Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-fbnjt Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-13T03:48:18.425Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

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
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

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 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Allport, G. W. (1954). The nature of prejudice. New York: Addison-Wesley.Google Scholar
Ashton-Shaeffer, C., Gibson, H. J., Autry, C. E., & Hanson, C. S. (2001). Meaning of sport to adults with physical disabilities: A disability sport camp experience. Sociology of Sport Journal, 18 (1), 95–114.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Barr, R. D., Silva, A., Wong, M., Frid, W., Posgate, S., & Brown, G. (2010). A comparative assessment of attendance and nonattendence at Camp Trillium by children with cancer and their families: Including their utilization of health and social services. Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, 32 (5), 358–365. doi:10.1097/MPH.0b013e3181dccc1f.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bedini, L. A. (2000). “Just sit down so we can talk”. Perceived stigma and community recreation pursuits of people with disabilities. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 34 (1), 55–68.Google Scholar
Bekesi, A., Torok, S., Kokonyei, G., Bokretas, I., Szentes, A., Telepoczki, G., & the European KIDSCREEN Group. (2011). Health-related quality of life changes of children and adolescents with chronic disease after participation in therapeutic recreation camping program. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, 9 (1), 43–52. doi:10.1186/1477-7525-9-43.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Bongiovanni, T. R., Clark, A. L., Garnett, E. A., Wojcicki, J. M., & Heyman, M. B. (2010). Impact of gluten-free camp on quality of life of children and adolescents with celiac disease. Pediatrics, 125 (3), e525–e529. doi:10.1542/peds.2009-1862.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Briery, B. G., & Rabian, B. (1999). Psychosocial changes associated with participation in a pediatric summer camp. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 24 (2), 183–190. doi:10.1093/jpepsy/24.2.183.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Carter, E. W., & LeConey, S. P. (2004). Therapeutic recreation in the community: An inclusive approach (2nd edn.). Champaign, IL: Sagamore.Google Scholar
Cushner-Weinstein, S., Berl, M., Salpekar, J. A., Johnson, J. L., Pearl, P. L., Conry, J. A., . . . Weinstein, S. L. (2007). The benefits of a camp designed for children with epilepsy: Evaluating adaptive behaviors over 3 years. Epilepsy & Behavior, 10 (1), 170–178. doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2006.10.007.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Dawson, S., & Liddicoat, K. (2009). “Camp gives me hope”: Exploring the therapeutic use of community for adults with cerebral palsy. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 43 (4), 9–24.Google Scholar
Devine, M. A. (2004). “Being a ‘doer’ instead of a ‘viewer’” The role of inclusive leisure contexts in determining social acceptance for people with disabilities. Journal of Leisure Research, 36 (2), 137–159.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Devine, M. A., & Dawson, S. (2010). The effect of a residential camp experience on self esteem and social acceptance of youth with craniofacial differences. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 44 (2), 105–120.Google Scholar
Devine, M. A., & O’Brien, M. B. (2007). The mixed bag of inclusion: An examination of an inclusive camp using contact theory. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 41 (3), 201–222.Google Scholar
Devine, M. A., & Parr, M. G. (2008). Come on in, but not too far: Social capital in an inclusive leisure setting. Leisure Sciences, 30 (5), 391–408. doi:10.1080/01490400802353083.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Goodwin, D. L., & Watkinson, E. J. (2000). Inclusive physical education from the perspective of students with physical disabilities. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 17 (2), 144–160.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hantson, J., Wang, P. P., Grizenko-Vida, M., Ter-Stepanian, M., Harvey, W., Joober, R., & Grizenko, N. (2012). Effectiveness of a therapeutic summer camp for children with ADHD: Phase I clinical intervention trial. Journal of Attention Disorders, 16 (7), 610–617. doi:10.1177/1087054711416800.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Hill, E., & Sibthorp, J. (2006). Autonomy support at diabetes camp: A self determination theory approach to therapeutic Recreation. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 40 (2), 107–125.Google Scholar
