Journal article
Understanding the Impact of a Cleft Camp in Aotearoa New Zealand on Sociability, Self-Esteem, and Confidence
The Cleft palate-craniofacial journal, Vol.63(5), pp.1269-1284
05/2026
PMID: 40152062
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Abstract
Objective: Although camps have been offered previously for cleft and craniofacial conditions, few have been evaluated empirically. This study sought to determine whether a community-led camp peer support event led to improved sociability and self-esteem among camp attendees.
Design: A mixed methods study was employed. Standardized measures were administered prior to camp, immediately after camp, and 2 weeks after returning home from camp. Qualitative data were collected using focus groups on the final day of camp.
Setting: A nationwide 3-day camp in Auckland, New Zealand, organized in partnership between the University of Canterbury and Cleft New Zealand. Participants: Twenty-seven people with cleft aged 10 to 18 attended the camp, of whom, 22 participated in the research study.
Main Outcome Measures: The Rosenburg Self-Esteem Scale, Harter Sociability Scale, and Body Image Life Disengagement Questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive statistics and t tests to compare data across timepoints and to normative data. Focus group data were analyzed using conventional content analysis.
Results: Many camp participants were already well-adjusted prior to camp and therefore did not demonstrate improvements in quantitative measures over time. Contrastingly, those who scored below the norm at baseline demonstrated significant gains in self-esteem and sociability. Focus group data demonstrated that people felt less isolated, more confident, and more knowledgeable about cleft after attending camp.
Conclusions: Residential camps for youth with cleft offer a valuable peer support experience and can result in measurable benefits to young people's sociability and self-esteem, alongside qualitatively reported gains. Offering cleft and craniofacial camps as part of a comprehensive youth program is indicated.
Details
- Title
- Understanding the Impact of a Cleft Camp in Aotearoa New Zealand on Sociability, Self-Esteem, and Confidence
- Creators
- Kenny Ardouin - University of CanterburyNicola Stock - University of the West of EnglandTika Ormond - University of CanterburyPhoebe Macrae - University of Canterbury
- Publication Details
- The Cleft palate-craniofacial journal, Vol.63(5), pp.1269-1284
- Publisher
- Sage
- Number of pages
- 16
- Grant note
- This work was supported by Lotteries Health Research [grant number E7787]. This grant covered all the costs associated with the camp, including venue hire and accommodation costs, catering, transport costs, and activity costs.
- Identifiers
- 991013389814202368
- Copyright
- © 2025, American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association.
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article