Finding the best amount of summer camp for kids' health
Identifying the Ideal Dose of Structured Summer Programming for Mitigating Accelerated Summer BMI Gain
This study is testing how different amounts of summer camp can help kids aged 5-12 from low-income families maintain a healthy weight during the summer.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 360 (estimated) |
| Ages | 5 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of South Carolina Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbia, South Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT06158594 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how different amounts of structured summer programming, such as day camps, affect the BMI of children aged 5-12 years. It builds on the Structured Days Hypothesis, which suggests that structured environments can help prevent unhealthy weight gain during the summer months when children are less active. By conducting a randomized dose-response study, researchers aim to determine the optimal level of summer programming needed to mitigate BMI increases. The study will involve children from partner schools who are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, focusing on those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children in grades K-4 who are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch and have parental consent to participate.
Not a fit: Children with intellectual or physical disabilities that limit their mobility may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into effective strategies for preventing obesity in children during the summer months.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary studies have shown positive outcomes with structured summer programming, but this study aims to rigorously establish the dose-response relationship, making it a novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * k-4th grader in a partner school * eligible for free and reduced price lunch (a widely recognized indicator of * socioeconomic level and poverty status) * parent that indicates "yes' on an informed consent document for participation in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of an intellectual disability, such as Down Syndrome, Fragile X, Fetal Alcohol * a physical disability, such as wheelchair use, that prevents the ability to ambulate without assistance. * Families who plan to enroll their children in a summer camp or relocate (i.e., move) during the 14-month period that they participate
Where this trial is running
Columbia, South Carolina
- University of South Carolina — Columbia, South Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Robert Weaver
- Email: weaverrg@mailbox.sc.edu
- Phone: 8037775605
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.