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The Effects of Summer Camp Experience
on Male Adolescent Diabetics
Dana, R.H. and Cocking, R.R.
Rehabilitation Research and Practice
Review, 2 .3 (1981) 29-37
Purpose:
Determine the effects of a four week residential
summer camp experience on the self concept,
independence, self-reliance, and competence
of adolescent boys.
Sample:
21 adolescent boys. The subjects were divided
into a non-diabetic group (n=6) and the
diabetic group (n=15). No difference in
the mean age of the boys in the two groups.
Age ranges were not reported. Non-diabetic
group all from towns in Wyoming, diabetic
group from both rural and urban settings
in nine different states. Survival and wilderness
camp.
Methods/Instruments:
Quantitative: The following tests were administered
three times (at the beginning of the camp
experience, after camp, and six months later):
Draw-A-Person, Sentence Completion,
Symonds Picture Story Test, Second
Homonym Test, California Psychological Inventory(CPI).
Qualitative: Incident reports by counselors
and camper evaluations.
Results:
Quantitative Results:
CPI Score Results:
- Minor pre-test differences in CPI
scores between diabetic and non-diabetic
groups. Non-diabetic boys scored higher
on sociability.
- Mean sociability scores of both groups
were almost the same by the end of camp.
- Non-diabetic boys became more dominant
after the camp experience, while the diabetic
boys decreased in dominance.
- Post-test data suggested positive changes
in the self-control, social presence,
and ability to make a good impression
in the non-diabetic boys.
- Diabetic boys: decrease in poise, ascendancy,
and self-assurance and increase in socialization,
maturity, and responsibility between post-camp
and follow-up
- Both groups: significant decrease in
CPI scores on the follow-up tests.
- No differences between diabetic and
non-diabetic groups between pre-test and
post-test on the SCT , Draw-A-Person,
Homonym, and Symonds Picture
Story Test.
Qualitative Results:
Evaluations:
- All participants reported that the camp
experience was rugged and stressful.
- Eight diabetic and six non-diabetic
boys reported enjoying and benefiting
from camp.
- Seven diabetic campers reported no positive
results from camp experience. The boys
reported resenting the camp regimentation
and discipline.
Incident Reports:
- Non-diabetic boys enjoyed and learned
more from camp than diabetic boys. Non-diabetic
boys seemed better able to perform the
required activities and learn new skills.
- Diabetic boys seemed physically weaker
with less endurance. Six diabetic boys
unable to keep up with the physically
demanding activities.
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