LGP NATIONAL CAMP PHONE POLICY EXPLAINED
Cell phones have become an everyday part of our lives, but their presence can be a drawback to the summer camp experience. At LGP International Camp, we are implementing a “No Cell Phone Policy”. We want to create a safe, distraction-free environment for our campers. Of course, girls will be able to use our camp phone to reach parents any time, and parents can reach their daughters by calling the camp phone as well. For those campers who use their cell phones to take photos, there are many decent, digital cameras available now for $30 or less. We will continue to post photos and videos to our social media sites for parents and family members.
However, we are discouraging personal devices at our camp for the following reasons:
First, cell phones can be a major distraction. Instead of fully immersing themselves in the camp experience, campers with phones can be tempted to text their friends at home or play mobile games. We have seen first-hand over the last few years, how campers only interact with their devices and not each other during break times.
Secondly, cell phones limit children’s independence. Summer camp is a time to be away from parents and to test your limits in a new place away from home with the support of new friends and acquaintances, Instead of challenging themselves to make new friends or overcome new challenges, girls with phones tend to use them whenever faced with any new difficulty, instead of reaching out to our leaders and staff. This limits the personal growth, independence, and strength that summer camp can produce.
Lastly, as all parents know, it is difficult to control what sites or games the girls are accessing on their phones. It is even more difficult at camp.
These reasons are why we believe that a no phone policy is needed. We are working on ideas to be able to send messages between campers and families. A couple of our leaders had heard of some camps printing out messages to and from campers and families and delivering them similar to our daily mail delivery. We will update you more on this idea as we get it worked out.
In summary, what we want most is the best camp experience possible for your girls!!