Huguenot, NY — January 26-28, 2011: It was my pleasure to speak at the recent Northeast YMCA Camp Conference in Huguenot, NY. It was the first time I had been asked to speak at a national camp conference, and I was determined to make it despite the tremendous blizzard (if I had to put on my cross-country skis, I was going to be there.) I chose to discuss the camp-related topic of “Alleviating the Costs, Upping the Fun.”

We live in a world where it can be difficult to keep campers engaged. When I went to camp, it was all about socializing with your summer friends, competing in sports, being one with nature, attempting camp raids (and getting caught) and camp socials followed by a hang at the Canteen. But this is the 21st century and times have not only changed, but everything is moving super fast. New technology has not just brought us smartphones, mobile apps, laptops, iPads or even Facebook — it has altered the way we share our lives with one another, even at times making us less engaging in person thanks to our growing obsession with our Blackberrys.

As a camper, the only thing I remember crying about was begging my parents to let me bring my 1983 10-pound double-cassette portable radio to camp. (For which they said absolutely not.) So I can’t imagine what kids are saying today when they need to leave their gaming equipment, iPhones, laptops and any other gadget that doesn’t belong at camp for the summer. Camp is the perfect setting to put all these things away and get immersed in discovering new friends, activities, events and an environment that is so uplifting and unique, it is really almost impossible to explain to someone who has never been. But those who have, feel as if they are part of a society that is privileged. (more…)