Concerned about screen time? You’re not alone.

Many families are concerned about the amount of time that children and youth spend online, and kids often feel the same. While technology can provide benefits to young people within healthy limits, growing evidence links excessive screen time on digital devices (i.e., smartphones, tablets, television and computers) to a range of physical, social, and mental health concerns. In particular, youth who have the highest screen use also report the most severe mental health symptoms (Mental Health Research Canada).

So, what can parents do? Studies show that promoting time outdoors, or “green time,” can help young people thrive through outdoor play, engagement with nature, and meaningful interactions with the community. And the good news is that green time doesn’t just reduce screen time: research shows it may even offset many of its harms (Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning).

For many families, the question then becomes: where do you start?

Camp is one of the most powerful ways to help young people make that shift. Research consistently shows that time in nature with community promotes well-being and healthy development. Summer camp experiences don’t just help kids unplug; it recharges them (Institute of Public Health, Switzerland).

The YMCA of the National Capital Region offers a wide variety of day and overnight camps, which help children and youth connect to green time and develop stronger well-being, social connection, and vital life skills. 
 

“There’s a lot of talk about getting kids off screens, and I think camp is one of the best answers to that. When you’re outside, there are so many more learning opportunities. The environment is constantly changing, and everything becomes a lesson as you get to experience nature. You’re also learning new skill sets, building friendships and gaining confidence. There’s just something magical about being at camp.” 

-  Shay Ackerman, Camp Program Manager

And families feel the same way. When asked about one meaningful thing at YMCA Camps that helped their child have a great experience, parents answered, “Outdoor time. We live downtown and having access to nature like Camp Otonabee is hard to find,” another parent shared, “Learning about nature and the friendliness and attentiveness of the staff.” One parent even responded, “My child is already requesting to go to Camp Otonabee for the entire summer next year!”

And YMCA Camp programs are designed around the very environment that research shows children need most. Using the natural surroundings as the basis for the programs, camps offer a place of belonging where children can unplug, connect with others, and grow through fun, adventure, and shared experiences rooted in respect, honesty, caring, responsibility, and inclusion.

Promoting green time while reducing screen time is a proven way to support the mental resilience and positive development of young people (Outside Play UBC Lab). By registering for a YMCA Camp this summer, you can give your child or teen the chance to disconnect from screens and reconnect with the outdoors, all while making new friends and discovering their potential to shine.

Learn more about the wide range of YMCA overnight and day camps available for registration by visiting the YMCA website here.

 

YMCA of the National Capital Region is an Ontario Camps Association Accredited Member.