Program features and developmental experiences at a camp for youth with cancer.
Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this case study was to explore how the program features of a camp for young people with cancer supported participants' developmental experiences. Methods: This case study examined a one-week residential camp program near a large southern city. Data were collected fr...
| Published in: | Children & Youth Services Review Vol. 35; no. 5; pp. 890 - 899 |
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| Main Authors: | , |
| Format: | Article |
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Elsevier B.V.
May2013
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | View this record in EBSCOhost |
| fields | @attributes: recordID: 1 pdfLink: plink: https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ssf&AN=89067702&site=ehost-live header: @attributes: shortDbName: ssf uiTerm: 89067702 longDbName: Social Sciences Full Text (H.W. Wilson) uiTag: AN controlInfo: bkinfo: jinfo: jid: 01907409 JA8 jtl: Children & Youth Services Review issn: 01907409 maglogo: N pubinfo: dt: May2013 vid: 35 iid: 5 pid: 2410 pub: Elsevier B.V. artinfo: ui: 89067702 10.1016/j.childyouth.2013.02.017 ppf: 890 ppct: 9 formats: tig: atl: Program features and developmental experiences at a camp for youth with cancer. aug: au: Gillard, Ann Watts, Clifton E. affil: Social Sciences Department, Springfield College, 263 Alden Street, Springfield, MA 01109, United States Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, East Carolina University, Carol G. Belk Building, Room 1403, Greenville, NC 27858-4353, United States su: Attitude (Psychology) Child development Counselors Focus groups Interviewing Liberty Participant observation Socialization Accessible design of public spaces Qualitative research Affinity groups Camps Cancer patients Life Research methodology Case studies Thematic analysis sug: subj: Attitude (Psychology) Child development Counselors Focus groups Interviewing Liberty Participant observation Socialization Accessible design of public spaces Qualitative research Affinity groups Recreational and Vacation Camps (except Campgrounds) Recreational (except hunting and fishing) and vacation camps Camps Cancer patients Life Research methodology Case studies Thematic analysis keyword: Basic psychological needs Development Qualitative methods Summer camp Youth with cancer Basic psychological needs Development Qualitative methods Summer camp Youth with cancer ab: Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this case study was to explore how the program features of a camp for young people with cancer supported participants' developmental experiences. Methods: This case study examined a one-week residential camp program near a large southern city. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 22 campers aged 8–14, 19 adult staff members (camp administrators, activity specialists, medical staff, and counselors), four junior counselors aged 18–20 who had previously attended the camp as a camper because they had cancer, and from participant observations. Reliability and validity assurances were met in multiple ways. A constant comparison approach to data analysis indicated consistent themes that converged on the research questions. Results: Positive developmental experiences reported at camp by campers and staff included a) increased positive attitudes (sociability, perseverance and confidence, and gratitude and appreciation) and b) respite (experiencing freedom, and finding a balance between “just being a kid” and managing difficult cancer issues). The camp supported the aforementioned developmental experiences through several key program features. The program features reflected the themes of full accommodation (integrated and accessible facilities and activities, and opportunities to be physically active) and intentional programming (“a habitat of fun,” proximity to similar others, engaging activities, caring relationships, and opportunities to maintain connection). Conclusions: The camp contained features that supported developmental experiences, which is especially important because youth with cancer are especially at risk of negative outcomes such as anxiety, depression, and isolation. Findings from this case study illustrate how social support can enhance psychological and physical well-being through the provision of supports for the basic psychological needs of autonomy, relatedness and competence. pubtype: Academic Journal doctype: Article src: R language: English refInfo: copyright: @attributes: flag: N holdings: @attributes: islocal: N |
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