Why No Cell Phones Are Allowed at Summer Camp

Our program at Canadian Adventure Camp is designed to give kids a sense of freedom after an academic year filled with rules. In fact, we even break a few rules that your kids followed while they were at school. Running and socializing are actively encouraged here.

We’re also pretty sure that wearing swimsuits and shorts all day would break a few school dress codes, and don’t even get us started on our musical lunches. They get pretty loud to say the least, but we all have fun!

However, there is one rule that we strictly enforce that your kids might have been exposed to at school. While we embrace technology when it comes to safety, we do ask that campers leave their cell phones at home.

We’ve found that this rule tends to invite a few questions, so give this guide a read through to understand why we stand by this decision.

What Happens When Kids Unplug?

Research has shown that kids need minimal screen time each day. Without a cell phone, kids turn to other activities to fill their time.

Adventure Island is filled with activities such as gymnastics, waterskiing and swimming. We’ve also scheduled each day so that kids are always busy doing things that build teamwork and confidence.

Unplugging leaves room for real life activities like making new friends. Campers also learn to love nature and develop their skills in their favorite sports.

For many kids, getting away from cell phones also brings a sense of relief. Social media places a great deal of pressure on kids, and online bullying is a very real thing.

When asked, most of our campers will tell us that leaving their cell phones at home allowed them to feel free to be who they are without fearing judgment.

What Other Devices Should Stay Home?

In addition to cell phones, we’ve included a few other items on our packing list to leave behind. These include items such as radios, mp3 players and walkie talkies. We also feel that these are a distraction. We much prefer to do things the old school way such as playing a guitar around the campfire for entertainment.

Parents also like knowing that these devices are safe at home. We spend so much time around the water here at camp. A lost phone or music player is impossible to retrieve from the bottom of the lake.

How Can Our Family Communicate?

We still encourage snail mail. There’s something about receiving a piece of mail at camp that is just exciting. So, go ahead and pack your child some fun stationary and pens. Campers also love stickers to really dress their letters up.

As we said, we do still embrace technology. This is why we’ve opened up Bunk1 Email. This unique method of communication allows you to exchange handwritten notes with your kid with the speed of an email.

Finally, our staff is always available to help a camper make a true phone call if it is really needed. Although we try to encourage independence, we would never make a kid wait to talk to their parents if they were distraught.

Remember, your kids’ best interest is always at the forefront of our policies. We just want them to have a safe, fun summer that shows them the power of unplugging.

We love watching as kids slowly unwind from the tangled cords of technology. In fact, most kids are over worrying about their cell phone by the end of the first day. After a few weeks without their electronics, your kid will have found the joys of unplugging and discovered a few new strengths that they can bring back home.

Canadian Adventure Camp is a North Ontario coed sleepover summer camp for kids located on a beautiful private island in the wilderness lakes region of Temagami. Founded in 1975, it provides acclaimed programs to children from around the world!