Into the wild: a mixed-methods pilot study of the mental health benefits of a nature summer camp for urban children with psychological needs

Research suggests that nature promotes psychological and behavioral health among children. However, children living in low-income urban communities often have less access to green spaces compared to their counterparts living in high-income neighborhoods, and limited research has investigated the impact of nature on well-being and social connectedness in children experiencing marginalization. To address this gap, this mixed-methods study examined the impact of a one-week immersive nature camp on the well-being and social connectedness of 27 children aged 6-12 years referred to a community hub in Ottawa, Canada, for complex psychosocial difficulties. One week prior to and one week after the camp, caregivers completed a survey inquiring about their child's personal well-being, social contact, loneliness, positive emotional state, and positive outlook. On the first and last days of the camp, children completed the same survey. Children also engaged in an audio-recorded focus group about their experience in the camp to inform the quantitative findings. Quantitative and qualitative responses were analyzed using paired samples t-tests and thematic analysis, respectively. Although not statistically significant, small to medium effect sizes for improved positive emotional state and positive outlook were reported by children (p =.26, d = 0.24; p =.14, d = 0.31) and their caregivers (p =.12, d = 0.37; p =.89, d = 0.03). Qualitative thematic analyses of focus groups revealed nine themes including making friends, acquiring new skills, and connecting with nature. Within the Canadian child health context, exposure to green spaces for children with complex psychological difficulties living in low-income urban communities may be associated with perceived enhancements in social connections and skills. Future research with larger sample sizes is needed.