The Effect of an Overnight Summer Camp on the Quality of Life for Individuals Who Require Ventilatory Support

Purpose: Summer camps are a modality that addresses barriers to social interaction. Although there is a growing amount of evidence supporting camps for individuals with chronic illness, there is no known research on camp experiences for those who require ventilatory support. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of attending camp on self-esteem, social functioning, emotional functioning, and physical functioning for individuals who require ventilatory support. Methods: Eleven participants completed the Pediatric Camp Outcome Measure via an online survey. Results: This study found positive correlations between the number of years an individual attended the camp and his or her overall Pediatric Camp Outcome Measure score, as well as social functioning and physical functioning subscales. This study found positive correlations with questions in all subscales with the number of years attending camp. Conclusion: Findings suggest that attending summer camp may positively impact the quality of life for individuals who require ventilatory support.