Initial Development of the Pediatric Camp Outcome Measure

The Effect of an Overnight Summer Camp on the Quality of Life for Individuals Who Require Ventilatory Support

PURPOSE

Summer camps are a modality that addresses barriers to social interaction. Although there is a growing amount of evidence supporting camps for individuals with chronic illness, there is no known research on camp experiences for those who require ventilatory support. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of attending camp on self-esteem, social functioning, emotional functioning, and physical functioning for individuals who require ventilatory support.

METHODS

Eleven participants completed the Pediatric Camp Outcome Measure via an online survey.

RESULTS

This study found positive correlations between the number of years an individual attended the camp and his or her overall Pediatric Camp Outcome Measure score, as well as social functioning and physical functioning subscales. This study found positive correlations with questions in all subscales with the number of years attending camp.

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest that attending summer camp may positively impact the quality of life for individuals who require ventilatory support.

A multisite evaluation of summer camps for children with cancer and their siblings

Summer camps for pediatric cancer patients and their families are ubiquitous. However, there is relatively little research, particularly studies including more than one camp, documenting outcomes associated with children's participation in summer camp. The current cross-sectional study used a standardized measure to examine the role of demographic, illness, and camp factors in predicting children's oncology camp-related outcomes. In total, 2,114 children at 19 camps participated. Campers were asked to complete the pediatric camp outcome measure, which assesses camp-specific self-esteem, emotional, physical, and social functioning. Campers reported high levels of emotional, physical, social, and self-esteem functioning. There were differences in functioning based on demographic and illness characteristics, including gender, whether campers/siblings were on or off active cancer treatment, age, and number of prior years attending camp. Results indicated that summer camps can be beneficial for pediatric oncology patients and their siblings, regardless of demographic factors (e.g., gender, treatment status) and camp factors (e.g., whether camp sessions included patients only, siblings only, or both). Future work could advance the oncology summer camp literature by examining other outcomes linked to summer camp attendance, using longitudinal designs, and including comparison groups.

Camper learning and friendship at pediatric oncology camps in North America

Children with cancer and their families often attend specialized camps (therapeutic recreation) through their cancer treatment journey, yet little is known about the effects of these camps. A qualitative cohort study was used to assess learning and friendship development by campers attending one of four pediatric oncology summer camps during 2010 in North America. Standardized perceived change questionnaires developed by the American Camp Association were administered following camp attendance. Five-hundred and eighteen campers were enrolled: 120 (age 6-9 years) and 398 (age 10 and older). The largest positive response from the younger campers was observed for the question, "At camp did you learn to look forward to trying new activities?" For the older campers' survey, the items "Becoming better at enjoying being with my friends," "Becoming better at helping my friends have a good time when they are with me," and "Becoming better at getting to know more things about my friends" were perceived to increase the most for the majority of campers compared to other questions. Items for which older campers most often perceived little change were "Becoming better at choosing people who would be good friends to be with" and "Becoming better at understanding friends' emotions." Camp helps children learn new activities as well as enjoy good times with friends. Dealing with one's own mistakes and understanding others' emotions are areas for improvement. Ultimately it is hoped that these skills gained at camp will help build coping and resiliency for children/siblings affected by pediatric cancers.

Camp programs for children with cancer and their families: review of research progress over the past decade

A systematic review was conducted of studies (2001-2013) about therapeutic recreation/camp for children with cancer and/or their family which measured either process or outcome variables qualitatively or quantitatively. Of 581 titles, 20 met the inclusion criteria. Research demonstrates positive impacts of camp on: cancer knowledge, mood, self-concept, empathy, and friendship, quality of life, and emotional well-being. This recent decade of research illuminates nuances in camp outcomes, which previously were unexplored. For instance, changes following camp do not necessarily occur in a linear, positive fashion and varying outcomes were observed by camper subgroup depending on age, culture, and treatment status.

Evaluation of child and parent outcomes after a pediatric cardiac camp experience

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the effects of a cardiac camp experience on children with heart disease and their parents.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A repeated measures design was used with 49 parent-child dyads. Repeated measures evaluated the effects of camp on anxiety, attitude toward illness, and psychosocial functioning of the children. Parental anxiety was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Results demonstrated decreases in parent anxiety, decreases in child trait anxiety, and positive psychosocial outcomes in the areas of self-esteem, social, physical, and emotional functioning.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Findings can be used to support decisions for those contemplating a camping experience for the child with heart disease.