Camp programs for children with cancer and their families: Review of research progress over the past decade

A systematic review was conducted of studies (2001–2013) about therapeutic recreation/camp for children with cancer and/or their family which measured either process or outcome variables qualitatively or quantitatively. Of 581 titles, 20 met the inclusion criteria. Research demonstrates positive impacts of camp on: cancer knowledge, mood, self‐concept, empathy, and friendship, quality of life, and emotional well‐being. This recent decade of research illuminates nuances in camp outcomes, which previously were unexplored. For instance, changes following camp do not necessarily occur in a linear, positive fashion and varying outcomes were observed by camper subgroup depending on age, culture, and treatment status. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:778–787. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Camp programs for children with cancer and their families: Review of research progress over the past decade Journal Articles