Camp experiences and developmental outcomes for youth

The effects of Swiss summer camp on the development of socio-emotional abilities in children

This quasi-experimental research explores the relationship between participation in two-week summer camps and changes in children's altruism and self-esteem. Data were collected from 256 children aged 6 to 16 years. A self-reported altruism scale, a self-evaluation questionnaire and a temperament measure (EAS) were administered on two occasions either two weeks apart during the summer holidays or in class before and after the autumn holidays. The responses of 145 children attending summer camps were compared with those of 111 pupils. A significant increase in the altruism score was found between the pre-test and post-test in the camp condition, but no change in the children's self-esteem was found with the entire sample. Exploratory analyses suggest variables that may be associated with more favourable participation in summer camps; certain dimensions of temperament are among them, as well as factors related to the camps themselves. Differences in the increase of altruism and self-esteem scores in summer camp were observed according to the identified child profiles. The limitations of this work are highlighted before proposing perspectives for future research.

"Like Any Other Camp": Experiences and lessons learned from an integrated day camp for children with heart disease

PURPOSE

Summer camps for children living with heart disease can have a profound impact on well-being. However, specialized camps often require extensive resources (i.e., 24-h medical staff supervision) and may be located in far remote settings. Integrating children with heart disease into mainstream day camps may address these barriers. The purpose of this study is to describe the experience of attending an integrated day camp from the perspectives of children with heart disease and their parents.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This study used a qualitative descriptive design. Among 25 eligible families, 9 participated in interviews which were held 3 months to 2 years after attending an integrated camp (mean age of children at camp was 7.3 ± 2.25 years). Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim for an inductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Many parents chose the integrated camp as their child's first summer camp experience, citing trust in the local division of Cardiology's approval of the camp activities as an important reason for enrolling. All participants agreed the integrated camp was a valued opportunity which should continue, although not all described positive camp experiences. Participants' descriptions of the integrated camp were organized into two main themes: 1) overall expectations of the camp and 2) important opportunities afforded by the camp experience. Partaking in a typical camp experience, connecting to local children with heart disease, adequate safety precautions and activity adaptations were specific expectations held by participants. Important opportunities included greater independence and confidence, navigating disclosure of their diagnosis to peers on their own terms, and more diverse social connections. Improving communication with parents to ensure expectations match camp objectives would have enhanced the experience.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Practitioners looking for an alternative to specialized camps for their patients with heart disease may use these results to guide the design and promotion of an integrated camp.

The Influence of a Peer Support Camp on Mitigating Emotional Distress in Siblings of Children With Cancer

Background: Siblings of children with cancer often experience anxiety and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), which negatively impact their self-esteem due to emotionally upsetting circumstances. The purpose of this longitudinal quantitative study was to investigate changes in anxiety, PTSS, and self-esteem of youth who participated in a peer support camp for siblings of children with cancer. Methods: A longitudinal study examined changes over time. Data were collected from 32 sibling surveys pre-, post-, and three months after camp. Siblings completed assessments to measure anxiety, PTSS, and self-esteem. A repeated measures ANOVA or Friedman Test was conducted to identify changes across the three data points for each outcome measured. Post hoc comparisons using paired sample t-tests or Wilcoxon Signed-Rank tests were conducted. Results: Significant improvements in anxiety; T1 and T2 (p < .000); T1 and T3 (p < .000). Significant decrease in PTSS; T1 and T2 (p = .001); T1 and T3 (p = .011). Significant improvement in self-esteem scores for older participants (ages 10-16); T1 and T2 (p < .000). Significant improvement in self-esteem for younger participants (ages 7-9); T1 and T3 (p = .005). Discussion: The data generated in this study expand knowledge about the influence of peer support camps on reducing the emotional distress of siblings of children with cancer. The findings warrant further research on the long-term impact of such camps, the value of repeated participation, differences between bereaved and nonbereaved siblings, the phase of the cancer experience, and elements of the camp that have the most impact.

