Citation

Hanlon P, Guerin S, Kiernan G. Death Stud. 2018; 42(9): 593-603.

Affiliation

School of Nursing & Human Sciences , Dublin City University , Ireland.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07481187.2017.1407012

PMID

29338601

Abstract

While bereavement camps serve as a support for children, this study examines a therapeutic recreation-based camp for families who have lost a child. The study triangulated documents, researcher reflection and staff interviews to highlight the themes of Searching & Finding, Getting to Know, Finding the Balance and Joining. Developing opportunistically through internal and external factors, the camp's evolution represents a closing of the loop, from supporting families of living children to also supporting the families of children who have died. Understanding the camp's evolution may facilitate other programs by highlighting the challenges in developing the program and the lessons learned.

Language: en

Keywords

bereavement; death; families; serious illness; therapeutic recreation