Why No Cell Phones at Camp?
We have a “no cell phone” policy at camp. Aside from the fact that cell phones are expensive and can get lost and that the physical camp environment is not kind to such items, there is a fundamental problem with campers having cell phones at camp, and that is trust. When children come to camp they—and you—are making a leap of faith, temporarily transferring their primary care from you as their parents to us as directors. This is one of the growth-producing, yet challenging aspects of camp. As children learn to trust other caring adults, they grow and learn, little by little, to solve some of their own challenges. We believe this emerging independence is one of the greatest benefits of camp. It is one important way your child develops greater resilience. Contacting you by cell phone essentially means they have not made this transition. Sending a cell phone to camp is like saying to your child that you as the parent haven’t truly come to peace with the notion of them being away from you and in our care.
We certainly will tell you if your child is experiencing a challenge in their adjustment to camp. You can help by talking with you child before they leave for camp and telling them that there is always someone they can reach out to, whether it be their Counselor, Group Leader, Activity Director, Head Counselor, the Director or Camp Nurse. We are all here to help, but if you don’t trust us, your children certainly won’t!