"Here I can just be myself": How youth and adults collaboratively develop an identity-safe community across difference

The aim of this study was to investigate the development of identity safety-where all participants are valued, included, and can engage without fear of stigmatization-among underrepresented youth and adults in a community-based youth development program. Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted daily with three youth and two adult mentors about their experiences in the program (a total of 32 interviews). Data analysis revealed that participants developed identity safety through engaging in programmatic activities that explored youth's identities, practicing authenticity in daily interactions, and facilitating dynamic communication across intergenerational friendships. Participants described sustaining identity safety through formal social support spaces, mutual support in group settings, and peer support. Ultimately, these experiences set the foundation for youth and adults to engage in positive risk-taking and self-reflection. Implications for researchers and youth development programs are discussed.

Nature as an Ecological Asset for Positive Youth Development: Empirical Evidence From Rural Communities

Despite increasing emphasis on youth contact with nature and associated benefits, research has not examined the direct relationship between adolescents' nature-based experiences and holistic measures of positive youth development (PYD). This gap may stem from the lack of interdisciplinary work on nature and PYD. Our study integrates multiple disciplinary perspectives to explore direct associations between time in nature, connection to nature, and the five Cs of PYD (competence, connection, confidence, character, and caring) as well as the "sixth" C of contribution. From 2015 to 2016, we collected data from 587 diverse South Carolina middle school students (57% female, 40% BIPOC) between the ages of 11 and 14 (M age = 12.9) and living in predominantly low-income communities. OLS regression analyses indicated that across all youth, self-reported connection to nature was a consistent positive correlate of overall PYD and each of the individual Cs. Time in nature was associated with overall PYD and competence. Findings demonstrate significant associations between nature-based experiences and PYD and underscore the importance of ensuring that diverse youth can access and enjoy the developmental benefits of nature and nature-based recreation opportunities.

Exploring the after-hours social experiences of youth with disabilities in residential immersive life skills programs: a photo elicitation study

PURPOSE

This study explored the meaning of the after-hours social experiences of youth with disabilities in a residential life skills program. After-hours experiences occur outside of formal program hours, primarily in the evenings.

METHOD

Five youth with cerebral palsy (three females) participated in an exploratory photo elicitation study while attending one of two residential immersive life skills programs. Following an auto-driven photo elicitation method, youth took photos of their choosing and then were interviewed about photos they elected to share. Interview data were analyzed thematically.

RESULTS

Themes illustrated meaningful social experiences and their benefits. Two themes described the after-hours social experiences of most importance to youth: learning about strengths from working together, and having meaningful individual and group conversations. Three themes reflected benefits reported by youth: learning about differences among people, gaining new perspectives and new knowledge about oneself, and developing friendships and a sense of "family."

CONCLUSIONS

The findings illuminate the benefits of after-hours social experiences for youth who may have had little opportunity previously to informally interact with other youth with disabilities. The findings highlight the importance of the immersive, group nature of a residential, away-from-home youth transition program, particularly the value added by the after-hours program component.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe findings support the value of an over-night residential aspect for life skills programs for youth with disabilities.Residential immersive life skills programs provide opportunities for youth to discuss common experiences and shared challenges, leading to the formation of social bonds.Residential immersive life skills programs provide opportunities for youth to interact with peers in the absence of adults, and to make choices about how to use their personal time.It is important to intentionally design transition programs to provide opportunities for after-hours social experiences, including working together and socializing.

Effects of a teen resident camp leadership program on changes in dimensions of self-control and interpersonal functioning, and their theory-based relationships

Camp leadership programs have the potential of improving important psychosocial factors in teens who might eventually become counselors. Accepted behavioral theory might increase understandings of those changes so program training architectures can be improved. As part of larger-scale longitudinal research, participants (N = 129; 64 % female, M_age = 14.6 years, SD = 0.6) were selected by senior camp administrators for a structured leadership training program that required in-person conferences, viewing training videos every 2 weeks, obtaining ongoing mentoring from senior camp staff, and attending several weeks of summer camp where further training was provided. Validated surveys of proposed dimensions of self-control and interpersonal functioning were administered twice over 6 months to assess training program-associated changes. There were significant improvements in total self-control, self-control specifically related to coping, and family-related functioning. Although no demographic factor was associated with score change, baseline score was a significant predictor across measures. After controlling for baseline scores, stepwise multiple regression analyses indicated that higher self-control scores (i.e., planful behavior, coping efficacy, affective thought management) significantly predicted improvements in general, family, and peer-related functioning. Theory-based relationships between changes in self-control and interpersonal functioning enabled the identification of training program areas that might be targeted for improvement.

