Children's perceptions of attending a residential weight-loss camp in the UK

Residential camps have been used to deliver weight-loss interventions to paediatric populations, but very little is known about how children perceive and evaluate attending such camps. Therefore, this study examined children's perceptions of attending a residential paediatric weight-loss camp.

Fifteen attendees (mean age = 13.56) of the 2002 Carnegie International Camp-UK (CIC-UK) were engaged in semi-structured interviews, which were transcribed verbatim and subjected to an inductive analysis procedure.

Results reflected pre-camp issues including worries (boot camp fears, being bullied) and goals and aspirations (weight loss goals, reducing bullying, increasing self-esteem and making friends). Negative elements pertaining to the camp experience were homesickness and dietary concerns. Positive elements of the camp experience were enjoyment, peer support, staff support and choice of activities.

Enjoyment, support from peers and staff and choice over activities appear to be important aspects in the delivery of residential obesity treatments for children.