Free Summer Day Camp to Address Childhood Obesity: Is There Demand?

Children from low-income households, and who are overweight or obese (OWOB), are at risk of accelerated weight gain during summer. Summer day camps (SDCs) have the potential to mitigate accelerated weight gain during summer as these settings can positively influence children's obesogenic behaviors (i.e., increase physical activity); however, barriers exist to attending, most notably cost. Little is known on whether low-income caregivers of children with OWOB would be interested in having their child attend SDC for free. Caregivers (n = 109, 82% mother respondents, >75% Medicaid and Minority Household) with a child attending pediatric endocrinology clinics completed a one-page survey to explore demand. Approximately 66% of respondents expressed interest for their child to attend SDC for free. Providing free SDC for children with OWOB and from low-income households is a possible strategy to tackle childhood obesity during summer.