Camping experience for children with cancer

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the psychological and social benefits of a normalized camping experience for children with cancer, aiming to enhance their quality of life and self-esteem. It involves children aged 7-17 currently undergoing cancer treatment or young adults aged 18-25 serving as counselors. The camping experience is designed to help these children develop skills of independence and separation from their medical environments. The study will assess both short and long-term impacts on the participants' well-being and attitudes.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

* INCLUSION CRITERIA:
* Children 7-17 years of age who are currently being treated for cancer or are up to 5 years post therapy.

OR

Young adults with cancer (YACers) 18-25 years of age who are acting as counselors at Camp Fantastic.

* 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 CRITERIA:

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

Where it's running

• National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
  Bethesda, Maryland, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: John F Shern, M.D. — National Cancer Institute (NCI)
• Study coordinator: Tammara L Jenkins, R.N.
• Email: tjenkins@mail.nih.gov
• Phone: (240) 760-6550

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.