Ok, I’ll admit it. As I read this recent piece in the NYTimes on screen addiction, my sweet wee ones were in the other room watching their second or third (who can keep track?) episode of Octonauts. Ouch, I thought. Then I turned off the TV, and kept it off for a whole week (Aka the longest week of my life).
Unfortunately, I’m not alone, and neither are my digitally-connected offspring, who are growing up in a time when iPhone proficiency starts before the age of two, screens are everywhere, and they’re always on. As the Times points out, “technology is a poor substitute for personal interaction.” This intense focus on turning to a screen instead of the imagination, contrasted with a similarly intense focus on over-parenting and micromanaging, is burning out our kids. Instead of learning to cope, they’re learning to distract. Instead of getting outside their comfort zone, they are literally staying indoors. This is the new normal, and we’ve got to push back.
Here’s the interesting part. You’d think that with their constant connection to screens and media, the last thing any child would want would be to be without said screens and media for one minute, let alone a whole summer. But that’s not what’s happening. All our Maine summer camps have a screen-free policy for the entire duration of camp, and campers don’t just comply – they thrive.
Without a phone in their hands, campers are free to unplug, unwind, and try something new. They push themselves, stepping outside their comfort zone to try a new sport, climb a rock wall, go white water rafting, play an instrument, be in a play – whatever it is, it is theirs. And away from those glowing squares, they look up … they see other excited faces, and they connect. They make friends, and those friends are forever. But don’t take my word for it. Check out the words of former Maine camper Melanie Singer, who perfectly describes the joy and long-lasting connections that are made through summer camp.
If our addiction to technology is verging on being a clinical disorder, then we are so lucky that there is clearly a cure – the fresh air, independence, and new adventures that only summer camp in Maine can give you.
Maine Camp Experience Resources & Tools
Looking for the perfect Maine camp for your child? Try out our helpful tool where you can select a camp by choosing: type of camp (girls, boys or coed) and session length (1-8 weeks). It helps to narrow down a few camps to a manageable list that includes rates. Then you can research these camps in more depth.
Next, be sure to contact our Maine Campcierge™ to discuss these camps as well as for free, year-round advice and assistance on choosing a great Maine summer camp for your child.
You can share your own Maine camps memories & expressions of gratitude on our Memories of Camp section of our website.
Talk to Laurie, our Maine Campcierge®, about choosing the right camp for your child and what to do in Maine.
Call 877-92-MAINE
