Today was a day of observation for me. The sun was shining, and I chose to spend the day fully present— moving from activity to activity, simply enjoying your boys at play. What dawned on me throughout the day was this. Not once did your boys reach for a phone or any form of technology. And, the best part? They didn’t miss it. Your boys were living their best lives, surrounded by their friends, completely unattached and never happier.
Camp offers so much to our children— a sense of independence, self-reliance, the ability to navigate social situations, and the confidence to advocate for themselves. But importantly, it gives them the gift of unplugging— of resting their thumbs, lifting their heads, and truly connecting with the world around them.
When reveille blew this morning, boys darted out of their bunks and down to the lake for a refreshing dip— no cellphones in sight. At breakfast, they gathered around tables, laughing, telling stories, and looking one another in the eyes— no tablets, just conversation.
Our Eagles (finished fourth grade) competed in a round-robin football tournament— celebrating victory and finding comfort in defeat, fully immersed in the moment. Meanwhile, our Junior Greens (finished fifth grade) played their hearts out in a basketball tournament, cheered on by packed bleachers of bunkmates. Their focus was 100% in the moment with their teammates— taking direction from their coaches, trying to represent Camp Takajo with pride. No selfies, no posts, no instant gratification— just good old-fashioned fun.
As parents, we all wrestle with how much access our children have to the internet and how often we, too, reach for our phones. At camp, today was different. Today was a good, old-fashioned camp day. And your boys were the joyful beneficiaries of every moment.
