This past week, Andy, Brandi & Nate attended a conference specifically designed to teach camp professionals about the ins and outs of ANXIETY– in regards to campers, parents and staff.

Everyone has some degree of anxiety- it’s a natural reaction to situations which could harm us. But when our worries and fears are more significant than necessary, and manifest into physical issues (like stomach aches, head aches and anxiety attacks), they enter the realm of “anxiety disorders.”

Today’s modern society creates an environment in which we, as humans, are way more susceptible to anxiety issues than every before. Here are some information highlights from the conference:

• Children who have any kinds of screens in their bedrooms, like iPads, Computers or TVs, are far more likely to have adjustment issues at Camp, middle/high school, college, etc- as the screens prevent them from developing the mental skills they need to deal with tough, REAL LIFE situations.
• Parents who “had it good” growing up, have more anxiety about their kids’ success in life, compared to parents who had to struggle themselves. Parents worry about their kids every move, especially school. This anxiety is contagious, and it spreads through the family, hijacking emotions.
• Today’s children are constantly being evaluated, separated into advanced groups- EVERYTHING seems to count- every test, every thing.
• Video Games derail children from their capacity to develop the (21st Century) character skills they need in life.
  More and more kids are unable to cope with tough situations- not resilient or patient- as they don’t learn the skills of “self soothing.”
• Video games may seem to calm kids down, but they are actually a STIMULANT.
• It’s easier to play “Candy Crush” than to check in with one’s self. It’s just a fancy distraction.
• Researchers found that kindergarteners are unable to build and create projects like they used to- They get too frustrated and quit, as they get frustrated that they don’t get quick results.
• Today’s parents are distracted even more than their children. They check their phones an average of 110 times per day, overwhelmed by Emails and Texts (which add to anxiety.) They can’t focus on their kids, “Hang on, I’m just checking something,” Yeah, checking OUT.
• As a result, parents are edgier, annoyed easier… which makes their children anxious.

A survey of children asking them how they would describle themselves in their family came up with the following common threads: “Sad, mad, lonely and frustrated” – across the board, from elementary to high school. Family life should not be described this way!

• CAMP is a RELEASE from this stress and anxieties of modern, every day life.PLAY helps develop self control, self distraction, emotional control, and more.
• PLAY allows kids to find a connection within themselves.
• PLAY allows kids to do things for FUN, not praise.
• PLAY allows kids to learn how to share, co-create and collaborate!

No screens, no parental pressure- Just good, old fashioned fun, within a supportive community of friends- A virtual oasis of modern society. Thank you Catherine Steiner-Adair, for your wisdom- We look forward to getting back to Camp next summer-

Only 227 Days!!!!

Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director, Liberty Lake

President, American Camp Association- New York and New Jersey