Barry A. Garst, Ph.D. is an associate professor of youth development leadership at Clemson University in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management. Prior to joining Clemson’s faculty, Dr. Garst served as the director of program development and research application with the American Camp Association (ACA). Dr. Garst’s research and professional interests focus on the developmental outcomes of youth programs, with a particular focus on out-of-school time settings. His research has also examined the meanings that youth and families attribute to nature-based settings and experiences and the impact of nature-based experiences on healthy family functioning and positive parenting. Projects under Dr. Garst’s leadership have included the 5-year Healthy Camp Study of youth and staff injuries and illness in camps, implementation and evaluation of a national 3-year youth leadership and environmental stewardship program, and a multi-state evaluation of the impacts of family camp experiences. Dr. Garst’s publications include 34 peer-reviewed journal articles, 5 books and invited chapters, and 27 technical reports and educational publications. In addition, he has delivered over 60 presentations across a range of topics related to positive youth development settings and outcomes. Dr. Garst graduated from Virginia Tech with a B.S. in Psychology, completed his M.S. degree at Arizona State University in Recreation Administration, and earned a Ph.D. from Virginia Tech in the Human/Social Dimensions of Forestry/Natural Resources.