The role of nature-based leisure activities in enhancing the well-being of Syrian asylum-seeking children living in Türkiye

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This study examines the nature-based camp experiences of Syrian asylum-seeking children under Türkiye’s ‘temporary protection’ status through a phenomenological approach. A two-day nature camp with 35 male children in Adıyaman/Gölbaşı addressed the healing potential through collective, cultural, and emotional dimensions, moving beyond Western-centric individual therapy models. The research engaged in critical dialogue with universal models such as Attention Restoration Theory (ART) and Stress Reduction Theory (SRT), reframing nature’s therapeutic effects within Türkiye’s sociopolitical context. Phenomenological analysis of visual data and participant observations revealed that while children experienced temporary respite from war trauma and increased self-confidence, they also developed collective belonging and nostalgic bonds through Arabic linguistic unity and Islamic solidarity practices. The findings indicate that short-term exposure to nature created a space for negotiation of agency that challenges the ‘vulnerable’ refugee child narrative. However, the study’s limitation to male participants means it does not represent girls’ experiences. Consequently, this research provides a conceptual framework for developing culturally and initial exploratory contextually sensitive, gender-inclusive nature-based leisure policies.