The Benefits of Summer Camps: Getting Unplugged

Posted On: May 10, 2019 By Jim Newton

Smartphones, tablets, computers, and tv; everywhere we look we’re bombarded with technology. Of course, technology can serve many wonderful purposes in our current world, and overall it has brought our society and culture many benefits in recent years. However, newer generations are becoming more reliant upon technology, and not utilizing critical thinking skills as much, which can have significant effects on a child’s ability to remain present, to develop autonomy, and to exercise their minds appropriately.

Teaching kids about the value of technology is certainly important, and it is equally important to teach our children how to utilize technology in such a way that ultimately benefits them on an individual basis. Summer camps are a great way to give children time away from the technological world for a while, and help reconnect them with themselves, others, and with nature. In short, summer camps can be wholly grounding for kids. In this article, we’ll go over some of the benefits your child might experience from getting “unplugged” at summer camp.

Connecting with Themselves

Spending time away from technology for a period of time is healthy for your child – it helps them connect with themselves a bit more in several aspects. Here are a few ways unplugging in summer camp can help your child:

• Learning more about their natural gifts and talents – being introduced to new activities and tasks they have never experienced before can open their mind to new interests and talents.
• Developing a sense of autonomy – not relying on technology for contact with the outside world can spark inward thinking and introspection.
• Thinking critically and independently – not having answers to questions at one’s fingertips can help your child learn how to think critically and independently of the comforts of instant gratification.

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Connecting with Others

Summer camps have always been a great way to help children connect with others and develop social skills. Here are a few ways that unplugging in summer camp can help your child connect with others:

• Engaging in stimulating conversation – instead of getting caught up in online or text conversations, children learn how to engage in conversation where they develop wit and intelligence.
• Learning how to be present – being away from technological distractions allows children to be more present in social interactions with others and connect in meaningful ways.
• Listening reflectively and respecting others – maintaining eye contact, observing body language, and picking up on social cues are just a few benefits of summer camp interactions without technology as a distraction. Children also learn how to appreciate and respect others’ differences by having meaningful conversation.

Connecting with Nature

Getting in touch with the natural world is another great benefit of being unplugged at summer camp. Today, it has become more difficult to maintain outdoor activity as well as exercise – two things that children are proven to greatly benefit from. Here are some ways your child can re-connect with nature in summer camp:

• Spending time outdoors, unobstructed – breathing fresh air, smelling natural scents, and hearing the sounds of the natural world can help your child feel safe, grounded, and unobstructed by distractions.
• Sparking curiosity about wildlife and plant life – spending time in nature without technology instills an appreciation for wildlife and plant life and can even open your child’s mind up to new areas of interest.
• Exercising and developing fine and gross motor skills – running, jumping, skipping, hopping, playing sports, picking flowers, etc. – these are all examples of how your child will further their physical development and maintain their health without being bogged down by technological obligation.

Re-Connecting with Family

When your child returns from summer camp, the hope is that they have a new respect for technology, such that it isn’t as much of a necessity as it is a luxury at times. They will be…

• Returning with a new perspective
• Returning with new conversation
• Returning with new skills

Here at Great Beginnings Child Care and Learning Center in Sugar Hill, GA, we have a great respect for how technology serves us a society; however, many parents find that their children are becoming reliant upon technology in ways that don’t always serve them well. If you’d like more information on our summer camps and how they can benefit your child, please feel free to get in touch with one of our childcare experts. We look forward to a new year with you and your family!