"A place to call our own": The impact of camp experiences on the psychosocial wellbeing of children and youth affected by cancer - A narrative review

BACKGROUND

Although childhood cancer mortality rates are decreasing, intensive treatment modalities and missed school days may leave childhood cancer patients psychologically and socially vulnerable. Children with cancer often have increased anxiety, lower levels of self-esteem, and higher rates of depression, all of which may impair their psychosocial wellbeing. Specialized camps for children with cancer are becoming increasingly popular, as they provide a stress-free, outdoor environment in which children are able to interact with individuals similar to themselves, while experiencing the joys of a "normal childhood."

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review was to explore how camp participation impacts the psychosocial wellbeing of childhood cancer patients and survivors.

METHODS

Six databases (MEDLINE, PsychINFO, EMBASE, CINHAL, Sociological Abstracts, Social Sciences Citation Index) were systematically searched for English literature published between 2007 and 2018. The search generated 1707 titles, and after being evaluated for relevance, 18 articles met the inclusion criteria. A thematic analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

A variety of camp programs and methodologies were employed among the studies. Camp participation led to improved social health, followed by enhanced constructions of the self, quality of life, sense of normalcy, and attitude.

CONCLUSION

This review demonstrates the potential ability of camp to buffer psychosocial losses for children affected by cancer. Addressing limitations, such as the lack of child-centered methodologies employed in camp settings, may not only help to guide future research on therapeutic recreation experiences for children with cancer, but also expand the evidence base for children living with other chronic illnesses and disabilities.

Tough decisions in medical specialty camps: Relationships between camp dosage, outcomes, and camper attendance

RATIONALE

Medical specialty camps play a significant role in the lives of the youth they serve. These camps have been found to improve self-determination in campers, to develop camper skills in managing a disability or coping with a diagnosis, and to provide campers with respite/escape from the challenges associated with their disability or diagnosis. Youth attending medical specialty camps are often funded through full or partial scholarships, mitigating a significant constraint to their participation. These resources are limited, leading camp administrators charged with allocating funding to make challenging decisions in determining which campers would most benefit from camp participation.

OBJECTIVE

This study examines a factor often linked to the escalating achievement of outcomes, repeated camp attendance, in 217 youth (ages 10-16) attending a one-week residential summer "Type 1 diabetes" camp. Specifically, two research questions were examined using a structural equation model (SEM): (1) what effect does repeat camp attendance (returning for multiple years) have on targeted outcome achievement, and (2) how does camper age moderate the relationship between repeated camp attendance and outcomes?

RESULTS

The study results indicate across the 10-outcomes tested in the study (e.g., relatedness, autonomy, competence), repeat attendance had no statistically meaningful effect (p ≤ .05) on outcome scores, nor did camper age moderate the strength of relationship between attendance and outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The lack of relationship between attendance and outcomes supports prior meta-analyses suggesting the lack of value of repeated attendance, as does the non-significant moderational effect. The results of this study may illustrate to program providers and funders that no discernible benefit (in terms of targeted and measured outcomes in the current study) is due to repeat attendance, which can inform resource allocation and camper recruitment decisions.

Sport summer camp for children and youth with visual impairment: Descriptive case study of Camp Abilities

The purpose of this study was to describe the operational characteristics of Camp Abilities, an educational sports summer camp for children and youth with visual impairment. In this descriptive multiple case study, the data collected comprises interviews with seven adapted physical education faculty members, questionnaire, and document analysis. Camps were often run at university campuses, where undergraduate and graduate physical education students perform the role of instructing campers and eventually helping in the camp organizing process. These camps include a minimum of 30 to more than 120 participants (i.e. directors, campers, coaches, and specialist) each session, lasting from 4 to 7 days. In this scenario, although each camp has particular features, camps’ purposes, participants, activities, and schedules are very similar, showing that this is a feasible and reproducible approach, which can provide enriching opportunities for diverse groups.

