Limit Setting in Tech Overuse In a recent Podcast Dallas Mavericks owner and “Shark Tank” star Mark Cuban discussed mechanisms for setting up limits on his children’s tech use habits. There is no doubt about it- structure is good. Particularly...
Read morePhase VI: Home Transition
Going Home The final phase of the behavior change process is the home transition. While technically not a phase that happens at camp, preparing for a successful transition back home is what we focus on while at camp, so it’s absolutely part of...
Read morePhase V: Technology Re-introduction
Reunited with Technology Summerland Camps takes a revolutionary approach to screen time overuse. Most programs completely limit screen use with their campers, taking an abstinence approach. Simply put, abstinence approaches do not work. How...
Read morePhase IV: Insight and Coping Skills
Building Insight and Practicing Coping Skills At Summerland Camps building insight and practicing coping skills is not as easily placed in a timeline as the other components. Generally, this piece is done continually through the program. The...
Read morePhase III: Skill Building
Skill Building In this phase, campers learn more about systematic self-monitoring and the importance self-regulation plays in achieving their behavioral goals. We also learn concrete skills such as: How to set up your device to limit your...
Read morePhase II: Education
Education on Screen Time Overuse At camp, we watch movies and read articles on the effects of screen time overuse. Many campers are shocked to read research on screen-based activity and learn how structural changes in the brain result in extreme...
Read morePhase I: Technology Detox
Phase I: Technology Detox The first phase campers go through is what we call a “technology detox.” We don’t focus on separating from our devices or online activities. Instead, we focus on having fun! Making Friends We seek to...
Read moreStructure is Critical
Structure is Critical The other day a friend asked me, “What is an appropriate age to give your child their first tablet?” While I think the answer is different for every family, one thing is true: More important than giving your child the...
Read moreCommunication at Summer Camp
Communication at Summer Camp It is important for your child to focus on successfully transitioning to camp. Similar to most summer camp programs, we encourage letter writing but only allow phone calls after the second week of camp unless there...
Read morePrograms for Troubled Youth – Family Component
Programs for Troubled Youth – Family Component Any program for troubled youth should have a strong family component. It’s not enough to change behaviors and routines away from home. Transferring the new skills back home is critical. Research...
Read moreYouth Therapy Camp With a New Approach
Youth Therapy Camp At Summerland Camps we are a youth behavior change camp that focus on the issues that plague the modern generation. It’s not just “sex, drugs, and rock and roll” like it used to be. Online addictions have...
Read morePedometers: A Great Behavioral Tracking Tool
Research has demonstrated the benefits of physical activity and the negative consequences of sedentary behavior for physical and mental well-being. At Summerland Camps we mainly work with internally focused campers- that is, young people that...
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