Why Unplugging at Sleepaway Camp Is the Mental Reset Boys Need

The constant pull of screens is taking a toll on kids’ focus, confidence, and well-being. That’s why more parents are actively seeking out the benefits of screen-free summer camps, places where boys can unplug, reset, and reconnect with the real world. At Camp Shohola for Boys, located in Greeley, Pennsylvania and serving families across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast U.S., we’ve seen firsthand how powerful a screen-free summer can be. For boys, it’s more than just a break, it’s a chance to rediscover who they are without the noise of notifications.

The Digital Overload Boys Face Today

Between smartphones, video games, social media, and streaming apps, most boys are surrounded by screens from the moment they wake up to when they go to sleep. According to recent studies, the average child spends 7 to 9 hours a day on digital devices.

Overexposure to screens is linked to:

• Shortened attention spans
• Increased anxiety and sleep disturbances
• Weakened social skills
• Less motivation to explore offline interests

When boys are constantly stimulated by devices, they rarely get the space to think, reflect, or simply be present. That’s exactly what sleepaway camp helps restore.

What Happens When They Unplug

When boys arrive at Camp Shohola, they leave their phones and devices behind. Within just a few days, the change is noticeable.

 

They begin to:

• Sleep more soundly
• Interact more confidently with peers
• Show curiosity and initiative
• Find joy in simple, real-world experiences

Without the dopamine loop of social media or gaming, boys shift from passive consumption to active participation in life around them. Camp becomes a place where they’re not distracted but fully engaged.

How Camp Shohola Builds Real-World Connection

Each day at Camp Shohola is intentionally designed to promote real connection. Whether it’s through team challenges, evening campfires, or cabin bonding, boys learn how to:

• Listen and respond in conversations
• Handle disagreements respectfully
• Collaborate with others
• Feel seen and supported by peers and mentors

By removing screens, we create the conditions for authentic relationships to grow and those friendships often last far beyond the summer.

Mental & Emotional Benefits of Screen-Free Summer Camps

The mental reset boys experience at sleepaway camp is more than just a nice break, it can be life-changing.

Parents often tell us:

• “He’s calmer and more present.”
• “He talks to us more than he used to.”
• “He’s sleeping better and seems less anxious.”

Screen-free time helps boys build emotional resilience, patience, and a deeper sense of self. Instead of comparing themselves to others online, they begin to trust who they are offline and on their own terms.

A Reset That Lasts Beyond the Summer

The true magic of a screen-free camp experience is how it follows boys home. After spending a few weeks unplugged, many boys:

 

• Reconnect more easily with family
• Use technology more mindfully
• Turn to hobbies and outdoor play over screen time
• Show stronger focus in school and sports

 

It’s not about rejecting technology entirely, it’s about giving boys a healthy relationship with it. At Camp Shohola, we help make that possible.

Final Thoughts

At Camp Shohola for Boys, we believe boys deserve a break from screens and the pressure, distraction, and disconnection they bring. That’s why we offer a summer experience rooted in real connection, nature, and personal growth.

 

Give your son the reset he needs. Let him unplug, recharge, and rediscover his full potential at Camp Shohola for Boys. Visit us today to learn more and reserve a spot for this summer’s session.