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Seems like everyone carries a cell phone, iPod or other electronic device these days. Kids are no
exception. But what happens when kids want to bring these items to summer camp?
Some camps allow kids to bring electronic gadgets with them to camp. One camp even includes
the words, "optional cell phone" in its suggested packing list.
But this approach seems to be the exception, not the rule. Most camps restrict kids from bringing
these items to camp completely.
Theresa Torrone, the director her own summer camp in Los Angeles, California, does not allow
portable electronics at camp. "We believe iPods, Gameboys, cell phones, other portable electronic
devices electronics are better left at home," Torrone says. "Not only are these items easily lost,
damaged or even stolen, they are counterproductive to the camp experience."
Torrone says the goals at her camp include teaching kids about beach and ocean ecology,
introducing them to new aquatic activities like surfing and jet skiing, and facilitating new
friendships, among others. But if children are listing to iPods or talking on cell phones, "they
typically do so in isolation, apart from the rest of the camp group," argues Torrone. "We believe a
large part of going to camp is sharing new experiences in a group setting. When kids are playing
with their cell phones or electronics, their opportunities to learn and experience new things with
their group are limited."
According to Torrone, some parents insist on sending a cell phone to camp with their kids because
they feel more comfortable knowing they can reach their child anytime just by calling.
"But a major component to the camp experience is learning to live independently. Kids can't do
that with their parents calling them all the time. So we feel that parents should resist the temptation
to send their kids to camp with cell phones. If you need to reach your child in an emergency or for
any other reason, just call or email the camp office. They'll be able to contact your child right
away."
Torrone says many camps now use technology to give parents "an arms length way" to see and
communicate with their kids while they're at camp. Some camps will post pictures of the campers
on the Internet while others give parents the opportunity to send one-way emails to their kids as an
alternative to sending letters.
Torrone understands kids' cravings for electronic toys and gadgets. "Many kids are even more
tech-savvy than their folks," she says. And there are some kids, Torrone says, who just "can't get
enough tech."
In this case, Torrone suggests sending your son or daughter to a technology-based summer
program. "Many camps specialize in technology-driven activities," Torrone said. "Computer camps
and video-making camps are really popular these days."
To find camps like these, or any other type of camp, Torrone advises logging onto
http://findacamp.com, the American Camp Association's summer camp search engine which is
filled with a database of approximately 2,500 accredited camps.
Torrone's Aloha Beach Camp embraces technology and the power of the Internet to provide
information to prospective camp families and customers. "But we'd rather not have their kids
bringing electronic devices into the camp community."
Does Torrone ever envision a day when electronic toys and gadgets will be accepted at camp?
She pauses to think, then replies, "Well, maybe when campers can learn to ride a horse, bond
with the rest of the group, roast marshmallows, do skits around the campfire and download songs
to their iPods all at the same time," she laughs.
Eric Naftulin owns and operates Aloha Beach Camp, an aquatic sports summer camp offering
beach and surfing activities for kids and teens ages 4 to 15 in Los Angeles, CA
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Naftulin
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