What's new

This ethnographic study of a week-long trip used full immersion, observation and interviews, analysed through a framework of individualism and collectivism. Teachers saw the trip as successful in building group cohesion. The data showed community feelings, belonging, togetherness and mutual support developing among most participants. One participant had contrasting, individualist perceptions and experiences of freedom, privacy, adversity and cohesion.

Why it matters in Aotearoa

Camps in Aotearoa often aim to build group cohesion. This study reminds leaders that some participants may experience the same programme as isolating.

Putting it into practice

Within duty-of-care limits, plan some choice and private time on camps, and check in one-to-one with students who seem to be on the edge of the group.

How strong is the evidence

This is an in-depth ethnography of a single trip that focuses on one participant's experience. It is valuable for insight but not generalisable.

What to read

The findings on the individual participant and the implications for trip leaders.

Who it's for