Are children's grief camps effective?

J Soc Work End Life Palliat Care. 2013;9(1):43-57. doi: 10.1080/15524256.2013.758927.

Abstract

Bereavement camps are one form of popular grief intervention for children. A review of the existing literature on child bereavement camps was conducted to examine effectiveness of these camps. An initial database search led to 187 entries. Selection criteria employed resulted in a total of eight studies for an in-depth examination. While camps had differences in their lengths, camper acceptance, restrictions, and theoretical frameworks used; many shared similar camp goals and objectives, activities, and outcome measures. Emerging evidence shows camps are promising venues to help bereaved children develop and build resilience in dealing with loss.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adolescent
  • Camping*
  • Child
  • Grief*
  • Humans
  • Therapeutic Community*
  • Treatment Outcome