Hough, M. S. (2010). The role of relatedness at summer camp for youth with Disabilities. Salt Lake City, UT: Doctoral dissertation, The University of Utah.Google Scholar
Hunter, H. L., Rosnov, D. L., Koontz, D., & Roberts, M. C. (2006). Camping programs for children with chronic illness as a modality for recreation, treatment, and evaluation: An example of a mission-based program evaluation of a diabetes camp. Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings, 13 (1), 64–77. doi:10.1007/s10880-005-9006-3.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Kane, M., & Trochim, W. (2007). Concept mapping for planning and evaluation (1st edn.). Beverly Hills, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Kiveal, D. J. S. (2013). Program evaluation of an inclusion program at an overnight summer camp. New Brunswick, NJ: Doctoral dissertation, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey.Google Scholar
Kruskal, J. B. (1964). Multidimensional scaling by optimizing goodness of fit to a nonmetric hypothesis. Psychometrika, 29 (1), 1–27. doi:10.1007/BF02289565.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Kruskal, J. B., & Wish, M. (1978). Multidimensional scaling. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Lindsay, S., & McPherson, A. C. (2012). Strategies for improving disability awareness and social inclusion of children and young people with cerebral palsy. Child: Care, Health and Development, 38 (6), 809–816. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2214.2011.01308.x.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Lopata, C., Thomeer, M. L., Volker, M. A., Toomey, J. A., Nida, R. E., Lee, G. K., . . . Rodgers, J. D. (2010). RCT of a manualized social treatment for high-functioning autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 40 (11), 1297–1310. doi:10.1007/s10803-010-0989-8.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
McAvoy, L., Smith, J. G., & Rynders, J. E. (2006). Outdoor adventure programming for individuals with cognitive disabilities who present serious accommodation challenges. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 40 (3), 182–199.Google Scholar
Meltzer, L. J., & Rourke, M. T. (2005). Oncology summer camp: Benefits of social comparison. Children's Health Care, 34 (4), 305–314. doi:10.1207/s15326888chc3404_5.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Miller, K. D., Schleien, S. J., & Lausier, J. (2009). Search for best practices in inclusive recreation: Programmatic findings. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 43 (1), 27–41.Google Scholar
Mishna, F., Michalski, J., & Cummings, R. (2001). Camps as social work interventions: Returning to our roots. Social Work with Groups: A Journal of Community and Clinical Practice, 24 (3–4), 153–171. doi:10.1300/J009v24n03_11.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Moola, F. J., Faulkner, G. E. J., White, L., & Kirsh, J. A. (2013). The psychological and social impact of camp for children with chronic illnesses: A systematic review update. Child: Care, Health and Development, 40 (5), 615–631. doi:10.1111/cch.12114.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Moons, P., Barrea, C., De Wolf, D., Gewillig, M., Massin, M., Mertens, L., . . . Sluysmans, T. (2006). Changes in perceived health of children with congenital heart disease after attending a special sports camp. Pediatric Cardiology, 27 (1), 67–72. doi:10.1007/s00246-005-1021-5.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Mrug, S., Molina, B. S. G., Hoza, B., Gerdes, A. C., Hinshaw, S. P., Hechtman, L., & Arnold, L. E. (2012). Peer rejection and friendships in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Contributions to long-term outcomes. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 40 (6), 1013–1026. doi:10.1007/s10802-012-9610-2.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Nadeau, L., & Tessier, R. (2006). Social adjustment of children with cerebral palsy in mainstream classes: Peer perception. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 48 (5), 331–336. doi:10.1017/S0012162206000739.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Nettina, J., Donnelly, J. P., & Florio, G. A. (2003). A concept mapping study of the perceived benefits of summer camp for children with chronic and life threatening illness. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 25, (Supplement), 156.Google Scholar
