An Annotated Bibliography of Camp Nursing Research

Jennifer Brakefield, BSN, Ellen Buckner, RN, DSN, Research Chair, & Chrissy Feely

PUBLISHED ARTICLES

Alaniz K.L. & Norstrand J. (1999). Camp Superteens: An asthma education program for adolescents. MCN: The American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing, 24 (3), 133-7.

Camp Superteens is a six-hour program conducted in a large shopping mall geared to adolescents ages 13-16. The program was designed to educate youth with asthma about self-management. This article discussed a pilot study used to determine the success of this program in improving self-efficacy.

Aroian, J. F., & Rauckhorst, L. (1998). Children and adolescent’s use of summer camp health facilities: A longitudinal study. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 13 (4).

This study provided insight about the scope of practice for nurses in camp settings. Specifically, the research examined camper motivation for seeking health care related to accident/injury, communicable diseases, discomfort problems and psychological concerns. The authors compared trends based on age and gender. This article was source of ideas for improving camp practice and suggested avenues for future research.

Beatus, J., O’Neill, J.K., Townsend, T., & Robercht, K. (2002). The effect of a one-week retreat on self-esteem, quality of life, and functional ability for persons with multiple sclerosis. Neurology Report, 26(3), 154-9.

Subjects were voluntary participants in a one-week summer retreat for people with MS. The study looked at how the retreat affected the subject’s self-esteem, quality of life, and functional independence. Findings demonstrated an increase in mental component of quality of life.

Beder J. (2000). Training oncology camp volunteers: A developmental and strengths approach. Cancer Practice: A Multidisciplinary Journal of Cancer Care, 8 (3), 129-34.

This article focused on the importance of training oncology camp volunteers to create a positive camp experience. The author used a developmental and strengths perspective upon which to base orientation of volunteers. The study revealed the importance of specific training for volunteers and staff at specialty camps. While the author wrote specific to oncology camps, the information could also be used to understand the importance of training staff at any specialty camp.

Bergman, M.M. & Hanson C.S. (2000). The relationship between participation in a sports camp and students’ attitudes towards persons with disabilities. Occupational Therapy in Health Care, 12 (4), 51-63.

This study measured the impact of a summer camp for disabled children on the attitudes of volunteers toward the disabled population. Subjects included 54 university students enrolled in various health care majors. Both a control group and an experimental group were given the Attitudes Toward Disabled Persons scale (ATDP) before, immediately following, and six weeks after the camp session. Results add to the continuing efforts of researchers to find ways that positively affect persons’ attitudes toward the disabled population.

Bernier, M.J., Brooks, E.G., Meng, A. & Tiernan, K. (1998). Lessons from an evaluation of the effectiveness of an asthma day camp. MCN: The American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing, 23 (6), 300-6.

This is a descriptive pilot study used a group of thirty-four children with asthma to evaluate the teaching methods used in a camp setting. The authors used a pretest and post-test to determine the impact of the teaching about asthma self-management at a summer camp. Study results identified effective teaching strategies that improved skills and management of children with asthma.

Biggs, K.S., Heinrich, J.J., Jekel, J. F., & Cuono, C. B. (1997). The burn camp experience: Variables that influence the enhancement of self-esteem. Journal of Burn Care & Rehabilitation, 18, 93-8.

This particular study used the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale to determine the effect of summer camp on the self-esteem of children with burn injuries. Peer interaction during burn camps was believed to have a positive effect on camper’s psychosocial readjustment which, in turn, may increase self-esteem. The findings of this study were interesting for the perspective they take on the current hypothesis on enhancing self-esteem.

Blau, H., Mussaffi-Georgy, H., Fink, G., Kaye, C.,Szeiberg, A., Spitzer, S.A., et al. (2002). Effects of an intensive 4-week summer camp on cystic fibrosis: pulmonary function, exercise tolerance, and nutrition. Chest, 121(4), 117-2.

This study evaluates the effect of attending a camp for CF on pulmonary function, exercise tolerance, and nutritional state. Weight, resting pulmonary function, incremental exercise test results, and septum culture finds were all assessed before and after the summer camp. Particular attention was given to issues of potential cross-infection.

Bloch, J.R. (2001). Camp Nursing: Can children with asthma safely attend a regular outdoor day camp. Pediatric Nursing, 27(5), 463-468.

A retrospective descriptive study design was used to look at the safety of children with asthma attending a non-specialty day camp. The study was conducted at a camp in the Pine Barrens of South New Jersey that had registered nurses on duty each day during the camp setting. The study revealed the prevalence of children with asthma in a camp setting, the type of nursing support needed, and the health outcomes of children with asthma attending this particular camp.

Busch, K. & Lisher, K. (1994). Safe delivery of medications to children in summer camps. Pediatric Nursing, 20, 249-253.

This study dealt with medication distribution to children in a summer camp setting. The authors used a survey to study the qualifications of staff, types of medications given, and problems in medication delivery. Results indicated the importance of advocating for the use of nurses and nurse practitioners in a camp setting.

