How To Prepare Your Child for a Screen Free Summer
January 27, 2025
How to Prepare Your Child for Camp Winaukee: A Screen-Free Summer
At Camp Winaukee, we believe that one of the greatest gifts a child can experience is time spent away from screens—focused instead on being outside, building friendships, and engaging in physical, hands-on activities. Spending time without technology is not only a refreshing break, but also an opportunity for growth, self-reliance, and developing meaningful connections with others. At Winaukee, we also understand that transitioning to a tech-free environment can be a challenge, especially in today’s world where screen time has become a central part of daily life.
As a parent, helping your son prepare for a screen-free summer at Camp Winaukee can make all the difference in ensuring that his camp experience is positive and fulfilling. Here are some strategies and suggestions for helping ease into this tech-free experience, reducing reliance on screens, and setting your son up for success before camp begins.
The transition to a tech-free environment can be tough if your son is used to spending hours each day on screens. We suggest gradually reducing screen time in the weeks leading up to camp. This will give him the opportunity to adapt to less screen use, without feeling suddenly deprived or overwhelmed.
Gradually Reduce Screen Time Before Camp
Begin by reducing screen time by 15-30 minutes per day and increase that reduction each week.
Start by designating certain times during the day (like during meals, before bedtime, or on weekends) as screen-free times to help your son get used to the idea of doing activities without technology.
Encourage your son to engage in activities that he’ll also be doing at camp. Playing outside, card games, reading, mad libs or other ‘old-school’ games to play with bunk mates are a great idea!
The key to helping your son adjust to life without screens is to replace that time with activities that capture his interest and make them excited for camp life. Camp Winaukee is all about sports, outdoor adventures, and fostering meaningful social connections—activities that don’t require screens and are far more enriching.
Foster Non-Tech Activities That Build Excitement for Camp
If your child enjoys video games or technology-driven activities, try to replace some of that screen time with outdoor activities like biking, hiking, or playing sports. Bonus - these will help YOUR mental health as a parent as well!
Encourage your child to develop hobbies that don’t involve screens, such as drawing, painting, crafting, or building models. These creative outlets will help him feel more confident in a non-tech world and will serve them well when they’re focusing on arts and crafts or team-building activities at camp.
Replace screen time with family board games, card games, or group activities. This promotes face-to-face interaction and can help your child feel more comfortable engaging in camp activities where they’ll be interacting with new friends and counselors.
It’s important to set expectations ahead of time. Make sure your son understands that Camp Winaukee is a place where there’s no screen time—no phones, no video games, no social media. While some kids might initially feel anxious about the idea, being upfront about it will allow them to mentally prepare for a change in lifestyle and help them understand the benefits of disconnecting from screens.
Be Transparent About the Tech-Free Camp Environment
Explain that the goal is for them to connect with nature, try new things, and make new friends without distractions. Encourage your son to view the lack of screens as an opportunity to focus on activities and relationships that will make their camp experience richer.
Remind him that he’ll have plenty of time to call or text family after camp, but the camp experience is about learning to be independent, creating lasting memories, and having fun without technology. Reinforce that the camp environment will be full of new experiences that can’t be captured through a screen.
One of the easiest ways to help your child adjust to a tech-free experience at camp is to establish a consistent sleep routine and model healthy habits. Ensuring your child has a good night’s sleep is essential for adjusting to the camp schedule, where mornings start early and physical activities are part of the daily routine.
Focus on Sleep and Routines Leading Up to Camp
Encourage a bedtime routine that involves activities like reading a book, writing in a journal, listening to music or relaxing before bed. Start this a few weeks before camp to get your son used to winding down without the aid of technology.
Begin by having tech-free evenings at home. For example, no screens after dinner or an hour before bed, so your son can start the process of winding down naturally.
Children learn by observing their parents, so one of the best ways to help your child prepare for a screen-free camp experience is to model good habits yourself. If they see you engaging in non-screen activities—like reading, talking with family, or spending time outdoors—they’ll be more likely to follow suit.
Lead by Example: Limit Your Own Screen Time
Spend time with your son doing screen-free activities like taking a walk, cooking a meal together, or playing a game. Make these activities enjoyable, so your child begins to associate them with positive experiences.
Designate times during the week when you also unplug from your phone, tablet, or computer. Whether it’s during family meals or before bed, showing your child that you value time without screens will encourage them to do the same
Since Camp Winaukee is a tech-free zone, the primary way for your child to stay in touch with you is through letters or postcards. Encourage him to write letters to family or friends while they’re at camp, as this will help them reflect on their experiences and maintain a connection to home. You could even have him write a letter to himself, full of encouragement and excitement that he’ll be able to open at camp!
Encourage Communication Through Letters and Journals
Before camp starts, help your son write a letter to a friend or family member. Let them know how much fun they’re going to have at camp and how important it is to stay connected through writing.
Encourage your son to keep a journal during camp where they can document their experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Writing can be an excellent outlet for them to process their emotions and help reduce homesickness.
As your child prepares for a summer at Camp Winaukee, it’s helpful to emphasize the positive aspects of a screen-free camp experience. Remind your son that this will be a time to unplug, rediscover hobbies, and connect with others in a way they can’t do with technology.
Celebrate the Tech-Free Benefits Together
Highlight how camp is a special time to connect with nature, explore new activities, and make lasting friendships. Encourage your son to look forward to all the fun they’ll have—whether it’s swimming in the lake, playing sports, or enjoying campfires.
When your child starts to embrace the idea of a tech-free camp, celebrate the progress they’ve made! Acknowledge his efforts to unplug and enjoy the experience of connecting in real, meaningful ways.
Sending your son to Camp Winaukee for a tech-free summer can be a transformative experience, but it’s important to help him prepare both mentally and physically for the change.
By gradually reducing screen time, fostering non-tech activities, and setting clear expectations, you can set your child up for success in embracing a summer full of adventure, growth, and fun. Remember—while screens may offer a convenient escape, it’s the real-world experiences and connections made at camp that will stay with him for a lifetime.
