In today’s world, anxiety and stress seem to be an increasing part of childhood. From the pressures of social media to the academic demands of school, kids today are facing challenges that their parents never had to contend with at the same age. In fact, studies show that kids today report higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress than previous generations. Jonathan Haidt, a renowned social psychologist, has extensively studied these trends and coined the term “The Anxious Generation” to describe today’s youth.

In his research, Haidt discusses how the rise of smartphones and social media, coupled with societal shifts in parenting and the pressure to succeed, has created a perfect storm for anxiety in kids. But while these trends are concerning, Haidt also offers solutions for combating the anxiety epidemic—one of which is something that parents may not have thought about in recent years: sleepaway camp.

At Camp Winaukee, a traditional all-boys sports sleepaway camp, we see firsthand how a camp experience can provide the much-needed balance to modern childhood. For boys ages 7 to 15, spending time at camp offers numerous benefits that are crucial for mental health, development, and growth. Let’s dive into why sleepaway camp is more essential now than ever before, and why parents should consider it a top priority for their children.

The Anxious Generation: Understanding the Problem

Jonathan Haidt’s research, particularly his collaboration with Jean Twenge on the book iGen, highlights the significant mental health challenges facing today’s youth. Many of these issues are directly linked to the pervasive influence of smartphones, social media, and the pressure to succeed academically and socially. Kids, especially adolescents, are often tethered to their devices and the endless cycle of comparison, judgment, and instant gratification. This constant connection leads to a phenomenon called “social comparison,” where children compare their lives to those of others, often leading to feelings of inadequacy, isolation, and anxiety. The pressure to maintain a perfect online persona or to always be “on” has a profound impact on self-esteem and mental well-being.

Haidt also points out the dramatic increase in rates of anxiety and depression among young people. The rise of these mental health challenges is a direct result of reduced face-to-face social interactions, the decline of outdoor play, and the over-protection of children by parents trying to shield them from failure or discomfort.

How Camp Can Help Combat the Anxious Generation

In a world where children are often more connected to their screens than to the real world, sleepaway camp offers a crucial antidote. Here’s why:

Disconnecting from Technology

One of the primary benefits of sleepaway camp is the opportunity for children to unplug. At Camp Winaukee, boys leave their smartphones and digital devices behind. In a world where kids are constantly connected, the ability to disconnect—without the distractions of social media or the pressures of online life—is an invaluable opportunity for mental clarity.

This break from technology allows boys to focus on building real relationships, participating in hands-on activities, and immersing themselves in nature. It also gives them the space to rediscover who they are outside of the digital world. As Haidt points out, kids who spend more time online often report feeling more anxious and disconnected from their peers, while those who engage in face-to-face interactions and outdoor activities report lower levels of stress and greater overall well-being.

Building Resilience and Independence

In his research, Haidt emphasizes the importance of developing resilience in children; a quality that has become less emphasized in today’s overprotective parenting environment. At Camp Winaukee, boys are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones. Whether it’s trying a new sport, trying waterskiing for the first time, or overcoming fears in the wilderness; summer camp provides opportunities to develop resilience.

The experience of living away from home, making decisions independently, and navigating challenges without immediate parental intervention helps boys build self-confidence and a sense of autonomy. These experiences are invaluable in developing emotional strength, teaching boys how to cope with setbacks, and providing them with the tools they need to handle the stresses and challenges of everyday life back home.

Fostering Social Connections and Sportsmanship

Another benefit of sleepaway camp is the opportunity for children to develop genuine friendships and strong social connections. In a camp environment, boys connect through shared activities, whether that’s playing sports, swimming at the waterfront, or working together as a team on an adventure challenge. These kinds of interactions foster a strong sense of community, which Haidt identifies as critical for emotional well-being.

By participating in team sports and group activities, boys also learn valuable lessons in sportsmanship. The ability to handle both success and failure with grace, how to respect others and also focusing on personal growth are all lessons learned at Winaukee. Sportsmanship helps boys navigate life’s challenges in a way that reduces anxiety, fostering a sense of calm, cooperation, and connection with others.

Promoting Mental and Physical Health

At Camp Winaukee, outdoor activities and sports are central to our daily routine. Whether boys are swimming, hiking, playing soccer, or kayaking, physical activity plays a key role in promoting mental health. Haidt and Twenge both emphasize the importance of exercise in combating anxiety, as physical activity has been proven to reduce symptoms of depression and improve overall mood.

Beyond just sports, being in nature surrounded by the beauty of Lake Winnipesaukee and the surrounding forests—also contributes to a calmer, more grounded sense of self. Nature has long been shown to have positive effects on mental health, reducing stress and improving focus and concentration. Camp provides a holistic experience that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit.

Creating a Positive, Safe Environment for Growth

Finally, sleepaway camp offers a supportive, positive environment where boys can develop emotional maturity in a safe and structured setting. The staff at Camp Winaukee is dedicated to creating an environment where every boy feels valued, supported, and challenged in ways that foster growth. This safe space allows boys to explore their strengths, work through challenges, and develop a strong sense of self-worth.

Haidt suggests that fostering environments where children can confront and manage anxiety, build real-world coping skills, and develop a sense of community is key to improving mental health. Camp does just that by providing a healthy, engaging, and low-pressure environment where boys can thrive.

Why Parents Should Prioritize Sleepaway Camp

In an age where kids are constantly faced with academic pressures, social media stress, and the pressures of an ever-connected world, sleepaway camp offers a reprieve. Camp Winaukee provides an opportunity for boys to disconnect from technology, develop resilience, foster meaningful social relationships, engage in physical activity, and grow as individuals — all in a supportive, fun environment.

For parents, the benefits of sleepaway camp go far beyond just a fun summer experience. It’s a chance for their child to build confidence, reduce anxiety, and develop lifelong skills that will help them face the challenges of an increasingly complex world. Prioritizing sleepaway camp is an investment in your child’s mental health, development, and future success.

In a time when anxiety is becoming an epidemic among children, Camp Winaukee offers a remedy; one that blends the best aspects of outdoor adventure, physical activity, and emotional growth. As Jonathan Haidt’s research shows, now is the time to provide our kids with the experiences they need to thrive. Sleepaway camp, and the transformative benefits it offers, is more important than ever.