Dr. Jason Bocarro is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management at North Carolina State University. He teaches introductory undergraduate courses within the department, outdoor recreation programming, and both graduate and undergraduate courses in youth and adolescent development, management and supervision of recreation services and recreation resource management. Prior to joining the faculty at NC State, Jason spent 5 years as a faculty member at the University of New Hampshire. His Ph.D. was completed at Texas A&M University. Jason also holds a Master’s degree in Health & Human Performance from Dalhousie University in Canada and an undergraduate degree in Sociology and Sport & Exercise Sciences from University of Birmingham in England.

Dr. Bocarro’s research interests are broadly defined around the growing area of youth development predominately focusing in recreational settings such as outdoor adventure programs, summer camp environments, community recreation programs, after school programs and youth sport programs.  His current research investigates how healthy relationships develop between youth and adults in community-based youth development programs.  Other current research projects include: the influence of parents in youth programs and settings, efficacy of intramural sport program in promoting physical activity among middle school children and the role of specific settings and programs in promoting physical activity among children. Dr. Bocarro has published book chapters and articles in a variety of peer-reviewed academic journals. He has also conducted a number of trainings and workshops at state and national conferences primarily focusing on youth and adolescent issues and issues of teaching in higher education.

Some of his recognitions include: 2003 Ritvo Award (given to the outstanding undergraduate/faculty research project); 2004 State of New Hampshire Good Stewards Campus Compact Award (awarded for work that improves the communities of New Hampshire); 2004 University of New Hampshire School of Health and Human Services Young Investigator of the Year award (awarded to an untenured faculty member who has demonstrated extraordinary progress in establishing a productive line of research). He currently serves on the Board of Directors for SPRE and is an associate editor for the Journal of Park and Recreation Administration.

Jason’s practitioner experiences include working for recreation departments in Texas, Nova Scotia, Canada and London, England, mostly involving designing programs and facilitating staff who work with youth.  He has also directed a summer camp program for 2 years in New Hampshire and worked as a program staff member at a year round outdoor education center.  Jason is also a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School and a certified track and field and soccer coach.