Looking Outside: Summer Camp for Children Who Have Undergone a Solid-Organ Transplant

A high-quality critical care team is an essential component of any successful organ transplant program. From pretransplant care to the crucial postoperative period, its importance cannot be discounted. However, because of the focused nature of work in an intensive care unit (ICU), all too often members of the ICU team are not able to see and appreciate the ultimate fruits of their labor. These are factors that can contribute to the high rates of burnout and turnover among ICU teams. This article presents the concept of a summer camp for children who have received a solid-organ transplant. We discuss a vehicle by which ICU staff as well as other members of a patient's care team can gain a better appreciation of the full nature of both medical and, perhaps more importantly in this situation, nonmedical goals and outcomes in pediatric transplantation. We review our institutional experience running a summer camp for these children, discuss some of the important points in making such a camp successful, and discuss potential benefits to the campers as well as those taking care of them.

Compliance of camps in the United States with guidelines for health and safety practices

OBJECTIVE

To determine the compliance of US camps with guidelines for health and safety practices as set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the US Department of Homeland Security.

METHODS

An electronic questionnaire was distributed to US camps during the summer of 2012 as identified by 3 online summer camp directories.

RESULTS

Analysis was performed on 433 completed questionnaires. Fourteen percent of camps were considered medically related. Ninety-three percent of camps have established relationships with community emergency medical services, 34% with local orthodontists, and 37% with local mental health professionals. Camps reported the immediate availability of the following: automated external defibrillators (75%), respiratory rescue inhalers (44%), epinephrine autoinjectors (64%), cervical spine collars (62%), and backboard with restraints (76%). Camps reported the presence of the following written health policies: dehydration (91%), asthma and anaphylaxis (88%), head injuries (90%), seizures (78%), cardiac arrest (76%), and drowning (73%). Although 93% of camps have a disaster response plan, 15% never practice the plan. Sixty-eight percent of camps are familiar with community evacuation plans, and 67% have access to vehicles for transport. Camps reported the presence of the following written disaster policies: fire (96%), tornadoes (68%), arrival of suspicious individuals (84%), hostage situations (18%).

CONCLUSIONS

Areas for improvement in the compliance of US camps with specific recommendations for health and safety practices were identified, such as medically preparing campers before their attendance, developing relationships with community health providers, increasing the immediate availability of several emergency medications and equipment, and developing policies and protocols for medical and disaster emergencies.

Residential summer camp: a new venue for nutrition education and physical activity promotion

Background

Millions of children attend residential summer camps each year. However, few studies have examined the potential of camps for obesity prevention efforts. Research in the domain of positive youth development has shown that camp programs as short as one week have both short- and long-term positive effects on self-esteem, self-efficacy and other youth outcomes. The objective of the present study was to highlight the potential of resident camps as promising venues for the promotion of healthy eating and physical activity behaviors in the children who attend.

Methods

Data for this study came from the American Camp Association 2007 Emerging Issues Survey. This survey assessed camp professionals’ perspectives on a diverse array of issues, including the healthy eating and physical activity of children. Data analysis focused on responses from 247 camp professionals whose camps offered resident camp programs.

Results

Descriptive and Chi-square statistics were calculated. Ninety-two percent of camp professionals reported that the healthy eating and physical activity of campers was an “important” or “very important” issue for camps. The majority of camps reported offering vegetarian options, healthy snacks and salad bars, and allergen-free options. Additionally, 86% of camp professionals indicated that they had implemented one or more strategies to address concerns related to the unhealthy eating behaviors of children, with top strategies including increasing the availability of fruits and vegetables, increasing the availability of healthy drink options, and improving the nutritional quality of menus. Fewer camp professionals (50%) indicated they had implemented strategies to increase children’s physical activity levels, but many professionals indicated that their camp programs were inherently active and additional strategies to promote physical activity were not necessary. Associations were found between camp affiliation and food options available to campers.

Conclusions

The majority of camp professionals believe the healthy eating and physical activity of children are important issues for camps and have implemented strategies to address these issues. An important question for future research is to examine whether these strategies are effective in promoting healthy eating and physical activity behaviors in children, as well as ways that camp programs could be improved.

