The Affective Benefits for Children With Specific Disabilities Associated With Attending Therapeutic Respite Summer Camps From a Camper and Parent Perspective

Abstract

Therapeutic respite summer camps for individuals with disabilities are a unique opportunity for growth and exploration of one’s self. By bringing together individuals with similar disabilities and life experiences, campers can relate and form unique relationships and bonds. Surveys and interviews of campers with disabilities have shown that attending therapeutic respite summer camps increase levels of autonomy, self-esteem, self-efficacy, social acceptance, and relatedness. These affective benefits have been described and felt by both the campers and the parents of campers with disabilities.Therapeutic respite summer camps are beneficial for individuals with disabilities and continue to provide meaningful programing for campers.