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.

Students’ Views about Enriched Summer Camp for High School Students

“…Also, rejection led to higher adolescent internalizing problems. Internalizing problems are related to a host of serious adjustment outcomes thereby leading to more interpersonal problems and a cycle of rejection (Buskirk-Cohena, 2015). If we handle for being successful in life, adjustment and adaptation is essential, making students experienced these kinds of emotions and developing these skills, creating an environment for them to use and develop these skills gain importance.…”

Occupational Therapy and Accessibility in the Outdoors and Summer Camps

“…Temporal context becomes more apparent when considering the previously discussed importance of development during youth and adolescence. At these ages, individuals benefit immensely when opportunities that promote social, physical, cognitive, and emotional growth are granted in the outdoors and camp setting (Buskirk-Cohen, 2015;Dworken, 2001;Halsall et al, 2016;Hanscom, 2014;Henderson et al, 2007;Snider & Farmer, 2017;Thurber et al, 2007;Zarrett et al, 2013). These benefits extend far beyond the temporal timeframe of the actual camp experience, and echo throughout individuals' lives into adulthood (Halsall et al, 2016;Snider & Farmer, 2017).…”

“…The benefits of participation in outdoor recreation and summer camps for youth and adolescence include socializing with peers, building team and leadership skills, creating positive identities, and facilitating exploration of natural environments (Buskirk-Cohen, 2015;Dworken, 2001;Halsall et al 2016;Hanscom, 2014;Henderson et al, 2007;Snider & Farmer, 2017;Thurber et al, 2007;Zarrett et al, 2013). Additionally, the value of these types of programs for individuals with disabilities is supported by research looking at social competency, self-esteem, and relationship building among many other positive outcomes (Bandino et al, 2014;Clark & Nwokah, 2011;Devine et al, 2015;Goodwin et al, 2011;McCarthy, 2015;Moola et al, 2014;Provident & Colmer, 2011;Walker et al, 2010).…”

“…Multiple studies indicate the positive impacts that attending summer camps have on youth and adolescents (Buskirk-Cohen, 2015;Dworken, 2001;Halsall et al, 2016;Hanscom, 2014;Henderson et al, 2007;Snider & Farmer, 2017;Thurber et al, 2007;Zarrett et al, 2013).…”

“…Identified areas of outcome findings include positive identity, social skills, social competency, self-esteem, positive values and spirituality, thinking, and physical skills (Buskirk-Cohen, 2015;Halsall et al, 2016;Snider & Farmer, 2017). Within these categories, constructs such as independence, leadership, making friends, social comfort, peer relationships, positive values, adventure and exploration, and environmental awareness are identified as correlating positively with campers' experiences (Buskirk-Cohen, 2015;Garst et al, 2011;Halsall et al, 2016;Henderson et al, 2007;Henderson, 2012;Snider & Farmer, 2017). The opportunities presented by outdoor recreation and the summer camp experience inherently address important areas of youth and adolescent development in the contexts of leisure, social participation, and engagement.…”