Page 24 - Robeson Living Spring 2020

Shattering the Glass Screen

By Shea Ann DeJarnette

Recent studies are telling us something we already know - benefits of a well-chosen camp opportunity. To start with,
digital screen time is detrimental to our children’s health. Al- there are two types of camp: day camp and overnight camp.
though newsworthy, it is probably no shocker that social media Day camps offer that stability of being home at night with fam-
apps are being shown as detrimental to our children’s mental ily while overnight camps offer youth skills in friend making,
health and causing serious emotional and self-esteem issues. resiliency, and independence. Although both allow for goal
It is the new form of bullying, and it is even more devastating setting and decision-making skills, the responsibility of over-
and dangerous than what we dealt with face-to-face, because night camp helps your child grow leaps and bounds in ways
often the bully can be anonymous and hide behind a virtual you could never imagine.
and false identity. We already knew a lack of physical activity
was to blame for a growing obesity epidemic among our youth, Day camps offer everything from a traditional camp opportu-
which then ties into higher rates of diabetes, heart issues, and nity (swimming, archery, field games, rope courses) to special-
can even be tied to higher insurance rates. So how do you bat- ized camps in agriculture, cooking, arts and communication,
tle this new-age, high-tech, digital dilemma? Well, with some and science and technology. These are great ways for your
good, old-fashioned fun! child to not only make new friends and learn new skills but
experience careers, find things they like and excel at, and start
In my day (which, according to most youth I know under age figuring out how they might like to spend their lives. What a
15, was back in the stone ages) we were fighting the compla- great gift for your child!
cency of television and the emergence of cable. My parents
fought hard; and by fought, I mean dealt with my offhand at- Plus, whether you choose day camp or overnight camp (or per-
titude, and found things to keep me busy and away from the haps both), your child will gain life skills. This is one of the
screen. That could mean swimming, tennis lessons, getting benefits of being in a safe and nurturing environment. They
ahead on my school suggested reading list (ugh), or my abso- learn to make new friends, to carry on conversations with new
lute favorite, going to overnight camp. adults, goal setting, handling responsibility, to be brave and try
new things, and how to trust others. They also make a lifelong
Although for many parents, camp can bring dollar signs to networks; I am still in touch with folks I went to camp with as
mind, I would like you to take a moment and consider all the a child and they have been an incredible support system.