Unplugged Youth: Why Summer Camps Are Going Completely Phone-Free

Summer camp has historically been a place of independence, outdoor adventure, and personal growth—a rare opportunity for children to step away from their daily routines, try new activities, and make lifelong friends. However, the rise of adolescent smartphone ownership has drastically altered this experience. Campers frequently spend rest hours scrolling TikTok, comparing their experiences online, or texting friends back home, which severely limits their ability to integrate into the camp community and exacerbates feelings of homesickness.

To preserve the magic of the unplugged summer, camps are partnering with BTI to establish phone-free environments. By placing devices in secure BTI pouches during camp sessions, camps can eliminate the constant pull of the digital world while still allowing children to have their devices on hand for safety, offline camper check-ins, or camp activity logs.

When the screens go dark, the true spirit of summer camp is restored. Campers engage in active, face-to-face play, collaborate on team challenges, and connect deeply with nature. They learn to navigate social dynamics directly, building resilience and self-confidence away from the curated world of social media. By choosing to unplug, summer camps are giving youth a priceless gift: a vibrant, present, and screen-free childhood filled with real-world adventure.

Written by the team at Before The Internet, a Toronto-based phone-free event company renting lockable phone pouches across North America.