Effectiveness of a Creative Arts Summer Camp: Benefits of a Short-Term, Intensive Program on Children’s Social Behaviors and Relationships

Abstract

This pilot study evaluated whether a creative arts therapy program delivered through a 2-week summer day camp benefited children’s support networks and improved their general wellness. Camp staff completed ratings on the behavior of 11 children. Eleven parents (10 mothers) completed ratings on their children’s behavior. Surveys were utilized; data were analyzed using Wilcoxon t tests. Results demonstrated that camp staff observed the most significant improvements in children’s behaviors and relationships. Results of this study indicate that a social skills therapy program delivered through a creative arts summer camp can be beneficial to young children. Furthermore, these results were found during an intense, yet brief, period of time.

KEYWORDS:

• creative arts
• relationship
• children
• wellness
• creativity in counseling

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Thank you to the staff and families of Camp L.O.T.U.S. for their participation in this study.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Allison A. Buskirk-Cohen

Allison A. Buskirk-Cohen is an Associate Professor of Counseling Psychology in the Department of Liberal Arts at Delaware Valley College, Doylestown, Pennsylvania.