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Psychological Benefits of a Camping Experience for Children with Cancer

This observational study is looking at the psychological benefits of a normalized camping experience for children and young adults with cancer. The study aims to understand if attending a camp like "Camp Fantastic" can positively influence the attitudes and life experiences of participants. Researchers will measure if participants experience an increase in self-esteem. You may be able to join if you are between 7 and 25 years old and are currently being treated for cancer, are up to 5 years post-treatment, or are a young adult (18-25) acting as a camp counselor. The study plans to enroll up to 5000 participants.

Study design
This is an observational study, meaning researchers will observe participants without providing specific interventions. It plans to enroll up to 5000 participants.
What's involved
Not specified in the trial record.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary endpoint, an increase in self-esteem, is measured on an ongoing basis.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT00001186

Psychological Benefits of a Normalized Camping Experience for Children With Cancer

Recruiting
Not specifiedAges 7–25Observational
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
~5,000 participants
Updated 2026-07-16 on ClinicalTrials.gov

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Increase in self esteem
Measured over Ongoing

Conditions

Pediatric Cancer

Explore related trials

Malignant Neoplasm

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Maryland1

Study leadership

  • John F Shern, M.D. · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Who to contact

Tammara Jenkins, R.N.
[email protected]
(240) 760-6550
Email the study team

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Children 7-17 years of age who are currently being treated for cancer or are up to 5 years post therapy.
Children/young adults will be selected for camp after careful screening by a multidisciplinary committee consisting of medical and program directors. While the state of the child s health will certainly be considered there will be no exclusions for:
Patients who are receiving intramuscular, intrathecal, oral or intravenous medications or blood products.
Patients who have had amputations or have other physical defects.
Patients who become febrile and neutropenic at the onset or during the week of camp will stay at camp on antibiotic therapy providing their condition remains stable.
At the discretion of the multidisciplinary committee consisting of medical and program directors, special exceptions may be made for patients with extenuating circumstances.
All children will be officially enrolled and will have an NIH Clinical Center Patient Care Number. The enrollment of a child, signing of protocol consent, and completion of admission paperwork is done in person but under extenuating circumstances it may be done over the phone after the paperwork has been mailed to the parent/guardian. Extenuating circumstances would include a last minute application to camp after the trip for camp screenings in Norfolk or Richmond has been completed.

Exclusion

Children with a medical diagnosis other than cancer or their related disorders.

What this trial measures

  • Increase in self esteemOngoing

    Psychological benefit