Ipod Cell Phone
It seems that everyone carries a cell phone, iPod or other electronic device these days. Children are no exception, but what happens when children want to carry these items for summer camp?
Some camps allow children to bring electronic devices with them to camp. A field even includes a "mobile phone optional" suggested in his packing list.
But that is the exception not the rule. Most camps restrict children bring these items to the whole camp.
Teresa Nougat, the director of his own summer camp in Los Angeles, California does not allow portable electronic devices in the camp. "We believe that iPods, Gameboys, cell phones, other electronic devices Portable electronics are best left at home, "Torrone said." Not only are these items easily lost, damaged or stolen, they are counterproductive for the camp experience.
Torrone said that the objectives in their camp include teaching children about the beach and the ocean ecology, introducing new activities such as surfing and water skiing, and facilitate new friendships, among others. But if children are ready for your iPod or talking on cell phones, "Usually they do in isolation, separated from the rest of the group camp," argues Nougat. "We believe that a large part of going to camp is the exchange of new experiences in a group setting. When children are playing with their cell phones or electronic devices, their opportunities to learn and experience new things with his group are limited. "
According Torrone, some parents insist on sending a phone cell to camp with their children because they feel more comfortable knowing they can reach their children at any time by calling.
"But a component important of the camp experience is learning to live independently. Children can not do that with their parents by calling all the time. So we believe that parents should resist the temptation to send their children to camp with cell phones. If you need to reach your child in an emergency or for any other reason, call or email the camp office. They may contact their child immediately. "
Torrone said that many areas of technology use to give parents "a way arms length" to see and communicate with their children while at camp. Some camps post pictures of the campers on the Internet, while others give parents the opportunity to send an email form their children as an alternative to sending letters.
Nougat understands child craving for toys and electronic gadgets. "Many children are more knowledgeable about the technology of their people," she says. And some children, Torrone says "can not get enough technology."
In this case, Nougat suggests sending your son or daughter to a technology-based program summer. "Many specialize in fields of activities led by the technology," Torrone said. "Fields of computer and video-making camps are very popular today. "
To find the camps like these, or any other camp, Nougat advised to log in target = "_blank" href = "http://findacamp.com,"> http://findacamp.com, field of American Camp Association summer search engine that is filled with a base Data from approximately 2,500 accredited camps.
Aloha Beach Camp Nougat embraces technology and the power of the Internet to provide information to families camp prospects and customers. "But I prefer not to have their children carry electronic devices in the community the camp. "
Does Torrone never imagined a day when electronic toys and gadgets will be accepted at camp? He stops to think, then replies, "Well, maybe when the campers can learn to ride horses, link with the rest of the group, roast marshmallows, make parodies around the campfire and download songs to their iPods all at once, "she laughs.
Copyright Eric D. Naftulin and Aloha Beach Camp. All rights reserved.
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