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

Abstract

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.

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

“…Specifically, campers reported high levels on the social and self-esteem subscales. This is consistent with the notion that chronic illness summer camps provide children with unique opportunities to socialize with peers who have similar health experiences and that summer camps provide children with experiences that build self-esteem (Brown, 2005; Martiniuk et al, 2014). Prior studies have demonstrated that children attending oncology camps report high levels of social support and that self-esteem improves pre to postcamp (Conrad & Altmaier, 2009; Packman et al, 2004).…”

“…In the context of such a community, campers may experience improvements in their self-efficacy, self-esteem, and independence. Camps also offer children and families respite from their cancer experience through recreation opportunities (e.g., outdoor activities, music and drama, arts and crafts) (Martiniuk, Silva, Amylon, & Barr, 2014). Together, the combination of social support through a camp community and camp activities is thought to positively impact campers’ physical, psychological, and social functioning (Martiniuk et al, 2014).…”

“…Findings in the existing literature indicate that children who attend particular oncology camps report positive impacts of the camping experience on a range of outcomes related to emotional, physical, self-esteem, and social functioning. As an example, oncology camp participation has been linked with improvements in children’s mood and decreased anxiety (Dawson, Knapp, & Farmer, 2012; Martiniuk et al, 2014; Meltzer & Johnson, 2004). Oncology camps provide opportunities for children to be physically active and to develop their sense of autonomy and competence (Gillard & Watts, 2013).…”

“…For example, to our knowledge, only one study examined camper outcomes across more than one camp (Martiniuk et al, 2013). However, there have been calls in the literature to conduct multisite oncology camp outcome studies that include larger sample sizes and allow examinations of predictors for differing outcomes between campers (Martiniuk et al, 2014). In addition, the existing literature has not been able to use standardized measures of camp outcomes that would facilitate multisite studies and comparisons of oncology camps.…”

Providing Children and Adolescents Opportunities for Social Interaction as a Standard of Care in Pediatric Oncology

“…Camps increase interaction of youth with cancer and provide opportunities to share information and support. Literature reviews indicate that camp attendance is associated with improvements in self‐confidence, independence, and social contact . Individual studies evaluating camps are comprised primarily of nonrandomized, postcamp surveys, and interviews that highlight benefits, including camp is enjoyable, increased cancer knowledge through participation, diminished sense of isolation, and improved mood .…”