Blog post I wrote for the Alberta Camping Association
About a month ago Longacre Leadership, a summer youth leadership program for teens in the United States, posted a blog article on their new “Anything Goes” technology policy. They shattered the era of “no devices at Camp, ever” and caused quite a stir in the online (and offline) camping community. Should Smartphones, music players, tablets, e-readers, and lap tops be fair game for campers during summer camp?
Some of us may gasp at the very concept of letting campers stay connected to their devices when they should be playing and learning in the great outdoors. However individual camps feel about it, the truth is that devices are here to stay and they are part of our youth’s culture. They will never go away. So, how are other camps and outdoor education programs dealing with it? What can we learn from their policy?
“Truth is, parents and kids are demanding it. In 2013, asking students to go without their devices—and asking parents to be out of touch with their kids—is unrealistic.” – Longacre Leadership
The first article in the Anything Goes series states the obvious disadvantages of allowing devices at camp. It also lists some advantages too:
- Younger campers might take comfort in being able to connect with their families more easily. It could reduce homesickness and boost confidence.
- Many youth use their devices as a camera.
- We have the opportunity to teach these kids how to balance their device use.
This article, undoubtedly, spread like wildfire in the camping community in North America and was soon shared by the Canadian Camping Association. Many organizations thought allowing devices all the time during camp programming was…not a great idea. Keeping in mind that Longacre Leadership runs differently than regular camp programming, read their response posted Anything Goes 2 and Anything Goes Part 3.
“We will present clear expectations for our teenagers (rules).” – Longacre Leadership
Expectations (rules) are good! Here are some examples they gave:
- No talking on cell phones, texting, or data during activity periods.
- No devices after lights out including reading on tablets or e-readers.
- Cameras and music are allowed only at the discretion of the staff person in charge.
Perhaps this is our chance to set a healthy example on how device and technology use can be balanced. We can show teens that playing a wide game can be more fun than playing Angry Birds and that they don’t have to respond to every text message. We can educate them on how the internet and technology is changing our culture, and how we can benefit from the positive aspects of technology while still finding that healthy balance. By leading by positive example and the right coaching, they might just choose to leave their smartphone in the bunk!
If you want to read more about Longacre’s policy, read their blog.
Here are some reading materials they recommended on the subject:
- The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains by Nicholas Carr
- Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other by Sherry Turkle
Thanks Longacre Leadership for sharing this with us!
*Feature photo from www.longacre.com/anything-goes