Indus Hospital’s Summer Camp 2024: Joy and Healing for Paediatric Patients

This year’s Summer Camp at Indus Hospital, organised in collaboration with the Faryal Kamran Initiative, brought a month filled with joy, creativity, and meaningful connections to our young warriors. Designed with a special focus on paediatric oncology patients, the camp not only provided entertainment but also integrated clinical elements, positively impacting the emotional and psychological well-being of over 500 children. Thanks to the collective efforts of our dedicated team, this unforgettable experience has left a lasting, positive mark on the lives of our patients.

Objectives of Summer Camp

Our primary focus was on paediatric oncology patients due to the unique challenges they face as a result of their condition. These patients often experience a significant impact on their quality of life, given the long-term nature of their treatment and the intensity of their suffering. Recognising these challenges, we aimed to educate the patients on the importance of self-awareness, particularly in understanding and managing their emotions. By fostering emotional literacy, we sought to enhance their coping skills, improve their quality of life, and promote positive personality growth.

Positive Impact

The 2024 Summer Camp positively impacted over 500 paediatric patients, including oncology and general patients. By integrating clinical elements with fun activities, the camp enhanced the children’s emotional and psychological well-being. The sessions on emotional literacy, coping skills, and mindfulness equipped the children with tools to manage stress and improve their mental health. The overall experience fostered a sense of community, helping the children form new friendships and build resilience during their treatment journey.

Key Activities:

  • Emotional Literacy Session: This session was designed to help children identify and articulate their emotions. By recognising different feelings, they could better understand their emotional responses, which is a crucial step in managing their mental health.
  • Coping Skills Workshop: We organised a session focused on teaching coping skills, providing the children with practical tools to manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges they face due to their medical conditions. The workshop was interactive, allowing participants to practice these skills in a supportive environment.
  • Yoga and Mindfulness: Understanding the significance of a healthy mindset, we included yoga and mindfulness sessions in the camp. These activities were aimed at promoting physical well-being and mental clarity, encouraging the children to adopt practices that support relaxation and stress reduction.
  • Art-Based Activities: To complement the therapeutic aspects of the camp, we incorporated art-based activities. These sessions allowed the children to express themselves creatively, providing an outlet for their emotions and fostering a sense of accomplishment and joy.
  • Magic Show: The Magic Show was a highlight of the Summer Camp, captivating the children with a series of entertaining and interactive tricks. The magician involved the kids in the performance, creating moments of joy and laughter that offered a welcome distraction from their medical routines. This experience allowed the children to immerse themselves in a world of wonder, leaving them with lasting memories of excitement and fun.
  • Pottery Show: The Pottery Show provided a hands-on creative experience where children could mould and shape clay into various forms. This activity was both therapeutic and enjoyable, helping the kids develop fine motor skills while expressing their creativity. The children were proud of their creations, which they could take home as keepsakes, reinforcing a sense of accomplishment and joy.