Have you ever been out with a group of friends or at a family dinner and noticed that everyone was on their cellphones at the same time? A study has revealed that children, ages 8 through 18, spend upwards of 7.5 hours staring at some form of technology. With televisions, video games, laptops, smart phones, and tablets; access to technology and information has increased greatly over the past decade. With the push of a button or the touch of a screen, one can now access a near infinite amount of information and entertainment. However, as on-screen communication increases, studies have also shown that off-screen communication decreases.
Here at YMCA Camp Ockanickon, Inc., we believe in unplugging from technology and connecting with one another. In order to do this, we ask that all campers leave their electronics at home. This means no cellphones for emailing, calling, texting or internet access for social media. While this may seem daunting at first, we have campers interact with one another through all of the activities we offer here. With activities such as land sports, arts and crafts, archery, swimming, boating, nature and the challenge course, campers can develop teamwork and leadership skills. Our campers can learn how to actively communicate with one another and create long lasting friendships! Through our Pony Express system, campers can write letters to other campers and counselors and develop writing and communication skills. Campers can even write letters to be mailed home which will mean more than any 10 second text sent home!
Through our camp, children can learn valuable life skills such as perseverance and independence. They can learn the four core values: honesty, caring, respect, and responsibility and can gain the confidence they need to become future leaders. These lessons can stick with a camper throughout their life and will leave more of an impact than any “liked” Facebook post or “favorited” Tweet.
Register for camp this summer today at www.ycamp.org!