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Concept Mapping Analysis of Social Skills Camp Experience for Children with Disabilities

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 October 2015

Gloria K. Lee ,
Michael Infranco ,
Abiola Dipeolu ,
Catherine Cook-Cottone ,
James P. Donnelly ,
Timothy P. Janikowski ,
Amy Reynolds  and
Tim Boling
Gloria K. Lee*
Affiliation:
Michigan State University - Counseling, Educational Psychology & Special Education, Room 459, 620 Farm Lane, Erickson Hall, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
Michael Infranco
Affiliation:
University at Buffalo – State University of New York - Counseling, School & Educational Psychology, Buffalo, New York, USA
Abiola Dipeolu
Affiliation:
University at Buffalo – State University of New York - Counseling, School & Educational Psychology, Buffalo, New York, USA
Catherine Cook-Cottone
Affiliation:
University at Buffalo – State University of New York - Counseling, School & Educational Psychology, Buffalo, New York, USA
James P. Donnelly
Affiliation:
Canisius College - Counseling & Human Services, Buffalo, New York, USA
Timothy P. Janikowski
Affiliation:
University at Buffalo – State University of New York - Counseling, School & Educational Psychology, Buffalo, New York, USA
Amy Reynolds
Affiliation:
University at Buffalo – State University of New York - Counseling, School & Educational Psychology, Buffalo, New York, USA
Tim Boling
Affiliation:
Cradle Beach, Angola, New York, USA
*
address for correspondence: Gloria Lee, Michigan State University - Counseling, Educational Psychology & Special Education, Room 459, 620 Farm Lane, Erickson Hall, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA. E-mail: leekalai@msu.edu
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Abstract

The present study aimed to identify themes emerging from an inclusive therapeutic recreational camp experience for children with disabilities who attended a 10-day summer camp. Concept mapping was used to analyse the experience of 42 participants. Results emerged with seven themes: Personal Growth; Nurturing Relationships; Non-judgmental Environment and Attitude; Traditional/Classic Camp Fun; Beneficial and Unique Opportunities; Learning/Thinking with Structures and Rules; and Independence and Recognition. Results suggested that children with disabilities experienced positive personal growth and learned new skills from an integrated, therapeutic camp. These children benefited from the social and psychological aspects of the camp experience, as well as the learned skillset and behaviours. Clinical implications and future research directions are also discussed.

Keywords

Concept mapping analysisChildren with disabilitiesInclusive campingSocial skills intervention
Type
Articles
Information
Children Australia , Volume 41 , Issue 1 , March 2016 , pp. 16 - 28
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 2015 

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