The Benefits of a Phone-Free Summer Camp for Kids and Teens
Why Kids and Teens Need an Unplugged Summer
In today’s world, it’s no secret that smartphones, tablets, and constant connectivity shape nearly every part of our lives. For many kids, screens have been a constant since infancy—leaving fewer opportunities for the kind of unplugged, deeply meaningful experiences that support healthy growth and development. Children and teens need time and space to flourish without digital noise: to form real friendships, explore the outdoors, breathe fresh mountain air, swim in a lake, sleep under the stars, and simply be themselves in nature. So where can families find a place that offers all of this—days filled with adventure, community, and genuine connection, far from screens? A traditional summer camp.
Why a Tech-Free Summer Camp Experience Matters for Kids and Teens
A summer camp without screens may seem impossible for today’s generation, but parents are often surprised by how quickly their children embrace an unplugged environment. One parent told us, “It was amazing! I don’t think it was difficult for them at all because there’s so much to do at ADK. It was definitely beneficial—and I suspect the lack of devices is one reason the campers are so friendly.” With so many activities available every day, it’s easy for campers to stay engaged — you can see what they experience by checking out our wide variety of daily activities.
Without phones or tablets, kids rediscover something essential: play. They spend their days laughing with friends, building real-world skills, and connecting face-to-face. And this screen-free time isn’t just powerful for younger kids—teens benefit just as much. Adolescents, who often feel the heaviest pressure from social media, thrive when they’re given the chance to disconnect and simply be present. As another parent shared, “It was so beneficial for my children to unplug while at camp. It helped them develop better social skills and reduced their anxiety. I love that they are unplugged at camp.”
When kids and teens are surrounded by peers, immersed in nature, and engaged in exciting activities, something remarkable happens: they don’t miss their devices. They’re too busy making real friendships, exploring the outdoors, and rediscovering the joy of being themselves, fully in the moment.
What Do Campers Do When They’re Not on Their Devices?
At Adirondack Camp, unplugging doesn’t leave campers wondering what to do—it opens up a whole world of possibilities. Without screens, campers fill their days with a full camp schedule, and their downtime with simple, joyful, real-world activities: hanging out with friends, talking, laughing, playing cards, journaling, or listening to music the old-school way on MP3 players with wired headphones (the only tech allowed). They read books, learn songs, practice new skills, and discover hobbies they might never have tried at home. One parent told us, “It allowed him to learn new skills (yo-yo) and really bond with friends. It was EXTREMELY beneficial!” Read more about our camp philosophy and daily life at camp.
And then there are the letters. At ADK, campers write to friends and family the traditional way—with pen and paper. It’s one of the most unique and meaningful aspects of our screen-free camp experience. They can send letters by post or hand them to the office, where we scan and email them out. Mail arrives every day during Rest Hour, except Sunday, creating a rhythm of anticipation and connection that simply doesn’t exist with instant messaging. As one parent shared, “I love that she is able to disconnect so easily. She wrote letters to her friends and they wrote back to her!” Even those outside of camp feel the ripple effect of this slower, more intentional form of communication!
A Summer That Lets Kids Be Kids Again
In a world where constant connectivity can overwhelm even the most resilient children, giving them a place to unplug is one of the greatest gifts a parent can offer. At Adirondack Camp, kids and teens discover the freedom of life without screens—real friendships, fresh air, personal growth, and days filled with adventure instead of notifications. A tech-free summer doesn’t just help campers reset; it helps them return home more confident, grounded, social, and connected to the world around them. If you’re looking for a summer camp that brings out the very best in your child, we’d love to share more about life at ADK and help you explore whether our community is the right fit for your family.
