Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2024
DOI
10.1177/02646196241261608
Publication Title
British Journal of Visual Impairment
Volume
Article in Press
Pages
1-11
Abstract
Empirical research documents the benefits of summer camps for young people, including disability-specific or medical-speciality residential camps. Using an ethnographic approach which utilized observation and individual and group discussions with the visually impaired young people who attended a summer camp, their parents, and school teachers who staffed the summer camp, we build on the extant research here by exploring, for the first time, the purpose and value of a summer camp for visually impaired young people. The qualitative data generated from our research were subjected to thematic analysis. We discuss the summer camp in relation to the following themes: (1) The summer camp facilitates peer interactions and relationship development; (2) the mixing of age groups facilitates the development of life skills; and (3) the summer camp supports the recruitment of visually impaired young people to Fieldway School [pseudonym].
Rights
© The Authors 2024.
Published under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License.
Original Publication Citation
Maher, A. J., Haegele, J. A., & Swanston, D. (2024). The purpose and value of a summer camp for visually impaired young people. British Journal of Visual Impairment. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/02646196241261608
ORCID
0000-0002-8580-4782 (Haegele)
Repository Citation
Maher, Anthony J.; Haegele, Justin A.; and Swanston, David, "The Purpose and Value of a Summer Camp for Visually Impaired Young People" (2024). Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications. 167.
https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/hms_fac_pubs/167
Included in
Disability and Equity in Education Commons, Disability Studies Commons, Leisure Studies Commons, Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration Commons, Sports Studies Commons