Camp Abilities: Accessibility and Virtual Summer Camps

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Lepore-Stevens ◽  
Devin Adams ◽  
Monica Lepore ◽  
Elizabeth Foster
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Summer Camp ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Leadership Teams ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Summer Camps ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Community Activities ◽  
Active Lifestyles ◽  
Physical Activity Programming

Youth with disabilities are less likely to participate in community activities than their nondisabled peers (Bedell et al., 2013). For participants with physical disabilities, summer camp can increase knowledge of one’s own abilities (Aggerholm & Moltke Martiny, 2017). Camp Abilities is an international sports camp model that recognizes the ongoing challenges that people with disabilities have with respect to accessing physical activity and living active lifestyles. There are over 25 independent camp programs throughout the world with a mission of providing high quality sport, health, and physical activity programming to youth with visual impairments. In the summer of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused many camps to close their in-person sessions. In order to continue summer camp programming for the youth they serve, the staff at several Camp Abilities programs for youth with visual impairments developed a virtual service delivery model based on collaboration between physical activity and visual impairment processionals. Staff used digital platforms such as YouTube and Zoom, as well as emails, text messages, and video chats to safely create a camp experience despite the pandemic. Both camps had positive responses to the virtual model from children, parents, and staff. Leadership teams at both programs discovered methods that were successful for their participants, as well as some approaches that they would not use again.

scholarly journals Physical Activity as a Sociological Phenomenon

2010 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-43
Author(s):  
Aleš Sekot
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mass Culture ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Way Of Life ◽  
Socialization Process ◽  
Community Activities ◽  
Beneficial Impact ◽  
Active Lifestyles

Physical Activity as a Sociological PhenomenonWe are living in a time when society, culture and science have become increasingly aware of the great importance of sport not only as a part of mass culture, but broadly understood, for individual and social health and well-being. Physical activity of people plays an increasingly more important role in scientific interest regarding way of life found in contemporary society; it is a crucial factor in the process of officiating the level of healthy and active lifestyles, quality of life, and health in general. An indispensable role of physical activity in the course of human life is also confirmed, both permanently and scientifically, in the context of obesity prevention.The development of a sedentary lifestyle is the result of a socialization process that is developed at youth and continued into adulthood, and leads to physical inactivity. At the present we face in our cultural settings an apparent trend: People are becoming more and more individualized, losing the beneficial impact of community activities, involved in passive way of life that lacks a proper level of physical activities and active sport. The phenomenon of physical activity has also been considered from the perspective of the Project EURO-PREVOB, highlighting built environmental aspects of ways of life.

“We now fly”: Perspectives of adults who are blind with guide dogs trained for running

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 213-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren J Lieberman ◽  
Pamela S Haibach-Beach ◽  
Jenna Sherwood ◽  
Alyssa Trad
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Guide Dogs ◽  
Reduced Physical Activity ◽  
Active Lifestyles ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

Individuals with visual impairments lead less active lifestyles than their sighted counterparts. Reduced physical activity in this population can be attributed to a lack of opportunities combined with fewer intervention opportunities, less experience in sport and recreational activities, and decreased perceived motor competence. Furthermore, individuals with visual impairments report lower values in all domains of quality of life when compared with their sighted counterparts. Therefore, it is imperative that opportunities are developed to increase self-determination leading to higher levels of physical activity for individuals with visual impairments. Running is a popular physical activity for active individuals; however, there are many barriers to running for individuals with visual impairments. To increase these opportunities, a school for guide dogs has recently started training guide dogs to run. The purpose of this study was to determine the perspectives of adults with visual impairments on their experiences running with trained running guide dogs. Ten adults who are blind were interviewed on phone by two researchers. Qualitative research questions were validated by two adults who are blind, three specialists in adapted physical education, and one guide dog trainer. Interviews were transcribed, and themes were extracted by three of the authors. The four major themes that emerged from this research study were (1) running guide dogs’ contribution to mental and physical health, (2) independence as a result of running with a guide dog, (3) The dog is key to increased/improved running, and (4) barriers and supporters to running. Our results indicate that there are numerous positive effects that a running guide dog has on the health, independence, and quality of life of individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The results indicated that making running guide dogs available could provide increased self-determination for adults who choose to take advantage of this program leading to a healthier lifestyle.

Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity and Step Count Compilation for Elementary-Aged Youth Participating in Summer Camp Activities

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zachary Wahl-Alexander
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Summer Camp ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Excess Weight ◽  
Step Count ◽  
Summer Camps ◽  
Step Counts ◽  
Residential Camp

The summer months have recently been identified as a time of the year when children gain excess weight. Despite contrary beliefs, youth are more susceptible to weight gain and fitness losses during this time. Summer camps have been identified as a possible solution to reduce declines in overall health during these months. The purpose of this study was to establish expected step counts and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) values for a variety of activities in one residential camp. Participants included 188 campers (M age = 8.7). Sessions included a variety of invasion, target, net/wall and fitness activities. Step counts and MVPA were tracked across 51 days, incorporating 839 activity sessions using a NL–1000 (New Lifestyle Inc., Lee Summit, MO, USA) accelerometer to track campers’ activity. Means and steps/minute were calculated for each activity. Invasion games represented the greatest opportunity for campers to engage in physical activity. Findings are useful for researchers and practitioners to evaluate physical activity and MVPA at camp settings.

scholarly journals Integrating Mindfulness into School Physical Activity Programming

2013 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chunlei Lu
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Critical Dimension ◽  
Physical Activities ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Whole Child ◽  
Active Lifestyles ◽  
Physical Activity Programs ◽  
Physical Activity Programming

Mindfulness is a critical dimension in current school physical activity programs (e.g., physical education, intramural, and interscholastic physical activities). School physical activity programs are a key vehicle used in developing healthy active lifestyles among children and youth; however, the absence of mindfulness in these programs has given rise to numerous problems (such as body-mind dualism and stress) that interfere with attaining program objectives. This paper discusses what mindfulness is, why it is needed, and how mindfulness can be integrated into school physical activity programming. The integration of mindfulness can help develop a healthy lifestyle for a whole child; in turn, our school physical activity programs can be re-conceptualized and transformed to deliver this objective on a perpetual basis.

Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Programming at Overnight Summer Camps

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-41
Author(s):  
Ellen King ◽  
Kendra Liddicoat ◽  
Rebecca L. Franzen ◽  
Annie Wetter
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Summer Camps ◽  
Physical Activity Programming

scholarly journals Physical activity and sedentary time of youth in structured settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael M. Tassitano ◽  
R. Glenn Weaver ◽  
Maria Cecília M. Tenório ◽  
Keith Brazendale ◽  
Michael W. Beets
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Summer Camp ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Summer Camps ◽  
Absolute Amount ◽  
Afterschool Programs ◽  
Sport Programs

Abstract Background Structured settings, such as school, childcare, afterschool programs, summer camps, and physical activity/sport programs are crucial to promoting physical activity (PA) opportunities and reducing sedentary (ST) for children and adolescents. However, little is known about how much PA and ST children and adolescents accumulate in structured settings. The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the absolute amount of time youth spend physically active and sedentary in different structured settings (Prospero number: 42018111804). Methods Observational and experimental/quasi-experimental studies (baseline data only) with full-text available, written in English and published in a peer-reviewed journal, reporting the total amount of objectively measured PA (light, moderate, vigorous, and/or total physical activity) and/or time spent ST during structured settings among youth (3 to 18 years) were eligible. Adjusted meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the pooled mean of time spent in PA and ST, by settings and sex. Results A total of 187 studies (childcare n=60; school n=91; afterschool programs n=14; summer camp n=4; and Physical activity/ sport programs n=18) from 30 countries (47.9% United States), representing 74,870 youth (mean age 8.6 years old) were included. Overall, there was a high variation between studies in outcomes and settings. The meta-analyses revealed, on average, youth spend 221.8 minutes (36.7 min/hour) in ST and 32.1 minutes (5.1 min/hour) in MVPA during childcare hours, and 223.9 minutes (36.7min/hour) in ST and 27.8 min (4.4 min/hour) in MVPA at school. Relatively, youth are engaged in more MVPA in afterschool programs (11.7 min/hour), PA/ sport programs (20.9 min/hour), and summer camps (6.4 min/hour), when compared to childcare and school. Conclusion Total PA accumulated during childcare and MVPA accumulated during schools hours were close to recommendations, despite high proportion of ST. Afterschool programs, summer camp and PA/ sport programs are important settings that can contribute to daily PA and reduced ST. Ensuring all youth have access to these structured settings may be an important step forward for public health.

