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Experiences Over Screens: Make Your Summer Count!

Pictured: Arboro kids playing "Not a Box" and making memories.

By,

Maggie Grimes


Growing up, like most kids, I always looked forward to summer.  Summers meant sleeping in, spending long days by the pool, beach trips, and summer camps.  Out of all of these, summer camps were my favorite!  I remember one in particular that I loved.  It was a sleepaway camp in the mountains of NC where you were able to pick electives to participate in during the week(s) that you were there.  Among the electives were swimming, archery, crafts, and high ropes - just to name a few.  I always loved the many options and the fact that I was going to be able to try something new.  


Although devices/screens weren’t as easily accessible back then as they are now (I’m an 80’s baby), I would’ve chosen camp over screens simply for the experience.  Camp introduced me to many things - sports, adventures, friendships - that I may not otherwise have experienced.  Screen time is something that is, in some cases, taking the place of these interactions and experiences.  


According to an article in the online journal, Cureus (June 2023), “. . .screen time reduces the amount and quality of interactions between children and their caregivers. . . Additionally, excessive screen usage has detrimental effects on social and emotional growth, including a rise in the likelihood of obesity, sleep disorders, and mental health conditions including depression and anxiety.”


As children settle into summer with more free time on their hands, consider how much time they spend on screens, whether at home or camp, and what effect it has on their behavior and/or mood.  If you feel your child is spending too much time in front of a screen, consider setting a timer to let them know when their time on the screen is up.  Before signing your child up for camp(s), ask if the campers have access to screens, and if so, what their policy is so you can be sure it's a good fit.  What other things can we try at home to limit screen time for children?


This summer and fall, look to Team Arboro or Camp Arboro for screenless inspiration- from STEAM challenges, outdoor exploration, art projects, team-building activities, mindfulness, and literacy integration.  


In the end, choose experiences over screens.  Interactions with others and experiences are what shape us into the adults that we become.



About the Author

Maggie Grimes is a wife, mother, and former elementary educator of 11 years.  She lives in Wilmington, NC with her husband, daughter, and two dogs.  In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family by the pool, beachcombing for unique finds, and reading.  She hopes to continue to inspire and encourage a love for learning in all children.




We want to hear from you! Comment below and keep the conversation going.


What other things can/do we try at home to limit screen time?


When we do offer the screen (no judgment- it saves the day sometimes), what digital resources offer open-ended creativity rather than passive consumption?

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