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Abstract
Children and adolescents with chronic health conditions deal with a variety of unique challenges and stressors physically, emotionally, and socially. Camps that are specifically designed for these children can provide many protective factors in order to buffer the risks often accompanied with their illnesses. Although camps have many benefits, they can be stressful and often present a challenge for many children who struggle with homesickness. Research reveals the importance of preparing children for stressful experiences. By focusing attention on easing parental and child anxiety through preparation, camps can optimize protective factors and promote positive outcomes. This paper will review literature on four main topics: (a) challenges facing children with chronic illness; (b) benefits of camp for these children; (c) effectiveness of preparation for stressful experiences; and (d) predictors and prevention of homesickness. Lastly, a resource guide made specifically for Victory Junction, a camp for children with chronic illnesses, is introduced.