For all the technological wonders that the Digital Age has produced and the comfort, convenience, and rise in living standards that have followed, the current generation has lost something essential to their quality of life; connection to the natural world and the life lessons gained from living with a community of people in the outdoors.. Subscription TV, personal computers, video games, social media, Tik Tok and cell phones have enabled young adults to live lives that can be completely indoors. And many don’t know they have an alternative. As Henry David Thoreau sums it up, “the mass of men live lives of quiet desperation.”
Hundreds of millions of souls come home from school or work each day, where they’ve spent the bulk of the day, sitting in a chair, staring at computer screens,only to promptly sit down in front of more screens to lose themselves in shallow forms of empty entertainment. When they do connect with other souldsm it’s often through social media with a digital rather than a face to face interaction, Increasing numbers of people, having grown accustomed to working and going to school remotely during the pandemic, have grown so comfortable in their homes, and gotten into the habit of purchasing most of the goods they need for dai;ly life and even many of their meals online for home delivery.
Unsurprisingly, we’ve seen an alarming rise in obesity rates, mental illnesses like anxiety and depression, declining social skills, less involvement in community activities and an increase in the use of both legal and illegal drugs to combat the symptoms of a society that is slowly going off the rails. Much of this state of affairs can arguably be attributed to a disconnect from each other and our natural environment with its powerful physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. The good news is that the outdoors hasn’t gone anywhere; it’s still there. All one needs is the motivation and the opportunity to get out and experience and implore the natural world around us! it. And that’s what wilderness adventure summer camps can provide today’s youth.
A Century Of Summer Camp tradition
Youth and young adult summer camps have been around a long time. In fact the first organized summer camp, The Gunnery Camp, was established in 1861. Camps became an integral part of American culture by the 1890’s, as industrialization replaced the agricultural economy. With its corresponding urbanization, this first urban generation of parents felt the urgency to get children out of the cities to experience the emotional and health benefits of the great outdoors. Traditionally, these camps taught things like swimming, hiking,boating, archery and riflery, basic woodcraft, and arts and crafts. They strove to build character and self-discipline, love of God and country, camaraderie, teamwork, and cooperation, along with an appreciation and respect for nature and the outdoors. Many young men and young women benefited greatly from the summer camp experience. The lessons and memories stayed with them for a lifetime, molding and guiding them in their adult lives. But for all of that, the physical challenges they offered participants were minimal compared with what is available today.
Not Your Grandparent’s Summer Camp
Over the last few decades, a new type of wilderness adventure and nature immersion summer camp has arisen, offering experiences almost unheard of by earlier generations. Programs like Bold Earth, Adventure Treks, Moondance Adventures, Outward Bound, The National Outdoor Leadership School, Adventures Cross Country, and Broadreach offer teenagers the chance to build outdoor skills in some of the most spectacular wilderness areas in North America and around the world. On these exciting programs, teenagers and young adults can engage in backpacking, mountain and rock climbing, white water rafting, mountain biking, and whitewater kayaking while learning camping and wilderness living skills. Students can face real challenges, push their perception of what they can physically accomplish and become integral members of a close-knit community.
While living together in a tight community of peers, guided by expert wilderness instructors, students are able to build a new identity, becoming the person they aspire to be while improving their teamwork, communication and leadership skills. They learn to face their fears and overcome them, and test their limits of themselves. These experiences turn into life lessons and set a foundation to help teens live bold lives of adventure, service and accomplishment.
Wilderness and nature immersion summer camps are a powerful tool to fight the ravages of digital media and apathy. They are a great resource for people of all ages who wish to restore balance, meet a great group of like minded people and work towards reaching their full potential, avoiding a life of quiet desperation!
About John Dockendorf
John R. Dockendorf is an adventure & outdoor recreational expert with over 30 years of experience developing and leading successful small businesses in various industries, including service, hospitality, outdoor recreation, and travel industries. Currently, Dockendorf serves as the Principal at Dockendorf Consulting.