Experience of adult campers about the summer family camp 2012 in Finland, Lapland

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the experience of adult campers participating in family camp in Northern Lapland. The camp used group work method and strengths perspective for strengthening families against their vulnerability associated with child protection. Therefore, it discovers campers’ experience on service received, client-worker relationship and impact.

The theoretical frameworks of this study are family social work, group work and strengthen perspective in social work practice. The group work approach with strengthen perspective in family social work strengthens families and increases their resilience towards well-functioning and effective parenting through positive group experiences and client-worker relationship.

This study is qualitative research where data was analyzed using content and thematic analysis. The data was collected at two summer family camps of 2012 from interview with six respondents.

The thesis explains free time and group experiences acquired through camp contributed in awareness, understanding, analyzing and accepting campers’ family situations. It motivated them towards problem solving. Despite supporting role of workers, there was revealed vertical camper-worker relationship and therefore their needs were found unmet.

The central argument of this study is intervention focused at group work and strengthen perspective can bring changes in clients at individual, family and societal level. The findings reflect there is significance of harmonizing the needs of the service deliverer and receiver and it can be assured through service users’ participation in planning process. Also for achieving set goals, there is need for cautious effort from practitioner to ensure positive working relationship and healthy group environments.