The Power of Unplugging: Why Summer Camp Matters for Girls in 2026 and Beyond

For today’s children, growing up in a digitally dominant world is simply normal. Homework often happens online. Entertainment is available to stream 24/7. Many friendships are maintained through group text chats, video calls and on social platforms. Even during downtime, kids are often found behind a screen of some sort.

While technology certainly has its benefits, you may be wondering: When does my child truly get a chance to unplug?

For young girls especially, the opportunity to get away from constant digital noise and reconnect with themselves, other girls and the world around them, can be incredibly beneficial. That’s one reason why summer camp continues to matter. It’s not only a fun centuries-old tradition that supports connecting with others and nature, but it becomes a meaningful experience that supports healthy emotional, social and developmental growth as well.

Camp Supports Human and Environmental Connections

Children today are exposed to more screen-based stimulation than any generation before them. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), excessive recreational screen use can interfere with important areas of natural childhood development, including quality sleep, physical activity, emotional well-being and face-to-face social interaction.

The AAP encourages families to create and enforce healthy boundaries around media use and to prioritize experiences that support real-world connection, body movement, creativity and relationships.

We aren’t suggesting technology is “bad.” The reality is that children simply need balance, including experiencing life beyond a screen. Summer camp provides an excellent opportunity for exactly that.

Camp Creates Space for Girls to Be Fully Present

During a week away at camp, girls get to experience something that’s becoming increasingly rare: uninterrupted presence in the moment. Instead of switching between apps, scrolling through videos or waiting for the next text message, they get to focus on their experiences in the moment. They may get to paddle a canoe for the first time or learn a new camp song. They may enjoy giggle fests in a cabin with new friends or see a star-filled night sky. They may even work up the courage to try an activity they’ve never done before. Without the constant presence of screens, girls have opportunities to become more engaged with the world around them and with themselves.

Through various studies, the American Camp Association (ACA) has consistently reported that camp experiences support confidence, independence, friendship skills and emotional growth. Campers benefit from age-appropriate environments that encourage belonging, supportive peer relationships and active participation.

Most importantly, these benefits take place through hands-on experiences, not from lectures. Summer camp offers girls spaces to practice communication skills, cooperation, problem-solving and resilience in real time with real people.

Unplugging at Camp Helps Strengthen Social Skills

Many parents these days have noticed that digital communication (texts, social media and other online platforms and apps) has changed how children interact socially. Even at younger ages, kids can become more comfortable communicating through devices than in face-to-face conversations.

At camp, kids build relationships differently. They talk during meals, work together during activities, solve little disagreements among their peers in cabins with the help of camp staff. They find themselves encouraging each other during challenges and celebrating one another’s successes. These repeated in-person interactions help strengthen their social confidence and emotional awareness.

For girls in grade school, this stage of development is especially important. Many are beginning to navigate changing friendships, growing self-awareness and concerns about fitting in. Camp offers a supportive environment where girls can feel accepted and valued for exactly who they are, not for how they appear online.

Nature and Movement at Camp Support Mental Well-Being

As adults, we know that exposure to our natural surroundings and keeping our bodies moving are good for us. In an increasingly digital world, it’s also important that children come to recognize the benefits they receive from enjoying nature and actively moving.

According to studies, outdoor play and physical activity support children’s physical and mental health while also helping to reduce stress and anxiety. Yet many children now spend less time outside than those of previous generations, often replaced by indoor screen-based activities.

At camp, outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, group games, campfires, exploring nature and team challenges become a part of everyday experiences. These opportunities encourage full-body movement, curiosity, confidence and creativity in ways screens simply cannot.

Research also shows that time in nature can positively impact mood, focus and stress levels in children. For girls especially, outdoor adventures help build confidence through healthy, supervised risk-taking and accomplishments: climbing higher, trying something new, speaking up and realizing, “I can do this!”

Why Camp Matters in 2026 and Beyond

As technology ever-evolves, opportunities for kids to unplug intentionally may become even more critical in upcoming years. Summer camp remains a positive and relevant way to help them develop real-world relationships, creativity, fun movement, self-confidence and a sense of community. 

At Camping4Girls, we make these summer camp experiences accessible to 4^th grade girls who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend overnight camp. Through mentorship, support and community partnership, our members give chosen girls the chance to discover new strengths, build friendships and create memories that shape how they see themselves long after their week at camp ends.

In a world that constantly competes for children’s attention, that gift matters now more than ever.