Campers and Social Media

Contrary to what was mentioned with the staff, the camp should not form Facebook groups for campers prior to the summer starting. Granted, most of the veteran campers are probably all connected on Facebook, however they have already established their relationships and sense of community in the actual setting of camp. For new campers it is essential to the traditional camp experience that they meet their new friends in the oldest of fashions. Forming relationships is one of the most important parts of being at camp and it is not the same as creating relationships online. A study on learning environments describes the summer camp environment as “a safe space characterized by support for thinking and development, room for identity-supportive interactions, room to experiment, and a place with mentoring adults and a second-home feeling” (Dahl, Sethre-Hofstad, & Salomon, 2013, p. 91). I would argue that these are qualities that can not be found online, especially not for children.

Forming an identity is a key part of growing up, and a lot of it is based on your parents, teachers, friends and environment. Camp is a place that supplies children with all of the key factors to help a child connect with their identity and independence. Children will be around peers, mentors, teachers, friends, competitors, challenges, risks, triumphs; all of which exist online, but not in a safe and nurturing environment.

Traditional residential camps will usually be set somewhere close to nature with access to lakes, woods and mountains. They try help youth appreciate nature and the outdoors. As such, most camps will ban electronics so there is no option to revert to their comfort zone and play games or chat online. Games at camp are interactive, outdoors, generally involve team work and at least a little athleticism. It is important for children to be immersed in their learning environment so they can fully engage and realize the benefits to being at camp (Dahl, et al., 2013). Another reason for removing devices from campers is homesickness. Though it seems tough, camps often take away phones so campers can not contact their parents. It is hard, but it has to be done so they can really experience independence and learn how to tackle difficult things on their own or by being supported by counselors and their friends. Homesickness is always a factor for camps to consider, but with the right encouragement and support, campers almost always forget about it after the first few days. Children at camp are put into a situation where they can develop a personal identity, become independent from their parents and form relationships that are fulfilling and meaningful (Wallace, 2006). Being at camp and getting away from phones, computers, social media, and the internet as a whole can help them accomplish those tasks.

By taking away the devices which serve social media, campers are forced into actively participating and having experiences that they will keep with them forever. Campers form friendships and memories that are lasting, and part of their ability to last in this modern age is through social media. Once relationships are formed at camp, social media gives the campers the opportunity keep in touch and share memories and experiences throughout the year. The fact that social media in a sense extends summer camp into a year round activity can be really beneficial to the kids and the camp. Excitement builds through the year, friends on Facebook will see awesome pictures and want to go to camp too, and campers will return the following summer.

Campers at Forest Lake Camp
photo credit: Caroline Meyer

References

Dahl, T. I., Sethre-Hofstad, L., & Salomon, G. (2013). Intentionally Designed Thinking and Experience Spaces: What We Learned at Summer Camp. Learning Environments Research, 16(1), 91-112.

Wallace, S.G. (2006, September).  Their space or yours? Social networking sites bring risks and rewards to the camp community. Retrieved from http://www.acacamps.org/campmag/0609wallace