Engagement in Household Chores in Youth With Chronic Conditions: Health care Transition Implications

This study examined associations between chores engagement, self-management, and transition readiness in youth with chronic conditions. Youths with various chronic conditions attending a therapeutic camp, and their parents participated. Responses of 165 campers and their parents were analyzed (mean camper age 12.3 ± 2.6 years, 47.9% males, 79.4% White). The most common diagnoses were diabetes, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, and sickle cell anemia. Youth who completed chores manifested higher overall health care transition readiness ([Formula: see text] = 5.17, p = .026) and better communication with providers ([Formula: see text] = 2.98, p = .006) than youth who completed no chores. Higher chores frequency was not more predictive of higher health care transition readiness scores above and beyond the effects of having chores at all. These results suggest that responsible health care behaviors are related to similar actions in other areas of life. Assignment of chores may promote self-management and health care transition readiness in youth with chronic conditions.

The Therapeutic Camp

“The Therapeutic Camp: Trends in Camps for Children with Social–Emotional Challenges” traces the history of mental health interventions and research in the summer camp setting. With the growing influence of the mental hygiene and child guidance movements, therapeutic camps were initiated by case work and group work agencies, family service agencies, hospitals, universities, and other organizations. Notable early therapeutic camp programs included the Boys’ Guidance Project (Michigan), Camp Ramapo (New York), and Camp Wawokiye (Ohio). The psychodynamic influence permeated Camp Wediko (Massachusetts) and Camp Chief Noonday (Michigan), led by Fritz Redl. In many of these camps, the continuity between the year-round work of the therapeutic agency and the camp program was stressed. Such camps employed case workers, group workers, and social work students. This chapter also discusses inclusion-model camps, adventure therapy, and family camps. The chapter concludes with reflections on Camp Towhee, a therapeutic camp in Ontario, Canada.

Positive Youth Development for Youth With Disabilities in a Therapeutic Camp Setting

The purpose of this article is to describe the value of the outdoor camp experiences among youth with disabilities participating in an outdoor therapeutic camp. The focus of the analysis is to understand the dimensions of positive youth development amongst youth campers with disabilities. A total of 12 campers were interviewed, 6 male and 6 female. Emerging themes included: (a) social, (b) character building, and (c) self-confidence and provide linkages to positive youth development domains. Findings identified the benefits that youth receive from attending an outdoor therapeutic recreation camp program such as opportunities to interact with old and new friends, feeling like a member for the camp family, feeling accepted and able to be themselves. Other benefits included becoming more independent, autonomous, and more self-confident.

The preliminary effects of a recreation-based military family camp on family functioning

Recreation-based programing has emerged as a therapeutic service for military families to readjust and improve family functioning after military deployments. This mixed methods study attempted to understand the changes in family functioning during and after a recreation-based therapeutic camp for military families. Pre-post-follow up survey data were collected from families who attended the camp. Results indicated no statistically significant changes in the family functioning across time points; however, qualitative data indicated the camp provided a unique environment to foster other elements of family functioning not measured (eg, family interactions, between family connections). Intentionally creating opportunities for military families to recreate at camp may help facilitate meaningful connections; however, more targeted programing efforts based on assessed, individualized family goals may elicit stronger family functioning outcomes.

Management of the Camp Experience

This chapter focuses on the therapeutic milieu environment at Overcoming Barriers camp and its integration with the program’s traditional mental health interventions. First, a brief history of milieu therapy and a review of the research literature on therapeutic camp programs are presented. Key elements of the milieu at Overcoming Barriers programs are then described, including roles of key personnel and program components. The roles of nature, a novel physical surrounding, and carefully planned recreational activities are emphasized as critical aspects of how reintegration and other change in the family system may occur. Finally, this chapter explicates the relationship between milieu-based activities and other clinical programming at Overcoming Barriers camp.

Concept Mapping Analysis of Social Skills Camp Experience for Children with Disabilities

The present study aimed to identify themes emerging from an inclusive therapeutic recreational camp experience for children with disabilities who attended a 10-day summer camp. Concept mapping was used to analyse the experience of 42 participants. Results emerged with seven themes: Personal Growth; Nurturing Relationships; Non-judgmental Environment and Attitude; Traditional/Classic Camp Fun; Beneficial and Unique Opportunities; Learning/Thinking with Structures and Rules; and Independence and Recognition. Results suggested that children with disabilities experienced positive personal growth and learned new skills from an integrated, therapeutic camp. These children benefited from the social and psychological aspects of the camp experience, as well as the learned skillset and behaviours. Clinical implications and future research directions are also discussed.