Camps for Children with Cancer and Their Families: A Systematic Review of Psychosocial and Physical Impacts

Objective: Camps for children with cancer and their families aim to promote positive psychosocial and physical outcomes for attendees. However, evidence for this is inconsistent, and previous reviews have not delineated between camps for children (patient/survivors and siblings) and family camps (including parents/guardians). Such understanding is necessary to understand the evidence-based benefits of each type of camp. Our systematic review summarizes the findings and limitations of the recent literature for children's camps and family camps. Methods: We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, PsycINFO, Social Work Abstracts, and Google Scholar for relevant articles published between 2013 and 2018. Results: Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol, we included 19 articles (from 15 studies) in the review. Evidence for the impact of camps was mixed. All articles reported positive outcomes, yet 3 quantitative articles also reported nonsignificant changes. Camps for children (representing 2151 children with cancer/survivors) appeared to facilitate social skills, self-esteem, and physical activity. Family camps (representing 96 families) may provide families the opportunity to reconnect. Both types of camp provide attendees with social support and fun/respite. In 2 qualitative articles, some parents attending family camps reported tension between families of children on treatment and bereaved families. The literature is limited by small sample sizes and the lack of multisite, longitudinal, and controlled study designs. Conclusion: The recent literature provides evidence for some positive, short-term psychosocial and physical outcomes of camps. Future research should use rigorous quasiexperimental designs and should assess the long-term impact of camp attendance.