19/2/24, 10:52 Achieve3000: Lesson

Printed by: Demo Clientes Ta

19 February 2024
Printed on: 19 February 2024

No Cell Phones? No Computers? No, Thank You!

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NEW YORK, New York. Many teens find it hard to imagine going without
computers, cell phones, and iPods. They find it so hard, in fact, that they're
hesitant to go to a summer sleep-away camp where these things are not
allowed. That's because they would be cut off from their online social
groups.

Take Tim Chai, for example. Tim enjoys being in touch with his friends
using Facebook. Facebook is a social networking Web site. Tim listens to
music on his iPod. He doesn't go anywhere without his BlackBerry. When
considering summer camps, the 17-year-old immediately ruled out any
places that had rules against such devices.

"I just thought it was too much for me to handle," Tim admitted. "I love my
Internet. I love my phone."

Photo credit and all related images:

Tony Sparber started New Image Camps in Florida and Pennsylvania. AP Photo
According to Sparber, Tim is not alone. Many campers are "a little
Many teens are hesitant to attend
panicked" to part with their cell phones, Sparber said. He added that some
camps that don't allow cell phones
teens have attempted to bring in electronic devices secretly. Others have and other devices.
gone as far as to sneak in extra cell phones. That's in case one is taken
away.

It's upsetting for teens who depend on their electronic devices to surrender their technology, said Anastasia Goodstein.
She has written on the subject of teen online behavior.

Making teens give up their electronic devices can be equally distressing for parents. Many have grown accustomed to
calling their kids on their cell phones at any time. Take Kimberley Fink, for example. She felt a little anxious when her 14-
year-old daughter went away to camp for the first time. Her daughter was out of reach for two weeks.

"It makes me slightly uneasy," said Fink.

Dave Steinberg is director of Canteen Roads Teen Travel Camp in New York. Steinberg understands parents' concerns.
Most parents, he said, inquire about the no-cell-phone rule out of concern for their children's safety. To comfort them, he
gives parents his cell phone number. He provides campers with a calling card. Steinberg also uploads photos to a Web
site that parents can visit.

Being out of reach can be unsettling for both parents and campers. However, experts say that asking children to unplug
during summer camp is a good idea. That's because it forces campers to socialize with others.

"The [problem] for camps is that if they do allow technology, the kids will likely plug in and tune out," said Gary Rudman.
He studies teens and technology. "That would defeat the purpose of camp."

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19/2/24, 10:52 Achieve3000: Lesson
In addition, experts say the feelings of anxiety tend to pass quickly. Dr. Michael Assel is a children's doctor. He said that
teens may at first feel as if a part of them is missing. However, once they begin taking part in camp activities, these
feelings often go away.

Campers say that's what usually happens. They make friends at camp. They realize that they can live without the
technology for a while. Sean Hakim, 16, attended a summer camp that did not allow electronic devices. Hakim admitted
that he struggled in the beginning.

"At first, it was scary," Sean admitted. "[But] once you get there, you realize you don't really need it. You are always with
people, doing something."

Fifteen-year-old Max Truen agrees. Truen attends New Image Camp each summer. "They keep you so busy," he said.
"You are having so much fun [that you] forget about the computer."

So do teens give up text messaging or Facebook when camp is over? Not a chance. Rather, they return from camp with
even more friends to call, text, and message.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Dictionary

accustomed (adjective) used to do in the past

director (noun) a person who is in charge of a group or activities

social networking Web site (noun) a Web site where users list information about themselves, talk with friends and family online,
and make new friends

technology (noun) new tools that often work by using computers

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