Candler, C. 2003. Sensory integration and therapeutic riding at summer camp: occupational performance outcomes. Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 23(3), 51-64.

This study looked at how a camp for children with sensory modulation disorder would be affected by therapeutic riding. It involved ten families in a one-week summer day camp. Family ratings demonstrated a significant positive change in children’s behaviors.

Chiang, L., Huang, J., & Lu, C. (1999). A study of predisposing factors and self-management behaviors of school-age children with asthma and the impact of summer asthma camp. [Chinese]. Nursing Research (China),7(4), 307-20.

This particular article described research conducted in China on the impact of asthma summer camp on the development of children’s knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy. Results indicated that summer camp had an immediate, positive effect on knowledge and self-efficacy, but not on attitude. This article was interesting because it also probed the cross-cultural aspect of doing camp nursing research.

Clark, M.J. (1995). Using a public health nursing model to assess and plan for health needs at a summer day camp. Journal of Community Health Nursing, 12 (4), 199-210.

The epidemiologic prevention process model (EPPM) designed by Clark assesses the health needs, planning, implementation and evaluation of health care services at primary, secondary and tertiary levels of prevention. The model can be used to guide practice and research in a variety of camp situations.

Dickinson, J.K., & O’Reilly, M.M. (2004). The Lived experience of adolescent females with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes Educator, 30(1), 99-107.

Ten adolescent females, aged 16-17, were recruited from a diabetes camp to participate in this study. The adolescents were interviewed one-on-one to see if any themes arose in their daily lives. Participants reported struggling with several conflicts yet adopted ways to make the disease manageable within the context of their lives.

Doyle, T.L.A., Davis, R.W., Humphries, B., Dugan, E.L., Horn, B.G., Shim, J.K., et al. (2004). Further evidence to change the medical classification system of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 21(1), 63-70.

This study investigates the NWBA classification system using two summer basketball camps. Forty-six players were tested to assess their sprint performance and stratification under the NWBA medical classification system. Findings support revision of the classification.

Haluska, H.B., Jessee, P.O., Nagy, M.C. (2002). Sources of social support: adolescents with cancer. Oncology Nursing Forum, 29(9), 1317-24.

This study uses comparative, nonrandom surveys on the perceived satisfaction of adolescents with cancer and those that are healthy. The setting was a summer camp for adolescents with cancer and a rural high school in South Eastern U.S. Findings demonstrated more similarities than differences in social support between adolescents with and healthy adolescents.

Kellogg, J.S. & Wiens, B.A. (2000). Implementation of a therapy group at a camp in southern Illinois for children with burn injuries. Journal of Burn Care and Rehabilitation, 21 (3), 281-7.

This article discussed the importance of implementing group therapy in a camp for children who have experienced burn injuries. Therapy groups were used in this particular camp to address the psychological and social difficulties experienced by pediatric burn victims. Possible future interventions by mental health and nursing professionals were presented in the results.

Lord, A., Ridge, D.T., St. Leger, L.H., Elisha, D. (2001). The value of asthma camps for young people in Victoria, Australia. Contemporary Nurse, 11(2/3), 133-41.

This study from Australia described how summer camps impact children’s knowledge of asthma, its management, their feelings about asthma, and social activities. Parents’ observations of changes in their children were also reported. Findings were that children demonstrated increased knowledge, less fear and anxiety and more participation in activities after camp.

Morgan, M. (2001). Boning up on bones. [online]. Available: http://my.webmd.com/content/article/1671.52478.

This article explored combining a summer camp with a research project. Adolescent boys at Camp Calcium enjoyed all the regular activities of summer camp while participating in a research study. The study looked at the relationship between bone growth and calcium intake. The unique arrangement provided researchers with needed subjects and allowed the enrolled participants to have fun, earn money, and gain knowledge about health issues.

Morse, J.M., Penrod, J. & Wilson, S. (2000). Mothers and their disabled children: Refining the concept of normalization. Health Care for Women International, 21 (8): 659-79.

This research focused on the perception of normal as defined by disabled children and their family members. The population consisted of 17 children who required home care and were ventilator dependent. A camp setting was used to gain data on the children’s participation and interaction with others. Before and after camp, the primary caregivers were interviewed about their perspective of the children’s home life. This was a unique article in that it reviewedthe impact of camp and the concept of normalization in specialty populations.

Murray, J.S. (2001). Self-concept of siblings of children with cancer. Issues in Comprehensive Pediatric Nursing, 24(2), 85-94.

This study looked at how a summer camp has a positive affect on children with terminally sick siblings. The study consisted of 50 school-age siblings of children with cancer at a summer camp and used the Personal Attribute Inventory for Children to measure self-concept. Findings were that siblings who attended camp demonstrated higher self-concept scores.

Nabors, L., Lehmkuhl, H., Christos, N., Anderone, T.L. (2003). Children with diabetes: perceptions of supports for self-management at school. Journal of School Health, 73(6), 216-21.

