By using the Conclusions reached by interpreting the Evaluation of previous iterations of the programs and applying them on newer iterations and then evaluating what those changes did or didn’t do.

Clear and direct language and communication, having a diversity methods of explanation and evaluation, having a clear and non-judgemental option to not participate in the evaluation.

Having only a week of in person contact with our participants is a challenging barrier to evaluation. Dealing with relationships and human connections brings some barrier of human complexity and nuance of individual styles of relating. Evaluating and getting feedback from stakeholders not at camp is another barrier to be overcome.

I think Evaluation is like a Scout behind enemy lines because it helps us get important information to decide on an appropriate path to “Victory” but we need a well trained scout (good Evaluation skills) and the proper objective for the scout (focus on important questions) to be able to gather useful information and plan a good strategy.