Parent Observations at Family Diabetes Camp: An Impact Study

• Published in: Recreation, parks, and tourism in public health parks, and tourism in public health, 2021-01, Vol.5, p.93-108
• Main Authors: Coats, Takeyra Collins, Hill, Eddie, Ramsing, Ron, Reifschneider, Kent, Haegele, Justin A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Camps; Children; Chronic illnesses; Collaboration; Collaborative approach; Competence; Connectedness; Friendship; Parents & parenting; Perceptions; Skill development; Type 1 diabetes mellitus; Youth
• ISSN: 2474-1825; 2474-1833
• DOI: 10.2979/rptph.5.1.06

Camps provide a positive environment for all youth, and can be an added bonus for those living with type 1 diabetes (T1D), to have fun, socialize, and learn new skills. These benefits are extended in family camps where a collaborative approach between children with T1D, their families, and medical staff can provide opportunities for youth to better manage living with diabetes. To date, however, little is known about parents' perceptions of their child(ren)‘s skill development as they participate in a family camp. The overarching aim of this study was to explore parents’ perceptions of a family diabetes camp. The first purpose within that aim was to understand parents’ perceptions of the impact camp had on their child's skill development of friendship skills, camp connectedness, perceived competence, responsibility, and independence. The second purpose was to examine parents' perceptions of the residual impact of camp after a four-week period. This study centered on a three-day, family-oriented medical specialty camp focused on developing youth skills (e.g., responsibility). Data were collected from parents using the American Camp Association's Youth Outcomes Battery-Parent Perception Scale at camp and open-ended questions four weeks after camp. The parents' perceptions of their children's five outcomes (i.e., friendship skills, camp connectedness, perceived competence, responsibility, and independence) revealed the highest average improvement in the independence subscale. Consensus coding resulted in three broad themes that communicate the essence of the open-ended question responses: commonality, making new friends, and control over what is happening with their child's diabetes. Parent perceptions of camper development at family diabetes camp are important for understanding the multifaceted approach for youth with T1D. Additionally, it can help guide camp practitioners as they include parents in the camp experience.