It’s more and more common for kids of all ages to own cell phones and other mobile devices. My 10-year-old daughter personally benefited from my last cell phone upgrade, inheriting my old iPhone. I figured it was a perfect way for her to familiarize herself with the technology with no impact on my chequing account.
Then the pandemic happened.
Her phone quickly became less of a luxury and more of a necessity. She used it daily for online learning, watching instructional videos and socializing with friends that she couldn’t see in person due to health and safety restrictions. That said, I still monitored her use of the phone, and have had to have (many) conversations about the importance of putting the phone down and enjoying life in the moment instead of through a screen.
If you plan to send your child to overnight summer camp, you might find yourself having a similar conversation with them. There might be a desire from them to bring along their mobile device for the week. This could stem from homesickness and wanting a direct line of communication to home, or it could simply be a matter of wanting to have entertainment at their disposal during their time away.
Whatever their reasoning may be, it’s important that you sit down with them and have a meaningful conversation about the importance of putting the screen down. Muskoka Woods believes that summer camp is a transformative experience, giving kids the opportunity to have fun, grow in confidence and leave inspired to shape their world. For some youth, technology can be a barrier to reaching their true potential, discovering the beauty of nature, forming meaningful relationships, and getting the most out of their time at camp.
How to have the conversation
Explain to your child that they will be missing out on incredibly fun and life-changing experiences if they are glued to their device — both at camp and in daily life. Emphasize the diverse range of activities that will take up most of their time at camp, as well as the potential to make new and long-lasting friendships.
If you’re unsure about how to approach this subject with your child, you should listen to the Shaping Our World podcast episode featuring Jackie Robertson, a registered psychotherapist. In the episode, Jackie offers down-to-earth coaching strategies for parents, how to navigate online issues with your kids, and more.
If they are particularly anxious about a lack of communication from home, talk to them about Bunk1, the email service for guests at Muskoka Woods. While your child is at camp, you can send your child Bunk Notes to keep in touch. Bunk Notes are printed out and distributed to your child daily. Muskoka Woods also adds photos to private albums on the Bunk1 platform daily so you can check in and see how much fun your child is having at camp!
Most importantly: assure them that their phone will be kept safe and sound, and fully charged, waiting for their arrival home.
Starting summer 2027, Muskoka Woods will be cell phone-free for all age groups.
To learn more, visit the Parent’s Guide on the Muskoka Woods website.
This post was updated September 15, 2026.
