Summer Camps for Children With Burn Injuries: A Literature Review

Abstract

The first summer camps for children with burn injuries started over 25 years ago, and as of 2008, there were 60 camps worldwide. This review examines the literature on summer pediatric burn camps. The authors describe common characteristics of burn camp structure, activities, and staffing and then examine the scientific evidence regarding the effect of burn camp programs on campers and camp staff volunteers. A search of Pubmed and Psychinfo databases from 1970 to 2008 for articles related to pediatric burn summer camps identified 17 articles, of which 13 fit the inclusion criteria. Existing literature consists primarily of qualitative studies, suggesting that burn camp can decrease camper isolation, improve self-esteem, and promote coping and social skills. Studies examining volunteer staff at burn camp have consistently found that there are both personal and professional benefits. Quantitative studies of self-esteem have yielded equivocal results. No studies have examined safety or the effect of burn camp on medical or rehabilitation outcomes. For the past 25 years, pediatric summer camps for children with burn injuries have played an important rehabilitation role and provided a strong community that benefits both campers and staff. Future research using more rigorous research methods and examining a broader range of outcomes (eg, safety and medical/rehabilitation outcomes) is recommended.

Burn-Injured Adolescents Report Gaining Multiple Developmental Benefits and Improved Life Skills as a Result of Burn Camp Attendance

“…[17][18][19][20] The greatest determinant of constructive participant outcome is likely not only attendance at an organized activity but also the individual's level of commitment to the developmental experiences that are offered in the program. [29][30][31]2 Activities that are specifically designed to assist young burn survivors with personal development and successful school and community reintegration are limited. 22 Structured programs such as burn camp have been shown to give young people the opportunity to participate in unique developmental activities.…”

“…21 In addition, research shows that youth programs may be especially helpful for disadvantaged youngsters. 32,2 Although anecdotally it is believed that burn camp has a positive effect on youth, claims of success are often based on things such as an increased number of campers annually; increased funds raised for the program; or participants', their parents', or camp counselors' remarks about their enjoyment of the program. These unique activities will potentially arm them with skills they can transfer and utilize when dealing with reallife trials.…”

“…These unique activities will potentially arm them with skills they can transfer and utilize when dealing with reallife trials. 2 Over much of the past 15 years, studies that examined the various effects of participation in burn camps were often conducted at individual camps and reported mixed results as to the effect burn camp has on participants. 24 When youth participate in programs designed to allow them to take on responsibility, set goals and attempt to meet them, work with their peers as a team, and interact with adults in a positive environment, they can gain talents that will augment their capacity to solve common problems associated with everyday life.…”

Medical services of a mulicultural summer camp event: experiences from the 22nd World Scout Jamboree, Sweden 2011

“…Today, it is a requirement that sufficient health service is provided at larger camp sites. Health service should be provided at camps, especially in the field where participants are disabled or have special needs [5,6]. Outbreaks of infectious diseases during camps are related to the amount of people living together in provisional housing or by environmental exposure to a pathogen [7,8].…”

Awareness of People to Attend Free Medical Camp Conducted in South Indian Tertiary Care Hospital

“…Today, it is a requirement that sufficient health service is provided at larger camp sites. Health service should be provided at camps, especially in the field where participants are disabled or have special needs 6,7 . Outbreaks of infectious diseases during camps are related to the amount of people living together in provisional housing or by environmental exposure to a pathogen 8,9 .…”