Evaluating Group Work within a Summer Camp Intervention for Children and Adolescents with Asthma

Abstract

Findings suggest that residential camps and group work within camps are highly valued by children and their parents. Children predominantly valued recreational and educational aspects of camp programming whereas parents emphasized appreciation for the safety that a condition-specific camp can offer a child with illness. Within the camp program, group work and peer support were integrally provided along with clinical monitoring and health teaching. A psychoeducational approach was implemented in which group participants engaged in sessions addressing self-care strategies and constructive ways to integrate childhood asthma in daily life. Participants identified the residential camp setting as a promising environment for group work among children and adolescents with asthma. Implications and recommendations are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• residential summer camp
• asthma
• children
• adolescents
• group work

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

We gratefully acknowledge the funding support of the W.T. Grant Foundation.