Many young people who originally come from De Ark are now forced to live in the Emmermeer district, Bosma knows. “In recent decades, almost no houses have been added to the camp, while new generations have arrived. Young people would also like to continue living there, but there is often no room.”
In addition, De Ark was renovated ten years ago, with the disappearance of almost sixty stands. Some of the caravans were in poor condition and needed to be replaced. In the past, many municipalities had a phasing-out policy when it comes to caravan parks, but according to a ruling by the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights, this has no longer been allowed since 2018.’
Living in a caravan camp is part of a broader, historical culture, Bosma explains. “It’s about the feeling that you live in a broader family context, where people look out for each other and are there for each other. We take care of each other, the elderly do not have to go to a nursing home, for example. And when children play outside, other people look after each other. just as well as them. Strong social control, but in a positive way. If there is no room at your familiar camp and you have to move to a ‘civilian home’, you immediately feel that distance.”