Article type: Original Research
19 October 2015
Volume 41 Issue 1
Article type: Original Research
19 October 2015
Volume 41 Issue 1
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Concept Mapping Analysis of Social Skills Camp Experience for Children with Disabilities
Affiliations
1 Michigan State University - Counseling, Educational Psychology & Special Education, Room 459, 620 Farm Lane, Erickson Hall, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
2 University at Buffalo – State University of New York - Counseling, School & Educational Psychology, Buffalo, New York, USA
3 Canisius College - Counseling & Human Services, Buffalo, New York, USA
4 Cradle Beach, Angola, New York, USA
Correspondence
* Gloria K. Lee
Contributions
Gloria K. Lee -
Michael Infranco -
Abiola Dipeolu -
Catherine Cook-Cottone -
James P. Donnelly -
Timothy P. Janikowski -
Amy Reynolds -
Tim Boling -
Gloria K. Lee1 *
Michael Infranco2
Abiola Dipeolu2
Catherine Cook-Cottone2
James P. Donnelly3
Timothy P. Janikowski2
Amy Reynolds2
Tim Boling4
Affiliations
1 Michigan State University - Counseling, Educational Psychology & Special Education, Room 459, 620 Farm Lane, Erickson Hall, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
2 University at Buffalo – State University of New York - Counseling, School & Educational Psychology, Buffalo, New York, USA
3 Canisius College - Counseling & Human Services, Buffalo, New York, USA
4 Cradle Beach, Angola, New York, USA
Correspondence
* Gloria K. Lee
CITATION: Lee G.K., Infranco M., Dipeolu A., Cook-Cottone C., Donnelly J.P., Janikowski T.P., Reynolds A., & Boling T. (2015). Concept Mapping Analysis of Social Skills Camp Experience for Children with Disabilities. Children Australia, 41(1), 2011. doi.org/10.1017/cha.2015.41
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Abstract
The present study aimed to identify themes emerging from an inclusive therapeutic recreational camp experience for children with disabilities who attended a 10-day summer camp. Concept mapping was used to analyse the experience of 42 participants. Results emerged with seven themes: Personal Growth; Nurturing Relationships; Non-judgmental Environment and Attitude; Traditional/Classic Camp Fun; Beneficial and Unique Opportunities; Learning/Thinking with Structures and Rules; and Independence and Recognition. Results suggested that children with disabilities experienced positive personal growth and learned new skills from an integrated, therapeutic camp. These children benefited from the social and psychological aspects of the camp experience, as well as the learned skillset and behaviours. Clinical implications and future research directions are also discussed.