We are very aware that mobile phones and other electronic devices play a big (too big) part in the modern world. Parents and careers might wish for campers to bring their mobile phone or electronic device to camp. Campers will most probably wish to bring them too. We believe that children spend more than enough time using technology throughout the year and camp gives them the perfect opportunity to unplug and have a ‘technology cleanse’. Unlike lots of camps across the pond in North America, we have not banned mobile phones and electronic devices at XUK, however, we would encourage you to make the most of limiting your time on electronic devices to get the most out of your stay at XUK...
Disconnecting reconnects
Social media plays a huge part of our lives. Lots of us have a very committed relationship with technology. How healthy is your relationship? We believe that disconnecting while you are at our residential camps will help you to build the strongest of friendships. Friendships with real friends, rather than cyber friends. By all means, keep in touch with your new friends after camp through social media, but take a break from Instagram and Snapchat over the summer. It will still be there when you return home!
Develop social skills
Making conversation comes easy to some and harder to others. Whether you come to our residential camps with a school friend, sibling or by yourself, you will want to engage with other campers. If you are sat in one of our Common Rooms texting friends from home or on your bed playing on an app, those around you might struggle to engage with you and think that you do not want to socialise. Find something in common that you can talk about, play a game of cards as a dormitory. This will help you to navigate friendships and for your social skills to flourish.
Have a better sleep
Camps are busy places with action packed days, full of fun. You will most probably find yourself exhausted as you come to the end of your first week. Look after yourself, have a good night’s sleep and ensure you are feeling refreshed the next day. Recent studies have shown us that the white and blue light that our electronic devices gives off, prevents our brain from releasing melatonin (the hormone that tells our brains it is time to sleep). It will take you longer to go to sleep, so while you are unplugging next summer, avoid using your devices before bedtime. We want happy campers at XUK, not sleepy campers!
Monitor your phone usage
By no means are we telling you that you must leave your phone at home. Parents and careers worry if they do not hear from you and we expect you to take lots of selfies with your new friends... But, monitor your phone usage – there are apps out, such as ‘Moment’, which tells you how long you have been on your phone each day. Why don’t you set a challenge with your dorm friends? Who can spend the least amount of time on their phone each day?
Who is ready to unplug in the summer?
XUK will not take responsibility for mobile phone or electronic devices loss or damage.