Nicholas, D. B., Williams, M., & MacLusky, I. B. (2009). Evaluating group work within a summer camp intervention for children and adolescents with asthma. Social Work with Groups, 32 (3), 209–221. doi:10.1080/01609510802527425.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Popay, J. (2010). Understanding and tackling social exclusion. Journal of Research in Nursing, 15 (4), 295–297. doi:10.1177/1744987110370529.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Pulgaron, E. R., Salamon, K. S., Patterson, C. A., & Barakat, L. P. (2010). A problem-solving intervention for children with persistent asthma: A pilot of a randomized trial at a pediatric summer camp. Journal of Asthma, 47 (9), 1031–1039. doi:10.1080/02770903.2010.514633.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Reed, F. D. D., McIntyre, L. L., Dusek, J., & Quintero, N. (2011). Preliminary assessment of friendship, problem behavior, and social adjustment in children with disabilities in an inclusive education setting. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 23 (6), 477–489. doi:10.1007/s10882-011-9236-2.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Sable, J. R. (1995). Efficacy of physical integration, disability awareness, and adventure programming on adolescents’ acceptance of individuals with disabilities. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 29 (3), 206–217.Google Scholar
Sable, J. R., & Gravnik, J. (2005). The PATH to community health care for people with disabilities: A community-based therapeutic recreation service. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 39 (1), 78–87.Google Scholar
Santiprabhob, J., Likitmaskul, S., Kiattisakthavee, P., Weerakulwattana, P., Chaichanwattanakul, K., Nakavachara, P., . . . Nitiyanant, W. (2008). Glycemic control and the psychosocial benefits gained by patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus attending the diabetes camp. Patient Education and Counseling, 73 (1), 60–66. doi:10.1016/j.pec.2008.05.023.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Scholl, K. G., McAvoy, L. H., Rynders, J. E., & Smith, J. G. (2003). The influence of an inclusive outdoor recreation experience on families that have a child with a disability. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 37 (1), 38–57.Google Scholar
Shepanski, M. A., Hurd, L. B., Culton, K., Markowitz, J. E., Mamula, P., & Baldassano, R. N. (2005). Health-related quality of life improves in children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease after attending a camp sponsored by the crohn's and colitis foundation of America. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, 11 (2), 164–170. doi:10.1097/00054725-200502000-00010.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Skulski, J. K. (2007). Health promotion: Planning for inclusion: Implementing an accessibility management program in a parks and creation business model. Retrieved from http://www.nchpad.org/523/2440/Planning~for~Inclusion~~Implementing~an~Accessibility~Management~Program~in~a~Parks~and~Recreation~Business~Model.Google Scholar
Son, E., Parish, S. L., Peterson, N. A. (2012). National prevalence of peer victimization among young children with disabilities in the United States. Children and Youth Services Review, 34 (8), 1540–1545. doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2012.04.014.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Torok, S., Kokonyei, G., Karolyi, L., Ittzes, A., & Tomcsanyi, T. (2006). Outcome effectiveness of therapeutic recreation camping program for adolescents living with cancer and diabetes. Journal of Adolescent Health, 39 (3), 445–447. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2005.12.018.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Trochim, W. M. (1989). An introduction to concept mapping for planning and evaluation. Evaluation and Program Planning, 12 (1), 1–16.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Vreeman, R. C., & Carroll, A. E. (2007). A systematic review of school-based interventions to prevent bullying. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 161 (1), 78–88. doi:10.1001/archpedi.161.1.78.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Walker, A. N., Barry, T. D., & Bader, S. H. (2010). Therapist and parent ratings of changes in adaptive social skills following a summer treatment camp for children with autism spectrum disorders: A preliminary study. Child & Youth Care Forum, 39 (5), 305–322. doi:10.1007/s10566-010-9110-x.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Wang, J., Iannotti, R. J., & Nansel, T. R. (2009). School bullying among adolescents in the United States: Physical, verbal, relational, and cyber. Journal of Adolescent Health, 45 (4), 368–375. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2009.03.021.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Wu, Y. P., Prout, K., Roberts, M. C., Parikshak, S., & Amylon, M. D. (2011). Assessing experiences of children who attended a camp for children with cancer and their siblings: A preliminary study. Child and Youth Care Forum, 40 (2), 121–133. doi:10.1007/s10566-010-9123-5.CrossRefGoogle Scholar