Facts we take seriously at Camp Fire:
- Kids spend 90 percent of their time indoors. – Children & Nature Network
- Kids spend 50+ hours a week on a screen. – Children & Nature Network
If you need a quick answer to “Why camp?”, there’s your answer in two short stats.
While scientists disagree on whether screen addiction is a “real” addiction, the research definitely shows overuse can hurt kids:
- Higher screen use increases risk for speech delays in very young children.
- In older kids, digital multitasking decreases productivity, test performance and the ability to tell the difference between important and irrelevant information.
- Both young children and teenagers with high levels of media exposure are more likely to hold stronger gender stereotypes, including negative views of girls and women.
- Children who watch and/or play violent content are at greater risk of committing violence as adults.
Camp gives kids a chance to take a screen-breather and start to develop healthy digital boundaries. That’s why Camp Fire camp programs are screen free!
But don’t take our word for it. Science says screen-free camp sessions have serious benefits.
A 2014 experiment studied preteens at a 5-day, screen-free nature camp. Researchers tested the young people’s ability to identify nonverbal emotional cues both before and after their mini-screen-detox nature immersion. They found that spending time in nature and away from screens significantly improved the preteens’ emotional intelligence!
Know a kid who could use some time looking at the stars instead of their screens? Get them to camp!
Find a Camp Fire council near you to find out what camp programs are available in your area!
