While we marvel at how we ever lived without the benefits of technology and social media, it is also pretty overwhelming at how much time we spend plugged in. We know deep down that too much of it is not good for us, but at the same time, it feels nearly impossible to try to step away. At William Lawrence Camp, being immersed in nature is a key component of the program.
The Impact of being device-free
2023 LIT Ronan Richards shares his view on being able to appreciate the device-free environment he experiences at Camp:
In such a busy world where every moment is used working or consuming, time slips past us at an increasing rate. Days turn into weeks, weeks to months, and months to years. The two weeks I have been at William Lawrence Camp have felt like a month. Not being sucked into my digital world has forced me to be in the moment causing me to notice and appreciate things I normally would not. Being without the instant gratification my phone gives me has made me find happiness in things that give me real happiness, like learning to sail on a sunny day, feeling accomplished after a hard day of work, or hearing stories from around the world over a campfire. William Lawrence Camp is a bubble from the outside world where you can find genuine joy, and forget about the rest of the problems in your life for a while.
In her interview with Oprah Winfrey, Dr. Shefali Tsabary speaks to the impact that social media can have on our kids, including taking away kids’ uncomfortability. Watch the interview by clicking the picture below:
The Benefits of Uncomfortability
Delving into the concept of “uncomfortability,” 2023 LIT Carl Kirchoff shared his experience conquering a challenge:
One of the best parts of William Lawrence Camp is not only the number of great opportunities to try new activities, but also the encouragement to step out of your comfort zone. As a camper, I was never a strong swimmer until my senior summer when I began to seriously pursue becoming a Woodsman. One test you have to pass before receiving WLC’s highest honor, is not only reaching, but passing Red Cross swim level 5. Being a level 4, and only just barely, I put that test off until it was one of the only ones left. Finally, I took the plunge and went down to the waterfront one Free Swim and said, “Hey Hippo, can you help me work on my swimming?” Within a few days, I went from being a level 4 to passing level 5 entirely. This is just one reason why the Woodsman program is a great goal to pursue, because it forced me to conquer challenges I wouldn’t have otherwise even dreamed of being able to accomplish.
Camp is the ultimate opportunity to take a break away from technology, social media and all of its distractions. As Dr. Shefali stresses in her talk, it is an opportunity to take time to slow the pace, still the spirit & soak in nature. Find out all the ways William Lawrence Camp allows boys to do just that by visiting our Programs and Activities page.
Written by Sharon Paul
Alumni Camper and Staff Parent and Current Board of Trustee Secretary
