Abstract
The purpose of this case study was to examine the developmental process of peer relationships among junior high school non-attendants in the context of a two-week camping program. This program was held as part of a year-round camping program that consisted of six day camps, a two-week summer camp, and a one-week winter camp. The two-week program was planned as an integrated camping program with regular campers. A total of eight school non-attendant campers and 13 regular campers participated in this program. Of the non-attendant campers, this case study focused mainly on the peer relationships among three male students. To get a more indepth understanding of the campers, we also investigated their personal backgrounds. The AN EGOGRAM for Children (Akasaka and Nezu, 1989) and the Peer Relationship Questionnaire (Horide, 2003) were administrated 2 weeks before, and on the 8th and 13th day of the camp. In addition, sociometric tests were also administrated to analyse new peer relationships. To interpret the developmental process of the non-attendant peer relationships, qualitative data were also gathered from minutes of the camp counselors' meetings, camp counselors' personal notes, and the first author's notes. These data were interpreted qualitatively as a case study. The main findings were as follows: 1) In this two-week program, the three junior high school non-attendants established a close triad peer relationship. 2) The qualitative data showed that camp activities and living together for the camp's duration were related to and influenced changes in peer relationships among these three individuals. 3) Regrouping in the latter half of the program also made a contribution to the extension of peer relationships and mutual trust among them. 4) This case study suggested that the two-week camping program was effective for improving peer relationships among junior high school non-attendants. Future studies may wish to employ similar camping programs as a means of solving peer relationship problems among other school non-attendants.