Opportunities for Promoting Youth Physical Activity: An Examination of Youth Summer Camps

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 199-205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin D. Hickerson ◽  
Karla A. Henderson
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Summer Camp ◽  
Summer Camps ◽  
Normal Body Mass Index ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Caucasian Race ◽  
Youth Physical Activity ◽  
Male Sex

Background:Youth summer camp programs have the potential to provide opportunities for physical activity, but little to no research has been conducted to determine activity levels of campers. This study aimed to examine physical activity occurring in day and resident summer camps and how activity levels differed in these camps based upon demographic characteristics.Methods:Pedometer data were collected during hours of camp operation from 150 day campers and 114 resident campers between the ages of 8 and 12 years old. Independent t tests were used to compare physical activity by sex, race, and Body Mass Index.Results:Campers at day camps averaged 11,916 steps per camp day, while resident campers averaged 19,699 steps per camp day. Day campers averaged 1586 steps per hour over 7.5 hour days and resident campers averaged 1515 steps per hour over 13 hour days. Male sex, Caucasian race, and normal Body Mass Index were significant correlates of more physical activity.Conclusions:Youth summer camps demonstrate the potential to provide ample opportunities for physical activity during the summer months. Traditional demographic disparities persisted in camps, but the structure of camp programs should allow for changes to increase physical activity for all participants.

scholarly journals Objectively Measured Physical Activity Increases Only in Males During a Summer Camp for Obese Children

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascal Izzicupo ◽  
Andrea Di Blasio ◽  
Andrea Di Credico ◽  
Barbara Ghinassi ◽  
Laura Capranica ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Summer Camp ◽  
Tanner Stage ◽  
Summer Camps ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Obese Children ◽  
Intensity Physical Activity ◽  
Objectively Measured ◽  
Objectively Measured Physical Activity

Childhood obesity is a major public health challenge. Summer camps for children with obesity represent an alternative setting to improve eating and physical activity habits. Here we evaluated if the participation in the camp improves objectively measured physical activity and sedentary behavior and whether there are differences between male and female participants. Twenty-eight children, 13 males and 15 females (body mass index >97° centile, weight excess >30%, Tanner stage I), agreed to participate in an 8-day camp. During the summer camp, children participated in sports-like games and outdoor activities for at least 3 h a day, and the school-camp staff also provided a theoretical nutritional learning plan. Accelerometry-derived physical activity was measured through the SenseWear Mini Armband during a week at home and during the camp experience. Before camping, the participants were far above the minimum daily values of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) to be considered sufficiently active (≥60 min/day), but male participants were more active than females (MVPA: 186.2 ± 94.2, 111.0 ± 64.7; P = 0.020). Male participants increased their MVPA (234.3 ± 114.8, P = 0.020), whereas females not (111.9 ± 52.9, P = 0.020). No difference emerged for the sedentary behavior either before or during the camp. This study suggests that participation in a summer camp for obese children can determine different responses in physical activity levels, depending on the sex of young participants. Thus, summer camps for obese children should put particular attention on female participants, besides reducing sedentary behavior in both males and females.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Text Messaging as an Incentive to Maintain Physical Activity after Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6645
Author(s):  
Giulia Foccardi ◽  
Marco Vecchiato ◽  
Daniel Neunhaeuserer ◽  
Michele Mezzaro ◽  
Giulia Quinto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cardiac Rehabilitation ◽  
Exercise Testing ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Stand Test ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Sit To Stand ◽  
Significant Difference

Although the efficacy of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is proven, the need to improve patients’ adherence has emerged. There are only a few studies that have investigated the effect of sending text messages after a CR period to stimulate subjects’ ongoing engagement in regular physical activity (PA). A randomized controlled pilot trial was conducted after CR, sending a daily PA text message reminder to an intervention group (IG), which was compared with a usual care control group (CG) during three months of follow-up. Thirty-two subjects were assessed pre- and post-study intervention with GPAQ, submaximal iso-watt exercise testing, a 30 s sit-to-stand test, a bilateral arm curl test, and a final survey on a seven-point Likert scale. A statistically significant difference in the increase of moderate PA time (Δ 244.7 (95% CI 189.1, 300.4) minutes, p < 0.001) and in the reduction of sedentary behavior time (Δ −77.5 (95% CI 104.9, −50.1) minutes, p = 0.004) was shown when the IG was compared with the CG. This was associated with an improvement in heart rate, blood pressure, and patients’ Borg rating on the category ratio scale 10 (CR10) in iso-watt exercise testing (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, only the IG did not show a worsening of the strength parameters in the follow-up leading to a change of the 30 s sit-to-stand test with a difference of +2.2 (95% CI 1.23, 3.17) repetitions compared to CG (p = 0.03). The telemedical intervention has been appreciated by the IG, whose willingness to continue with regular PA emerged to be superior compared to the CG. Text messages are an effective and inexpensive adjuvant after phase 2 CR that improves adherence to regular PA. Further studies are needed to confirm these results in a larger patient population and in the long term.

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