Summer camp offers ‘digital detox’

If you ever went to summer camp when you were a kid, you probably have fond memories of campfires, games, friends and lots of sunshine.

There’s a camp in California that wants to recreate those good times. It’s called Camp Grounded and their program focuses on “digital detox.”

“It is a 1970’s Boy Scout Camp set up in the redwoods,” describes camp counselor Ben Hanna. “Everybody is staying in open-faced Adirondack cabins with bunk beds.”

But, there’s no sign of the 21st century allowed. No cell phone, no laptop, no internet access at all. Hanna says they often find first time campers frequently reach for their pocket before realizing there is no cell phone inside.

“People have actually developed a bond with their cell phone. It is their always-on companion,” says Hanna.

A lot of people try to go digital-free for a day or even a weekend, but this takes that idea one step further. Not only are you sans cell phone, so is everyone around you.

“When you’re just having some downtime or you’re at a meal, everyone’s having conversation rather than checking their Facebook or Instagraming their food,” Hanna says.

There’s also a point to keep networking to a minimum. Everyone goes by a camp name, rather than their real name. You’re not allowed to talk about work and you can’t ask anyone’s age. No matter where you are professionally, Hanna says, at camp you’re just a camper.

Camp Grounded is not all about restriction, though. There’s one thing you’re allowed to do there that you could never do as a kid – sneak over to the girls’ cabin.

“Light’s out is at 10:30 at night, but sneaking out is encouraged. There’s a whole night life going on here,” says Hanna.

Camp Grounded is located about 2 1/2 hours north of San Francisco. It costs $340 for the four day digital detox program. More than 200 people have already registered from around the country. They also host five-day retreats for smaller groups.