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SUMMER PROGRAM
CELL PHONE AND ELECTRONICS POLICY
It is our goal at Camp Howard to engage campers in nature, provide role-models and activities that fit our Christian values. We want campers to develop new relationships at camp and have their attention focused on their camp experience rather than influences that take them away from experiencing and enjoying camp. Summer camp offers a great opportunity to learn about and navigate social situations while not being constantly connected to and immersed within a digital/virtual world. A growing volume of research shows that prolonged screen-time is detrimental to social, emotional and physical well-being of children.
In the past, we have tried to accommodate a camper’s use of an electronic device but found that access to these devices holds too much temptation for campers. For example, there has been an increase in the inappropriate use of electronic devices as well as sharing of inappropriate content with other campers, all of which are counterproductive to camp life and our mission of fulfillment.
As a result, we are updating our policy regarding electronics: usage of cell phones and all WiFi enabled devices is banned while attending Camp Howard. These devices include, but are not limited to: cell phones, Apple Watches, Fitbits, Garmin devices, laptops, Chromes, iPads, eReaders and game devices…no screens and no access to the Internet. All campers and parents will continue to have access to each other through our camp office phones and mail service. Cell phones will be used by camp staff as needed in emergency or safety situations.
We are requesting your support regarding this policy change at Camp Howard. The safety and well-being of your child is our top priority while attending Camp Howard. We constantly strive to provide a camp experience that’s fulfilling, fun and inspires your child to return the following year.
You may be interested in the references below that give further information on screen time and camps.
References
https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2016/10/19/peds.2016-2592
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326346/
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/05/180508111733.htm
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/children-now-stare-at-screens-6-hours-a-day#1
https://www.acacamps.org/news-publications/blogs/research-360/its-best-part-camp-camper-views-smartphone-policies
https://www.acacamps.org/resource-library/camping-magazine/maybe-not-inevitable-case-technology-free-summer-camp
https://www.acacamps.org/campers-families/parent-blog/too-much-screen-time-four-ways-summer-camp-can-help
Contact
Sister Colleen Schmitt
Summer Camp Director
Email: srcolleens@cyocamphoward.org
Phone: (503) 231-9484