Experiences of a recreation based support program in a Norwegian city: young people's voices

Abstract

Youth with diffculties in their home lives are an often invisible minority in Norway. Norwegian policy makers fund many youth recreational programs attempting to interrupt the social exclusion of young people. Yet, concerns persist that universalist approaches may not be effective at targeting marginalized populations. This study provides an ethnographic look at one recreation based program using trauma-informed care to provide specialized support for young people with diffculties in their home lives. Through over-night camp experiences Ventilene seeks to offer opportunities to accomplish activities and to nurture positive peer and mentor relationships. In my research, I highlight the voices of some of the young people in the Ventilene program. As a volunteer with Ventilene, I interviewed 4 participants and 2 former participants and leaders, all 18+ years old. Emphasizing their perspectives on the role of Ventilene in their lives, I explore how some of Ventilene’s stated goals compare with what the young people think about the program. Across a month of weekend camps I also conducted overt participant observation with about 20 youth participants and 10 adult leaders. These observations included the experiences of minors and illustrate Ventilene’s practices. A thematic analysis of the data characterizes Ventilene as a safe space to be seen, heard, and accepted. Interview participants expressed the sense of belonging they developed by having this space to build loving relationships with peers and mentors with similar diffculties. Some interview participants indicate these relationships helped to diminish their risk of social exclusion and suicide. Concerning youth participation and empowerment, I recommend Ventilene offer more leadership and cooperative power together opportunities for young people. Doing so may empower the young people in their transition to adulthood. These fndings are relevant to Norwegian policy seeking to interrupt social exclusion. Beyond the Norwegian context, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child article 31 guarantees all children the right to recreation. Ventilene uses many intuitive practices which could be replicable in a variety of settings. As recreation programs continue to develop globally, it is important to give their potential as a youth outreach space more consideration. Developing recreational programs targeting an under-served population of young people may better provide them with specialized supports and empowering relationships.