OBJECTIVE: When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the entire family is affected by the demands of the illness and its treatment. This study aimed to provide a more nuanced understanding of the experience of parents of children with cancer when participating in therapeutic recreation programs (such as summer camp), and address the specific knowledge gap of the role that camp may play in providing social support for these families. In particular this study aimed to enroll mothers and fathers as the voice of fathers have previously been missing in research about cancer camps. METHOD: Qualitative methods were used to better understand the experiences of parents (n = 85) attending Camp Trillium's family program between June 26th and August 31st 2012. Data obtained was analyzed using a grounded theory approach and thus coded and then grouped using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Parents reported that they experienced valuable peer interaction and experienced an increase in their perceived social support. Parents stated that this support was sustained outside of the camp experience. Parents highlighted the important aspects of camp as: the empowering setting, time to escape the treatment routine and rebuild familial relationships. From the qualitative interviews, five distinct themes were explicated: (a) Empowering setting; (b) Restoring family relationships (c) Valuable peer interactions; (d) Information sharing and (e) Group tensions. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to respite and recreational opportunities, camp provides access to an environment and community that has the ability to provide sustained and empowering support for parents dealing with childhood cancer, notably for fathers.
a1540-7586 (Electronic)