Exploring how medical specialty camps deliver positive experiences for children and youth with special healthcare needs
SeriousFun Children’s Network medical specialty camps (MSCs) aim to foster character development in children and youth with special healthcare needs (CYSHCN). This pilot study examined whether MSCs afford CYSHCN access to the four HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) building blocks: nurturing relationships, safe and equitable environments, engagement, and social-emotional growth.
Publication Information
Authors
Dina Burstein, MD, MPH*, Laura Gallant MSW*, Kelsey Hannan, BA^, Catalina Borges, MS^^
*Affiliated with the HOPE National Resource Center
^Formerly affiliated with the HOPE National Resource Center
^Participated as a student intern
Publication Date
24 September 2026
Keywords
positive childhood experiences, PCEs, adult health outcomes, adverse childhood experiences, ACEs, HOPE framework, Four Buildings Blocks of HOPE, children and youth with special healthcare needs, CYSHCN
