Bereavement support for children: Effectiveness of Camp Erin from an occupational therapy perspective
Keywords:
Children, bereavement, occupational therapy, occupational engagement, interventions, summer camp, effectivenessAbstract
AbstractThis concurrent, embedded, mixed methods study investigated the effectiveness of Camp Erin in addressing grief in children in the bereavement process through the lens of occupational therapy. The researchers conducted two focus groups with the campers and four semi-structured interviews with the counsellors at a bereavement camp in the Midwest. The intent of these focus groups and interviews was to discuss the campers’ and counsellors’ perceptions of the impact Camp Erin has on the bereavement process. The focus groups and interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed. Three major themes were identified: environment, flexibility, and personal realizations. The evidence supports the idea that the activities offered at Camp Erin and the relationships formed there are effective in supporting and aiding children in the bereavement process. One need identified in this study is helping the children generalize the skills learned at camp to everyday life at home, school, and in the community. The researchers recommend a follow up study examining the use of learned skills. In addition, it is suggested that similar studies be conducted at multiple bereavement camp locations to determine the generalizability of this study's findings.
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