Psychological Benefits of a Normalized Camping Experience for Children With Cancer

Launched by NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE (NCI) · Nov 3, 1999

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the positive effects of a camping experience designed specifically for children with cancer. The goal is to see how this experience can improve the children's quality of life, well-being, and self-esteem, as well as their relationships with family and friends. By participating in this camp, children will have the chance to engage in age-appropriate activities and have fun in a supportive environment, which is important since cancer treatment can often make them feel different from their peers.

To be eligible for this trial, children aged 7 to 17 who are currently being treated for cancer or have completed treatment within the last five years can participate. Young adults aged 18 to 25 who have had cancer and are serving as camp counselors are also welcome. Before joining, each child or young adult will be carefully screened by a team of medical professionals to ensure they can safely participate. The camp lasts for seven days, during which participants will be cared for by medical staff and enjoy a range of fun activities. This trial is actively recruiting participants, so if you know someone who might be interested, it could be a great opportunity for them!

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• * INCLUSION CRITERIA:
• • Children 7-17 years of age who are currently being treated for cancer or are up to 5 years post therapy.
• • OR
• • Young adults with cancer (YACers) 18-25 years of age who are acting as counselors at Camp Fantastic.
• * Children/young adults will be selected for camp after careful screening by a multidisciplinary committee consisting of medical and program directors. While the state of the child s health will certainly be considered there will be no exclusions for:
• • Patients who are receiving intramuscular, intrathecal, oral or intravenous medications or blood products.
• • Patients who have had amputations or have other physical defects.
• • Patients who become febrile and neutropenic at the onset or during the week of camp will stay at camp on antibiotic therapy providing their condition remains stable.
• • At the discretion of the multidisciplinary committee consisting of medical and program directors, special exceptions may be made for patients with extenuating circumstances.
• • All children will be officially enrolled and will have an NIH Clinical Center Patient Care Number. The enrollment of a child, signing of protocol consent, and completion of admission paperwork is done in person but under extenuating circumstances it may be done over the phone after the paperwork has been mailed to the parent/guardian. Extenuating circumstances would include a last minute application to camp after the trip for camp screenings in Norfolk or Richmond has been completed.
• EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
• • -Children with a medical diagnosis other than cancer or their related disorders.