What’s Included at Summerland Camps?

• 1. Daily Group Sessions

  At Summerland Camps, the first summer camp for device habit change, campers participate in one group session each day. These sessions are focused on building insight and teaching practical skills to manage screen use. Key topics include:

  • Goal Setting: Helping campers identify and work toward meaningful objectives.
  • Self-Regulation Skills: Learning to control behaviors, emotions, and thoughts.
  • Motivation and Time Management: Encouraging productivity and effective use of time.
  • Opportunity Costs: Discussing the trade-offs of excessive screen use, such as video games, social media, and smartphones.

  These interactive discussions empower campers with the tools they need to create healthy habits and achieve balance in their lives.

• 2. Overnight Camping Trips

  Campers have the opportunity to embark on overnight camping trips to some of Florida’s most beautiful state parks, including Myakka River State Park and Anastasia State Park. These excursions allow campers to:

  • Learn outdoor skills, such as pitching tents and cooking over a fire.
  • Develop independent living skills in a supportive environment.
  • Connect with nature and enjoy activities like hiking and wildlife observation.

  These experiences foster a sense of self-reliance and appreciation for the outdoors.

• 3. Beach Days

  Every session at Summerland Camps includes at least one beach day. Campers can:

  • Fish along the shore.
  • Bodyboard and surf in the waves.
  • Snorkel to explore underwater ecosystems.
  • Engage in other fun beach activities.

  Beach days provide an opportunity for relaxation and adventure, helping campers create lasting memories.

• 4. Adventure Sports

  Outdoor adventure is a cornerstone of the Summerland Camps experience. Campers participate in activities that prioritize fun over competition, such as:

  • Mountain biking
  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Archery
  • Paddling

  These activities not only promote physical fitness but also encourage teamwork and resilience.

• 5. Social Skills Development

  Building connections is a vital part of the Summerland Camps philosophy. Campers are introduced to new ways of socializing through activities such as:

  • Board games and card games
  • Role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons
  • Outdoor games, including cornhole and other group activities

  These experiences help campers develop communication skills, empathy, and the ability to collaborate with others.

• 6. Special Activities

  Each session includes unique opportunities to explore Florida’s attractions. Depending on the session, campers might:

  • Visit the Kennedy Space Center or Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
  • Explore the Ringling Museum
  • Enjoy thrilling rides at Busch Gardens Tampa or Adventure Island
  • Take airboat and banana boat rides

  These special trips add an extra layer of excitement to the camp experience, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

• 7. Knighting Ceremony and Decision Night

  In a castle of stone and timber, standing watch over 8,900 acres of enchanted wilderness, the young adventurers of Summerland gather for the most hallowed of ceremonies: Decision Night. Under the watchful eyes of their mentors, each brave soul steps forward to choose a sacred quest, each camper steps forth to pledge themselves to a noble quest, a vow that shall guide their journey beyond these enchanted walls.

  With a sword made of hand-forged steel, they are knighted into the sacred Order of the Summerland Knights. As a token of their courage and commitment, each receives a scroll: a certificate of completion, sealed with the mark of Summerland Camps, and a promise of the adventures yet to come.

  Past Decision Night oaths have included:

  • To keep the Behavior Planning Journal (BPJ) from this point forward.
  • To self-monitor and control screen time.
  • To keep a consistent gym schedule, using a SMART goal format.
  • To commit to 2 hours per day studying, no matter if I have homework or not.