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The impact of therapeutic recreation camps in the United Kingdom on the wellbeing of youth with serious illness and disability: A qualitative investigation

Yang, Jacquelyn; Shafran, Roz; Bennett, Sophie; Jolly, Allan; Morant, Nicola; (2022) The impact of therapeutic recreation camps in the United Kingdom on the wellbeing of youth with serious illness and disability: A qualitative investigation. Journal of Pediatric Nursing , 67 e31-e37. 10.1016/j.pedn.2022.10.002. Green open access

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Abstract

PURPOSE: Therapeutic recreation (TR) summer camps can provide psychosocial benefits for children and young people (CYP) with chronic illness. At present however, there is a lack of recent research in the UK investigating the impacts of such camps. This study aimed to investigate experiences of a TR summer camp in the UK for CYP with chronic illnesses or disabilities. Specifically, it aimed to assess both children's and parents' perceptions of camp, to understand the impact on CYP's psychological wellbeing, social functioning and self-esteem; and the experiences of attending a camp specifically for CYP with health challenges. DESIGN AND METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted (N = 21; 11 parents, 10 children). Data were analysed thematically. RESULTS: Analysis produced themes in three broad domains: experiences of social marginalisation and emotional problems outside camp; experiences of camp; and impacts of camp. Impacts included improved self-confidence; gain in self-worth and positive self-identity; changing attitude towards their health condition; and development of social skills and independence. One of the most commonly reported themes was the value of friendships formed and maintained at camp. Parents and CYP reported predominantly positive experiences of camps, feelings of happiness, inclusivity and enablement, and a strong sense of empowerment in contrast to their usual feelings of being marginalised or different. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides rich insights into the experiences and impact of TR camps for CYP with chronic illness. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Findings can help practitioners and commissioners make informed recommendations to families regarding the potential benefits of camp.

Type: Article
Title: The impact of therapeutic recreation camps in the United Kingdom on the wellbeing of youth with serious illness and disability: A qualitative investigation
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2022.10.002
Publisher version: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2022.10.002
Language: English
Additional information: © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Keywords: Chronic illness, Summer camp, Therapeutic recreation, Children and young people, Qualitative research
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Population Health Sciences > UCL GOS Institute of Child Health > Population, Policy and Practice Dept
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Population Health Sciences > UCL GOS Institute of Child Health
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10157038
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