Patients enjoying summer camps at Children’s & Women’s Hospital

By Casandra Andrews
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Throughout the summer, pediatric patients and their siblings at Children’s & Women’s Hospital are being treated to weekly themed camps courtesy of the Mapp Child and Family Life Program and supported by college and teen volunteers.

With a different theme each week, the camps run from May 26 to August 8 and include everything from art lessons to afternoon movie matinees complete with fresh popped popcorn and candy for hospitalized children and their families.

Later this week, as staff, patients and special visitors celebrate Christmas in July, the forecast calls for a chance of snow flurries in the outdoor courtyard.

While camps are designed to be fun, they are also backed by clinical best practices. The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes that play, recreation, and expressive therapies are essential components of pediatric care. Specifically, these activities help to promote coping skills, reduce anxiety, and aid in development, especially during hospital stays.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer so many hands-on activities for our patients this summer,” said Kim Thompson-Yates, who leads the child and family life program at the hospital. “Research consistently shows that camps and recreational programs are essential therapeutic interventions that improve health outcomes, emotional well-being, and quality of life for children and their families.”

While summer camp weeks have long been a tradition at the hospital, the pandemic paused many of the group activities, which are finally making a comeback.

Back in June, because of a partnership with Disney, patients were treated to a full-length viewing of the new live action film “Lilo & Stitch” while it was still in theaters and not yet available through streaming services. More than two dozen patients, siblings and caregivers took in the movie from the comfort of the Panda Cares Room.

Each week, other camp activities include art lessons in the Treehouse, the hospital’s designated play area for patients. Research also shows that arts and crafts and similar endeavors allow children to express their feelings and manage stress.

“We strive to make sure every patient has the best experience possible while they are with us,” Thompson-Yates said. “We know our staff plays a vital role in creating positive hospital memories that can reduce medical trauma and fear of future care.”