Medical services of a multicultural summer camp event: experiences from the 22nd World Scout Jamboree, Sweden 2011

Background

Prevention and treatment of medical issues are the main task of a health service at a youth camp. However, only few reports about organisation and implementation of camp health care are available. This makes it difficult for future camp directors to plan and estimate the health care needed for a certain camp size. We summarize the experience in planning and running health care for the 22nd World Scout Jamboree (WSJ) 2011 in Sweden.

Methods

During the WSJ, 40,061 participants from 146 nations were gathered in southern Sweden to a 12 day summer camp. Another 31,645 people were visitors. Members for the medical service were 153 volunteering medical professionals with different language and cultural backgrounds from 18 different countries.

Results

Of 40,061 participants 2,893 (7.3%) needed medical assistance. We found an equal distribution of cases to approximately one third surgical, one third medical and one third unspecified cases. Much energy was spent on health prevention, hygiene measures and organizing of psychological support.

Conclusions

A youth camp with a multicultural population and a size of a small city demands flexible staff with high communication skills. Special attention should be paid in prevention of contagious diseases and taking care of psychological issues.

Environmental and social-motivational contextual factors related to youth physical activity: systematic observations of summer day camps

BACKGROUND

Youth risk of obesity is high during the summer months. Summer day camps can be ideal settings for preventing obesity through reducing youth summer sedentary behaviors. However, with limited research on camp settings, the mechanisms by which these programs promote children's physical activity (PA) remains largely unknown. The current study was designed to take a first step in addressing this gap in research through systematic observations of 4 summer day camps.

METHODS

Systematic observations of 4 summer day camps was conducted using the System for Observing Play and Leisure Activity in Youth (SOPLAY) and a social-motivational climate supplemental observation tool founded on Self-Determination Theory and previous research developed by the authors. Teams of two coders observed daily activities for four days across two-week periods at each camp. On 15 minute intervals throughout each day, camps were assessed on level of youth PA (e.g., sedentary, moderate, vigorous), five physical features (e.g., equipment), eight staff interactions (e.g., encourage PA), and six social climate components (e.g., inclusive game).

RESULTS

Across the sample, highly engaging games [F(1,329) = 17.68, p < .001], positive peer interactions [F(1,329) = 8.43, p < .01], and bullying [F(1,329) = 9.39, p < .01] were significantly related to higher PA participation rates, and clarity of rules [F(1,329) = 11.12, p < .001] was related to fewer youth participating in PA. Separate analyses for males and females indicated some sex differences with highly engaging games [F(1,329) = 23.10, p < .001] and bullying [F(1,329) = 10.00, p < .01] related to males' but not females' PA, and positive peer interactions related to only females' PA [F(1,329) = 9.58, p < .01]. Small, yet significant physical-environmental effects of temperature [F(1,328) = 1.54, p < .05] and equipment [F(1,328) = 4.34, p = .05] for girls also suggests that activities offered indoors (which was most common during high temperatures), and provision of equipment may also be important considerations for promoting girls' PA. Staff behaviors were minimally predictive of youth PA.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to conduct systematic observations of the physical and social resources of summer day camps and contributes to our understanding of the strengths and needs of camps to effectively promote PA in both boys and girls during the summer months when risks for obesity are high.

Youth development and the camp experience

The organized camp experience has been an important part of the lives of children, youth, and adults for over 150 years. The camp experience is a way for young people to explore and search for an authenticity often missing in other parts of their lives that contributes to their healthy transition into adulthood. Over the past decade, tremendous growth in the volume and rigor of camp-related research has occurred, facilitated by a targeted research agenda conducted by the American Camp Association. This agenda was founded on three national research projects conducted between 2003 and 2007: a study to identify the developmental outcomes of the camp experience, a benchmarking study of the youth development supports and opportunities provided through camp experiences, and a program improvement project directed toward enhancing supports and opportunities provided by camps. The findings from these research projects suggest that camp experiences promote developmental outcomes in both campers and staff and that camps provide the supports and opportunities needed for positive youth development. This article explores the developmental outcomes of the camp experience and the characteristics of the supports and opportunities afforded by camp experiences, including settings, structures, and programs and activities, as a way to provide a clearer understanding of camp as a positive youth development setting. Innovations and opportunities in research related to the provision of quality camp experiences are also considered.