For any boy going to overnight camp in Ontario, there are countless benefits to “unplugging” throughout the summer. That’s actually how it used to be for the previous generation of campers who were simply “unplugged” – without cell phones, without tablets, and without music players.
By any definition, children are much too “connected” these days, whether at home, at school, or with friends. It used to be that children played outside for the entire day - bike riding, playing sports, and building forts. There was a lot of imagination and creativity, without costly “stuff”.
Today, kids going to overnight camp in Ontario will do much better when technology isn’t part of the program. In fact, more and more pediatric professionals are suggesting limits on the time children are connected to their technology devices. The kids are simply “plugged in” too often.
In the past, kids were far more active, especially in the outdoors, and their world was much more influenced by nature. It’s no wonder that many parents feel that technology is having more of a negative effect on their kids than a positive effect. Unchecked, this will only intensify over time.
At Camp Chikopi, getting “unplugged” is just part of the program. As a unique overnight camp in Ontario, Chikopi is a sports camp for boys, offering a camp environment that’s “unplugged” and “unconnected”. It’s an opportunity to get back to nature, without the need for technology.
For anyone going to an overnight camp in Ontario, “disconnecting” from smartphones and tablets translates directly into increased social inter-connection. The truth is, pediatric research shows that real-life connections are enhanced when electronic screens aren’t distracting the campers.
Without technology at hand, campers are more likely to notice their physical surroundings, and participate in day-to-day life. This type of “disconnected” environment encourages healthy social skills and personal development. The benefits are far-reaching, and much appreciated by parents.
Going further, research studies show that when kids spend time in and around nature, they will create more meaningful social connections. Over and over, a nature-specific camp environment has proven to be an excellent way to teach campers how important it is to “unplug” for a while.
At Camp Chikopi, a technology-free environment encourages physical activity, while promoting social skills development. Chikopi is a summer-long experience for boys, where the outdoors and sports replace smartphones, computers, and video games. It’s a healthy change for the better.
The sports experience at Camp Chikopi teaches boys to work together as a team, and establish team-building skills that are so important for the future. After a summer away from home, personal development, self-esteem, and self-confidence have taken on a whole new direction.
Each summer, boys from all over the world attend Camp Chikopi for the unique experience – truly an overnight camp in Ontario with a difference. To find out more, call the camp office at 705-387-3811 or visit the camp’s website at www.campchikopi.com.
