Unplugging at Camp

Camp has traditionally been a place where children can connect with nature and with each other. But in today’s technological world, it can be a real change of mind set for both children and parents, to forgo technology for the weeks that children are at camp.

According to a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, children ages 8-18 spend an average of 7 hours and 30 minutes a day using technology, more than 53 hours a week.   Now more than ever, children need camp to disconnect from media and engage in interpersonal connections.   Summer camp is one of the last unplugged environments.  For a few weeks at a time, children are unplugged from their computers, smart phones and ipads and are able to enjoy the outdoors and actually talk—not text—with their friends.   During the school year, children are inundated with technology.  At camp, children communicate face to face, using their words and not their fingers to communicate.

Before children go to camp, parents should keep in mind that each camp has their own electronics policies and with the increasing number of new electronics being introduced each year, camps are constantly altering their policies.   Parents should respect the camp’s decision on what is and isn’t allowed and not try to circumvent the policy. Most camps don’t allow devices that contain WiFi, video, gaming content, apps, messaging or phone call capabilities such as ipads, gaming systems, cell phones and smart phones.  Since reading devices such as the Nook and Kindle can connect to the internet, some camps don’t allow them although others do since many campers use them to read their books.  Music is an important part of camp so many camps allow Mp3 players that play music, however, if the Mp3 has video capabilities, camps ask that the videos and games are erased before camp.

Campers (and their parents) welcome the break from electronics while at camp and enjoy the unplugged time they spend talking and engaging in activities with friends. 

10 Tips for Preparing Your First Time Camper for Camp

With 88 days left until the first day of camp, you want to make sure you prepare your child for the experience before the first day arrives.   This will help make a child’s camp experience more successful.   Here are some tips for getting your first time camper ready AND excited for camp.

1. Expectations –Talking about camp in the weeks leading up to the summer will build your child’s enthusiasm about camp.  Learn about the camp program and discuss it with your child so he or she knows what to expect.
2. New camper get-together – Many camps host a pre-camp event for first time campers.  This is a good way for children to meet other children going to the camp for the first time.  It also gives campers a chance to get to know the camp director and for the director to get to know you and your child.   
3. Successful overnights for sleepaway - If you are sending your child to sleepaway camp, your child probably has had positive overnight experiences away from home with friends and relatives.  If not, make sure you schedule some sleepovers for your child before camp.  You want to make sure these overnights are successful and that your child is mature enough to go away for an extended period of time.
4. Bus preparation for day camp – For children heading to day camp for the first time, it may be the first time they take the bus.  Talk about what the ride will be like and what your child can expect. 
5. Pack for camp with your child – If your child is going to sleepaway camp, discuss what items will be needed for camp and pack together.  Your child will feel more secure if they know what they are bringing to camp and you can use the time packing together to talk with your child about how much fun camp is going to be.  Make sure to look at the camp packing list and respect the items the camp asks you to leave at home such as cell phones and ipads
6. Watch the camp video and visit website – This is a good time to watch the camp video again! This will be a good reminder to your child about all he or she has to look forward to.  Visit the camp’s website together and look at the activity list, photos and the camp map to give your child a feel for what camp will be like. 
7. Don’t make pick up deals – Before camp begins, let your child know you are confident in his or her ability to have a wonderful summer camp experience.  Don’t make pick up deals with your child before he or she goes to camp. You are sending your child the message that you don’t feel he or she will be successful at camp.
8. Questions – Ask your child if he or she has any questions about camp.   Keeping an open dialogue about what camp will be like will help your child feel comfortable about going to camp for the first time. 
9. Call the camp director – If you sense your child is nervous about camp, you can always call the camp director and ask for their advice.  The camp director has a lot of experience with first time campers and will be able to offer you some ways which you can help your child get over any worries about the first day of camp. 
10. Day camp spring festivals - Many day camps host spring festivals at camp, opening their doors to current families and prospective families.  Attending a spring festival is a good opportunity for your child to see the camp a few months before summer begins and build that excitement up.