The burn camp experience: variables that influence the enhancement of self-esteem

Since 1982, there have been summer camps for children and adolescent burn survivors. Although the primary focus of camp is to have "fun," the principal goal is psychosocial readjustment through peer interactions and the resulting enhancement of self-esteem (SE). This study was initiated to test the hypothesis that the burn camp experience enhances the SE of campers. Forty-three campers at the Connecticut Burns Care Foundation Summer Camp were invited to participate in this study with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The age range was 8 to 18 years (mean 12 years). The extent of previous burn injury ranged from 10% to 98% total body surface area (mean 40%). The interval between hospital discharge and camp experience was 4 to 144 months (mean 54 months). Thirty-seven percent of the children demonstrated an increase in SE to varying degrees, whereas 30% showed no change, and 3% exhibited a decrease in SE. This study failed to support the working hypothesis.