A Study of the Effectiveness of Camp Baker, an Adapted Summer Treatment Program for Children with ADHD

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Although the Summer Treatment Program (STP) is a well-established treatment for ADHD, STPs are only offered at a few sites in the United States, suggesting opportunities for improved implementation. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and caregiver satisfaction of Camp Baker, an adapted STP for children with ADHD designed to address implementation barriers. Methods Adaptations included condensing the length of treatment and augmenting the STP to cover additional skills (e.g. educational opportunities, therapeutic skills training, enhanced parent training). Children (N = 159; 84.3% male; 65.4% White; 5–12 years old) with ADHD participated in Camp Baker throughout 2019, 2021, and 2022. Families who participated in Camp Baker in 2019 were asked to complete an anonymous survey that contained choice-select (e.g. “My child is better at handling daily life”) and open-ended questions (e.g. “From your perspective, how did Camp Baker most help your child?”) to assess their perceptions of and satisfaction with Camp Baker. Qualitative survey responses (n = 30) were double-coded using an inductive content analysis approach. Results Commonly endorsed themes included positive feelings about the program (e.g. “fun camp experience at Camp Baker”), positive feelings about parent training (e.g. “the training is amazing”), and positive child outcomes (e.g. “gave him newfound confidence”). Caregivers reported significant improvement in child behavioral, attentional, and emotional problems from pre- to post-camp. Conclusion With intentional adaptations made, Camp Baker was easily implementable while demonstrating promise for the retainment of effectiveness and satisfaction.