5 Benefits of an Unplugged Camp
“I thought I would miss social media and my phone so much, but I loved not having to worry about it!” a sixteen-year-old camper told us at the end of her stay with us. A break from screen time can help reduce stress and anxiety, and can even increase a child’s ability to read human emotions.
1. Engage: Learning to be present is one of the most powerful tools a person can develop, and each camper will be able to engage with the camp world around them. It is our goal to foster relationship skills, and campers will increase patience and appreciation for the moments they create; this can be seen during all activities such as our damper making activity, team-building activities, and evening while campers are in their cabins.
2. Connect with Nature: Rather than “liking” a picture of nature, our campers will be witnessing it firsthand! At Life Skills & Adventures, one of our most cherished activities include time at the beach, where campers walk along the beach, enjoy the serenity as the waves crash in, and take in the majestical sun set and views of the Melbourne skyline.
3. Broaden Horizons: In this new setting, our campers will be able to discover more of their talents and skills. They’ll be able to focus on trying new activities and deepening friendships. With campers and camp leaders from a variety of experienced backgrounds, camp provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about the world around us.
4. Overcoming Homesickness: It may sound counterintuitive, but a break from technology can actually help reduce homesickness. Without constant access to phones and social media, campers are less likely to feel connected to home, which allows them to immerse themselves in camp life. As they establish new routines and form close bonds with peers and leaders, their independence and resilience grow, making them more confident and self-reliant.
5. Develop Communication Skills: Taking a technology break gives children the chance to improve their one-on-one communication skills. At camp, feelings cannot be expressed with an emoji, meme, GIF, or “thumbs up” button. Campers take the time to listen to one another, express their feelings, and communicate needs in person. Each night, campers share about their day with our “high-low-high,” discussing what they loved most, what they look forward to, and any challenges they faced.
Real-World Face Time
Every experience at Life Skills & Adventures is a shared one, which is something we cherish within our community. Of course, there are individual moments and achievements – shooting your first bulls-eye, or sharing a meal with friends. Without the distractions of electronics, campers interact with and learn from the natural world around them. Friends talk face to face, rather than communicate via texts or direct messages. Connections aren’t limited to megabits per second – only by the length of a camper’s stay. After three days of unplugged connections, new habits begin to form within children. By ‘cutting the iPad cord’ and plugging into real life, campers gain confidence, have fun, and most importantly, form strong memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
