What single mothers seek and gain from camps:

nature-based experiential activities’ meaning-making process in child-rearing

Abstract

This study aimed to qualitatively examine how single mothers interpret nature-based experiential activities in child-rearing from their own perspectives. We used the Trajectory Equifinality Approach, which included conducting interviews with three single mothers and analyzing the verbatim data to create a Trajectory Equifinality Model. The results were as follows.

1) Single mothers, influenced by trauma from their former husbands, expressed concerns about their children's behavior. They indicated that they have psychological needs such as “safe and appropriate mother-child separation,” “peer support among children,” and “emotional stability for children.” 2) Through nature-based experiential activities, they had the opportunity to experience a variety of things, such as “being accepted as an individual,” “experiencing safe mother-child separation,” and “meeting reliable role models.” These experiences contributed to the development of positive meanings related to parenting, including “it is okay to have time for myself” and “I can manage as a single parent.” 3) To implement nature-based experiential activities that can support single-parent families, programs tailored to their needs should be established. Economic, human, and material support should be provided. In addition, ensure that staff members are sensitive to trauma, including other single-parent family participants, and setting aside time for parents and children to spend separately are advisable. If implemented, these measures could help establish relationships and frameworks.