Childhoods under canvas: Campgrounds as spaces of resistance to protective parenting

Abstract

Camping is an important activity for many New Zealand families, with half reporting to be regular campers or intending to camp. We explore the role of camping in the lives of 69 families undertaking this activity at five campgrounds over summer in the South Island of New Zealand. We argue that campgrounds are places that encourage children’s freedom, sense of adventure and experience of outdoor activities. The social capital evident in campgrounds enables families to adopt a less pressured and ‘hands-off’ parenting style which acts as an antidote to the pressured safety consciousness that prevails in their usual daily lives.