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Abstract
Focus groups with youth and their parents were used in this research study to better understand the impact of the On Belay Program, an adventure-based support group for youth whose parents have cancer. Results demonstrated that challenge course programs reduce isolation in youth by creating a caring community and normalizing the cancer experience. Results also showed the importance of providing a place where the youth, not the parent or the parent’s illness, is the focus. Finally, the feelings of strength and empowerment gained from successfully accomplishing the physical challenges faced in the program were also applied to challenges faced at home.
Keywords parental cancer, challenge course, youth, children, support groups
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Author Biographies
Anita Reithoffer Tucker is an assistant professor in the Department of Social Work and the coordinator of the Dual Master’s Degree in Social Work and Outdoor Education at the University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, USA.
Deb Sugerman is training manager at Playworks in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Ryan Zelov is a graduate student in the Department of Social Work and Kinesiology: Outdoor Education at the University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, USA.
