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A summer can pass one scroll at a time, or it can fill up with hiking trails, campfires and face-to-face friendships. More families choose the second option, and young campers are turning toward screen-free summer camps where phones stay home.
Parent concerns, research findings and four camp picks, including a boys' and girls' pair, all point toward the benefits of unplugging.
Kids ages 8 to 18 spend an average of 7.5 hours a day on screens. Too much screen time may lead to less time with family and friends, not enough outdoor or physical activity and sleep problems.
A screen-free summer camp can take the daily negotiation over devices off the table. Child psychiatrists encourage activities that don't involve screens, such as sports, music, art and hobbies, and camp can fill whole days with them. Every camper follows the same no-phone rule, so everyone starts on equal footing.
In a five-year study of 80 camps,58% of youth said camp helped them appreciate being present, including time away from technology. The same American Camp Association research found the strongest benefits in affinity for nature, independence and social awareness. Parents also reported deeper friendships and a stronger sense of community after camp.
Time outdoors may matter, too. Kids who spent an hour a day in nature hada 50% lower risk of mental health issues in one recent study led by the University of Glasgow. A camp day can include far more than an hour outdoors.
Screen-free time works best when there's plenty to fill it. Several camps build their summers around unplugging. Four screen-free summer camp picks differ in location, session length and activities, giving families plenty of options.
Set on 100 acres in the San Jacinto Mountains,AstroCamp pairs outdoor adventure with hands-on STEM activities, allowing campers to unplug and stay busy all day. The camp sits in Idyllwild, California, about two hours east of Los Angeles.
Based in Marble Falls, Texas, Camp Champions operates tech-free so campers spend their days outdoors instead of on their phones. Without phones in the picture, campers can give their full attention to cabin mates and camp activities.
At Swift Nature Camp in Minong, Wisconsin, campers leave their phones at home and fill their days with canoeing, hiking and swimming. The small, non-competitive overnight camp welcomes boys and girls ages 6 to 15.
Camp Dudley serves boys, and Camp Kiniya serves girls. At both camps, a screen-free policy keeps campers focused on arts, athletics, outdoor exploration and friendships. Their shared mission dates back to 1885.
The four camp picks stretch from California to Vermont, with stops in Texas, Wisconsin and New York. Each one stands out for a different reason.
| Camp | Location | Standout Feature |
| AstroCamp | San Jacinto Mountains, California | Over 40 activities in the two-week camp on a 100-acre mountain campus |
| Camp Champions | Marble Falls, Texas | 2019 designation as a 21st Century Learning Exemplar |
| Swift Nature Camp | Minong, Wisconsin | Small camp with a nature center and canoe trips |
| Camp Dudley and Camp Kiniya | New York and Vermont | Separate boys' and girls' camps, with roots back to 1885 |
Parents considering a screen-free camp often ask a few of the same questions. Here are some that address a child's interests, age and contact with home.
A: Programs range well beyond hiking and swimming. AstroCamp offers rocket launches and stargazing. Swift Nature Camp includes art, music and drama, while Camp Dudley and Camp Kiniya balance arts with athletics.
A: Shorter sessions can suit first-timers, such as AstroCamp's one-week camp or Swift Nature Camp's Special First Timer Camp. Families may want to match session length to how long a child has spent away from home.
A: Policies vary, so families should ask each camp how it shares updates and handles urgent contact before enrolling. Asking early helps parents know what to expect once camp begins.
Location, session length and activities can all help families find the right fit. An unplugged summer may leave kids with new interests, new friends and plenty to talk about.
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