Parents' Perceptions of Benefits of Summer Camp for Campers with Mental Retardation

Authors

  • Bryan McCormick
  • Charlie White
  • Francis A. McGuire

Keywords:

Therapeutic Camps, Parents' Perceptions, Mental Retardation, Benefits, Programming

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to explore the perceptions of parents of campers with mental retardation in terms ofbenefits ofsummer camps. Subjects were parents of campers (n = 62) attending a summer camp during the summerof 1991 whose son or daughter lived in the parent's home on a full-time basis. Parents were asked to rate the relative importance of 22 benefit items derived from the literature. An exploratory factor analysis procedure was used to identify dimensions of benefits. Six dimensions were identified representing social skill development, social competence, respite care, cognitive development, expressive development and physical competence. Dimensions were found to be unrelated to characteristics of parents and their home environments. The dimensions and importance ratings provide a basis for program development.

Issue

Section

Special Issue