The ‘magic’ of magic camp from the perspective of children with hemiparesis

Previous studies have examined the quantitative results of using an or-ganized approach of teaching and learning magic tricks—a therapeu-tic magic camp—but set aside the qualitative aspect. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the interpretation of the lived experi-ence of children with hemiparesis after they have participated in a ther-apeutic magic camp. Six children, aged between 11 and 14 years old, with hemiparesis who completed the magic camp program 3 months prior were invited to participate in an in-person individual semistructured interview. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verba-tim for content analysis. Results from the initial qualitative analysis yield-ed categories of enjoyment, positive social and learning experience from participation in the camp, increased confidence, and self-motiva-tion to use the affected upper limb. These categories were grouped into two themes: “having fun with others while learning” and “helping my arm perform.” Having fun with others while learning was an amalgama-tion of fun, and positive social and learning experience. Helping my arm perform reflected a sense of increased competence and self-belief, and a willingness and motivation of the children to attempt challenging daily activities. The lived experiences of children with hemiplegia who partic-ipated in an organized delivery of learning to perform magic tricks yield-ed positive outcomes. These themes are consistent with the limited lit-erature that is available suggesting that further research is needed to confirm the efficacy of the therapeutic magic camp intervention.