Selfies, group chats and “snaps,” along with Instagram Reels, are how kids are documenting and sharing everyday life. But at many camps, a no-tech policy powers down what has become an innate form of communication.
Many parents feel disconnected, too.
But device-free time allows real-life face time for forming new friendships, engaging fully in activities and growing awareness of campers’ surroundings. “Our goal is to make sure our campers get the opportunity to detach from their mobile devices in the summer,” says Courtney Nicolai, executive director of Hiram House.
While going cold turkey might be too overwhelming for some kids, others will welcome the break.
“A lot of our older girls are thankful for the opportunity to disconnect,” says Beth Stokley, seasonal camp director at Girl Scouts of North East Ohio.
Here are some ways for both kids and their parents to prepare for a camp tech detox.
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Set device-free times. “Start at home,” Nicolai says. Prior to camp, gradually carve out times when tech is not allowed, such as during meals, and stick to it.
Forget packing electronics. Think you’ll sneak a cell phone into your child’s bag “just in case?” “If we find a phone, we contact the parents to let them know we have the device and keep it in the director’s office,” Stokley says, adding that tracking apps on devices become “security blankets” for parents. If you trust the camp, you shouldn’t need a digital tether to your kid.
Commit to not calling. Phoning camp to speak to your child isn't helping anyone. “Most often, that leads to homesickness for the camper and wanting to be picked up,” Nicolai says, relating that parents certainly can call the camp office. “We ask that they do not ask to speak with their camper, but we are always happy to get a check-in from the counselor and report back to the parents.”
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