Understanding the impact of a cleft camp in Aotearoa New Zealand on sociability, self-esteem and confidence

Ardouin, Kenny; Stock, Nicola; Ormond, Tika; Macrae, Phoebe

Abstract

Objective: Although camps have been offered previously for cleft and craniofacial conditions, few have been evaluated empirically. This study sought to determine whether a community-led camp peer support event led to improved sociability and self-esteem among camp attendees.
Design: Mixed methods study was employed. Standardised measures were administered prior to camp, immediately after camp, and two weeks after returning home from camp. Qualitative data were collected using focus groups on the final day of camp.
Setting: A nationwide 3-day camp in Auckland, New Zealand, organized in partnership between the University of Canterbury and Cleft New Zealand.
Participants: Twenty-seven people with cleft aged 10-18 attended the camp, of whom, 22 participated in the research study.
Main outcome measures: The Rosenburg Self-Esteem Scale, Harter Sociability Scale, and Body Image Life Disengagement Questionnaire were analysed using descriptive statistics and t-tests to compare data across timepoints and to normative data. Focus group data were analysed using conventional content analysis.
Results: Many camp participants were already well-adjusted prior to camp and therefore did not demonstrate improvements in quantitative measures over time. Contrastingly, those who scored below the norm at baseline demonstrated significant gains in self-esteem and sociability. Focus group data demonstrated that people felt less isolated, more confident, and more knowledgeable about cleft after attending camp.
Conclusions: Residential camps for youth with CL/P offer a valuable peer support experience and can result in measurable benefits to young people's sociability and self-esteem, alongside qualitatively reported gains. Offering cleft and craniofacial camps as part of a comprehensive youth programme is indicated.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 7, 2025
• Online Publication Date: Mar 28, 2025
• Deposit Date: Mar 10, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 4, 2025
• Print ISSN: 1055-6656
• Electronic ISSN: 1545-1569
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/10556656251329297
• Keywords: Visible difference, cleft, residential camp, intervention, adolescents, self esteem, sociability
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/13929198