93 Virtual Burn Camp 2020 vs. In-Person Burn Camp - Did It Hit the Mark

Abstract Introduction Burn camps have served burn-injured youth in the U.S. for over 35 years. Camp is a rehabilitation program that has been recognized as an important part of young survivors’ recovery. The 2020 global pandemic made an in-person camp impossible, so volunteers rallied to provide a virtual experience. Registered campers received a “Camp in a Box” filled with activities, art supplies, a camp tee-shirt, and snacks to enjoy at Virtual Burn Camp (VBC). Participants connected with campers and counselors online. This study sought to determine how youth viewed VBC compared to in-person camp, how the pandemic was affecting their emotional status and whether VBC helped them. Methods The study asked participants to rate survey items regarding levels of comfort, connection, and support at VBC vs. in-person camp on a 4-point scale from 1. NO! 2. no 3. yes 4. YES! Multiple choice questions such as My favorite thing about virtual camp, and “Things I missed most about regular burn camp” - choose 2. General stress & anxiety levels related to Covid-19 were assessed, as well as if VBC helped to reduce their anxiety/stress levels. Results Pediatric burn survivors (n=77) participating in 2 virtual camps, demographic’s included mean age 13.8 years, male (n=39%), female (n=61%), visible scars (74%) vs. (10%) hidden scars with the majority representing racial/ethnic minorities (65%) vs. white (35%). Campers reported feeling more connected at in-person camp (84%) vs. VBC (38%). Feeling supported was higher at regular burn camp (84%), but the majority (76%) also claimed feeling supported at VBC. Camper’s favorite things about VBC were Camp in a Box (66%), Being Part of the Burn Community (51%), and Seeing Counselors (47%). Things missed most about regular burn camp were seeing Friends (83%) and Counselors (61%). Respondents reported high Covid-19 related stress/anxiety levels (66%) and (88%) said that VBC reduced their anxiety/stress. Top benefits included feeling Happy (48%) and Thankful (32%). Conclusions Pediatric burn survivors place a high value on their burn community involvement. Though not the preferred camp method, the VBC earned high marks for camper’s improved emotional status and for reducing their Covid-19 stress and anxiety levels. The program succeeded in helping Virtual Campers feel supported and provided an important venue for connecting them with their burn-injured peers and camp counselors.