, J. & Hacker, D. (2014). Illusion of Competence: Increasing Self-Efficacy in Outdoor Leaders. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership. 6(2) 91-113. DOI:10.7768/1948-5123.1174. Published, 10/06/2014.
  • Morgan, C., Sibthorp, J., & Wells. M. (2014). Fun, Activities, and a Positive Social Climate: Leveraging Key Elements of Recreation Programs to Foster Self-Regulation in Youth. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration. 32(3). 74-91.. Published, 08/17/2014.
  • D’Eloia, M. & Sibthorp, J. (2014). Relatedness for youth with disabilities: Testing a recreation program model. Journal of Leisure Research. 46(4) 462-482. Published, 06/2014.
  • Paisley, K., Jostad, J., Sibthorp, J., Pohja, M., Gookin, J., Rajagopal-Durbin, A. (2014). Considering students’ experiences in diverse Groups: case studies from NOLS. Journal of Leisure Research. 46(3) 329-341. Published, 05/01/2014.
  • Ewert, A. & Sibthorp, J. (2014). Outdoor Adventure Education: Foundations, Theory, and Research. Champaign, Illinois: Human Kinetics. Published, 01/2014.
  • Sibthorp, J. & Bocarro, J. (2014). Leisure research and the legacy of George Daniel Butler. Journal of Leisure Research, 46(1), 1-5. Published, 01/2014.
  • Sibthorp, J. & Jostad, J. (2014). The social system in outdoor adventure education programs: Present and future. Journal of Experiential Education State of Knowledge Issue. 37(1). 60-74. DOI: 10.1177/1053825913518897. Published, 01/2014.
  • Jostad, J., Sibthorp, J., & Paisley, K. (2013). Understanding groups in outdoor adventure education through social network analysis. The Australian Journal of Outdoor Education. Published, 11/12/2013.
  • Furman, N. & Sibthorp, J. (2014). The development of prosocial behavior in adolescents: A mixed methods study from NOLS. Journal of Experiential Education. 37(2). DOI: 10.1177/1053825913489105. Published, 11/2013.
  • Sibthorp, J., Bialeschki, D., Morgan, C., & Browne, L. (2013). Validating, norming, & utility of a youth outcomes battery for recreation programs and camps. Journal of Leisure Research. 45(4). 514-536. Published, 06/06/2013.
  • Allsop, J., Negley, S., & Sibthorp, J. (2013). Assessing the social effects of a therapeutic recreation summer camp for adolescents with chronic illness. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 47(1), 35-46. Published, 02/12/2013.
  • Furman, N. & Sibthorp, J. (2013). Leveraging experiential learning techniques for transfer. Invited paper. New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education, 137, 17-26. Published, 02/02/2013.
  • Collins, R., Sibthorp, J., Gookin, J., & Schumann, S. (2012). The role and importance of program quality in outdoor adventure programs for youth: Examining program quality indicators as predictors of outcome achievement among NOLS participants. Research in Outdoor Education, 11.. Published, 12/2012.
  • Sibthorp, J., Bialeschki, D., Morgan, C., & Browne, L. (2012, November). Validating, Norming, & Utility of a Youth Outcomes Battery for Outdoor Programs and Camps. Presentation at the AEE Symposium on Experiential Education Research. Madison, WI. Published, 12/2012.
  • Sibthorp, J., Collins, R., Gookin, J., & Pohja, M. (2012, November). Fostering Self-Directed Learning in College Aged Students through Wilderness Semesters. Presentation at the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education Annual Research Symposium. Snowbird, UT. Published, 12/2012.
  • Schumann, S., Schimelpfenig, T., Sibthorp, J., & Collins, R. (2012, November). An Examination of Wilderness First Aid Knowledge, Self-Efficacy, and Skill Retention. Presentation at the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education Annual Research Symposium. Snowbird, UT. Published, 12/2012.
  • Jostad, J., Paisley, K., Sibthorp, J., & Gookin, J. (2012, November) The multi-dimensionality of group cohesion: A temporal examination of NOLS courses. Presentation at the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education Annual Research Symposium. Snowbird, UT. Published, 12/2012.
  • Schumann, S. & Sibthorp, J. (2012, November). The Development and Scaling of The Teaching Outdoor Education Self-Efficacy Scale. Presentation at the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education Annual Research Symposium. Snowbird, UT. Published, 12/2012.
  • Schumann, S., Schimelpfenig, T., Sibthorp, J., & *Collins, R. (2012). An examination of wilderness first aid knowledge, self-efficacy, and skill retention. Wilderness and Environmental Medicine Journal, 23, 281-287. Published, 09/2012.
