Summer camp as a therapeutic landscape

This chapter presents a review of literature on the impact of summer camps for children with chronic illnesses. In addition, information from the author's research at summer camps is presented. Summer camps are places where children with chronic conditions can be 'heard' and find new ways to express their identities. Moreover, camps are places of 'acceptance,' where children find others who share similar experiences, who are able to understand experiences related to a child's own chronic illness without lengthy explanation, because they have 'been there.' The support and friendship at camps, and the ability to participate in the carefree experiences and games, provide a normalizing experience for children who might not otherwise have such an opportunity. A chance to no longer be 'one of the only ones' in a school or neighborhood dealing with the dayto- day stress of a chronic illness can bring a sense of relief, an increased sense of 'belongingness, ' and a context in which to reframe one's situation and identity.