This study uses group interviews and surveys to examine a child’s perceptions of support in caring for their diabetes at school. Participants were recruited from day and resident diabetes camps. Data provided by children on the "How is School Scale" was used. Children of all ages at both camps reported that teachers, nurses, and friends needed to improve their knowledge about diabetes and also talked about teachers needing to be flexible. Younger children reported needing more support from teachers and nurses than older children.

Polychronakos, C., Sigman, T., & Wolanski, R. (1996). Assessment of blood glucose self-monitoring skills in a camp for diabetic children: The effects of individualized feedback counseling. Patient Education and Counseling, 29, 5-11.

This article demonstrated the use of camp settings as a natural environment for conducting research. Children were able to react more naturally. The study focused on the accuracy and precision of blood glucose self-monitoring by children and adolescents. It also addressed the mistakes made in self-monitoring and how to educate children. It is recommended as a reference for individuals working with campers who have diabetes no matter what the camp’s program emphasis.

Sawin, K. J., Lannon, S. L., & Austin, J. K. (2001). Camp experience and attitudes toward epilepsy: A pilot study. Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, 33 (1), 57-64.

This described a pilot study designed to measure the influence of a camp designed for children with epilepsy on the camper’s development of a more positive attitude towards their condition. The study looked closely at the assumption that a camp designed for campers with a specific chronic illness will help campers develop a more positive attitude towards their illness.

Song, R., & Lee, H. (2001). Managing health habits for myocardial infarction (MI) patients. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 38(4), 375-80.

This study, done in South Korea, examines the effects of a heart camp as a “motivation enhancement program on cardiac risk reduction and behavioral modification in MI patients.” Participants attended a day camp for health assessment and education. The results confirm that it is possible to enhance the motivation of chronic MI patients.

Thurber, C.A. & Weisz, J.R. (1998). You can try or you can give up: the impact of perceived control and coping style on childhood homesickness. Developmental Psychology, 33 (3). Available online: http://www.apa.org/release/homesick.htm.

The authors compiled data from 1,032 eight to16 year old boys and girls about coping with homesickness while the campers attended a two-week summer camp. The results discussed the methods reported by the children that were useful in helping them deal with homesickness and identified trends found in the participants. Both parents and camp leadership staff would find this study useful in identifying strategies for decreasing the potential for and dealing with homesickness.

Williams, P.D., Williams, A.R., Graff, J.C., Hanson, S., Stanton, A., Hafeman, C., Liebergen, A., Leuenberg, K., Setter, R.K., Ridder, L., Curry, J., Barnard, M., & Sanders, S. (2003). A community-based intervention for siblings and parents of children with chronic illness or disability: the ISEE study. Journal of Pediatrics, 143(3), 386-93.

Siblings of children with chronic illness or disability may have a risk for behavioral and mental health problems. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of an intervention for siblings of children with chronic illness or disability. The intervention included sessions at a 5-day residential summer camp. Findings demonstrated enhanced well-being in all participants

DISSERTATIONS AND THESES

Adams, J.O. (1997). Diabetic Summer Camp: A phenomenological examination of the experience. Masters Abstracts International, 36 (01), 0150. M.S. Gonzaga University.

This study was based on interviews form 12 adolescents who attended diabetes camp. Participants cited learning about themselves and gaining a network of peers as benefits of the experience. They also made lifestyle changes and changes in metabolic management as a result of the experience.

Dickinson, J.K. (2000). The lived experience of adolescent females with diabetes: A phenomenological approach. Dissertation Abstracts International, 61 (03B), 1321. PhD, University of Connecticut.

Adolescent females participating in diabetes camp were interviewed for this study. Findings included themes of blending in, standing out, making choices, being tethered, and others. Fitting in with peers was more found to be important than diabetes management.

Graff, J. C. (2001). An evaluation of a modified intervention for siblings of children with chronic illness/disability. Dissertation Abstracts International, 63 (05B), 2306. PhD, University of Kansas.

This study utilized a pretest-posttest design to evaluate the effects of a camp based intervention for siblings. Measures included sibling knowledge tests, perception, attitude, and mood tests, and similar tests for parent perceptions of changes. Several themes were generated and some significant relationships found.

McGarity, T.G. (1998). Evaluation of an educational intervention for children with asthma at a summer day camp. Unpublished masters thesis, University of Texas, Graduate School of Biomedical Science at Galveston.

The study used a questionnaire filled out by parents before camp, the last day of camp, and one year later to determine if a special curriculum and activities geared toward children with asthma who attended a summer camp would influence asthma knowledge and self-efficacy in children.

Steinke, N.A. (1999). Keeping up with friends: A grounded theory of friendship and well-being in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Dissertation Abstracts International, 61 (01B) 197. PhD University of Arizona.

This grounded theory investigation documents ways children with juvenile arthritis make and develop friendships. Participants were recruited from an arthritis camp and data obtained by interview and observations. The basic process identified was “Keeping Up” as part of becoming friends.