Children with Cancer: Positive Benefits of Camp

 

               Countless research has been conducted over the years towards the cure, treatment, and alleviation of cancer discomfort from children to adults in an effort to overcome an inevitably fatal illness to a life-threatening chronic disease. The aim of these studies was to critically review all research examining the effect of camps on health related quality of life in children with chronic illnesses. Interestingly, a positive research finding for young cancer patients was the beneficial involvements of participants in camp experiences and the reduction of anxiety which helped them to better cope with their terminal illness. Research supports the positive emotional, physical and spiritual benefits of camps and retreats for cancer patients. “A number of strategies have been used to reduce feelings of anxiety experienced by pediatric cancer patients, including “diversions or activities as means of catharsis” (Goertzel & Goertzel, 1991, p. 538). One relatively new method that has been used to help children cope with their terminal illness has been the development of summer camp programs designed especially to meet their needs.” (Winfree, Williams, & Powell 2002). Although, there is not a cure for cancer yet I found this discovery made by research efforts to be truly uplifting towards creating a support system, while helping young children reduce disease related anxieties, and boost self-confidence.

 References

 Winfree, Christy, Powell Gwynn, Williams Richard. (2002). Children with Cancer - Positive Benefits of Camp. Retrieved from http://gpowell.myweb.uga.edu/Cancer_Nov_2002.htm

Bekesi, Andrea. (2011). Health Related quality of life changes of children and adolescents with chronic diease after participation in therapeutic recreation camping program. Retrieved from http://www.hqlo.com/content/9/1/43

My Personal Research Journey

 

 

I chose the  topic of public policy for my simulation due to the current state of early childhood and it’s recent

recent media attention, calling for the historic  investments to be made in early childhood education. President Obama’s early learning plan for stronger investments in early childhood entails participation for all in children in high quality programs. Major changes are in the process of being made that will have a major impact on the field, and as a parent and an educator I believe that the key to major changes in education is through the venue of public policy. This will ensure the window of opportunity in young children is utilized to it’s full potential.

Initially, I have learned that one of the most important aspects in beginning to conduct research is the determination of a specific topic, as well as the ability to explore a variety of questions surrounding it. I speculate that narrowing down a specific research question will be the most difficult part of the whole process. Additionally, I think that filtering  through an abundance of resources might also be rather difficult due to the large variety of information that is out there on the web.

Constructing the research chart was an interesting experience, I found that I needed more information than the given definition in the book and found myself exploring other sources for a more detailed clarification that I could explain in my own words.

I wonder if any other colleagues have had this issue due to the large reference to research definitions and lack of clarification in the glossary?