  • Collins, R., Paisley, K., Sibthorp, J., & Gookin, J. (2012) “Black and White Thinkers” and “Colorful Problems”: Understanding student thinking in outdoor education. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership, 4(3), 185-198. Published, 09/2012.
  • D’Eloia, M. & Sibthorp, J. (2012). The Youth Relatedness Scale: Development of a new evaluation tool for youth programs. Journal of Youth Development, 7(2), 61-75. Published, 09/2012.
  • Shooter, W., Paisley, K., & Sibthorp, J. (2012). Fostering trust in outdoor leaders: The role of personal attributes. Journal of Experiential Education. 35(1), 222-237. Published, 07/2012.
  • Bialeschki, D., Sibthorp, J., & Griswold, B. (2012). A national poll of teens’ environmental attitudes: Implications for outdoor programs. Abstracts from the Coalition for Education in the Outdoors Research Symposium (pp. 71-73). Martinsville, IN. Published, 07/2012.
  • Phillips, D., Hannon, J., Castelli, D., Eisenman, P., White, A., & Sibthorp, J. (2012, March). The Effect of Acute Vigorous Exercise on Mathematics Test Performance AAPHERD Research Consortium. Boston, MA. Published, 07/2012.
  • Furman, N., & Sibthorp, J. (2012). Adventure Programs and Learning Transfer: An Uneasy Alliance (pp. 39-45). In B. Martin and M. Wagstaff (Eds.), Controversial Issues in Adventure Programming. Champaign, Illinois: Human Kinetics. Published, 07/2012.
  • Browne, L. & Sibthorp, J. (2012, February). Fostering camp connectedness through structured curricula at day camp. Presentation at the American Camp Association Research Symposium, Atlanta, GA. Published, 02/2012.
  • Morgan, C. & Sibthorp, J. (2012, February). Program fidelity, adaptation, and participant responsiveness: Key processes tied to evaluating program efficacy. Presentation at the American Camp Association Research Symposium, Atlanta, GA. Published, 02/2012.
  • Bialeschki, D., Sibthorp, J., & Griswold, B. (2012, February). A national poll of teens’ attitudes toward the outdoors: What’s it got to do with camp? Presentation at the American Camp Association Research Symposium, Atlanta, GA. Published, 02/2012.
  • Gookin, J., Sibthorp, J., & Paisley, K. (2012). Measurement of challenge (stress) type and intensity in wilderness education students. Abstracts from the Coalition for Education in the Outdoors Research Symposium (pp. 16-18). Martinsville, IN. Published, 01/2012.
  • Sibthorp, J., Collins, R., Paisley, K., Rathunde, K., Schumann, S., Gookin, J., & Baynes, S. (2012). Developing lifelong learners: Enhancing dispositional enjoyment of learning through optimal engagement in adventure education programs. Abstracts from the Coalition for Education in the Outdoors Research Symposium (pp. 13-16). Martinsville, IN. Published, 01/2012.
  • Morgan, C., Sibthorp, J., & Tsethlikai, M. (2012). The effects of a mentoring program on adolescents' self-regulation skills at summer camp. Abstracts from the Coalition for Education in the Outdoors Research Symposium (pp. 106-108). Martinsville, IN. Published, 01/2012.
  • Collins, R., Sibthorp, J., & Gookin, J. (2012). The importance of program quality in youth development: Program quality indicators as predictors of outcome achievement among NOLS participants. Abstracts from the Coalition for Education in the Outdoors Research Symposium (pp. 99-104). Martinsville, IN. Published, 01/2012.
  • Eastep, B., Cachelin, A., & Sibthorp, J. (2011). Affinity for nature in outdoor programming: Theoretical foundations, scale development, and importance. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership. 3(3), 126-136. Published, 11/2011.
  • Sibthorp, J. & Morgan, C. (Summer 2011). Adventure-based programming: Exemplary youth development practice. New Directions for Youth Development, No. 130, 105-120. doi:10.1002/yd400. Published, 07/2011.
  • Sibthorp, J., Furman, N., Paisley, K., Gookin, J. & Schumann, S. (2011). Mechanisms of learning transfer in adventure education: Qualitative results from the NOLS transfer survey. Journal of Experiential Education. 34(2), 109-118. Published, 07/2011.
  • Sibthorp, J., Paisley, K., & Gookin, J. (2007). Exploring participant development through adventure-based recreation programming: A model from the National Outdoor Leadership School. Leisure Sciences 29(1), 1-18. Published, 07/2007.
  • Sibthorp, J. (2003). An empirical look at Walsh and Golins’ adventure education process model: Relationships between antecedent factors, perceptions of characteristics of an adventure education experience, and changes in self-efficacy. Journal of Leisure Research 35(2). 80-106. Published, 07/2003.