Educational camps are an alternative to holidays – see a few

Playful programming and outdoor activities are aimed at attracting children and young people during the July holidays

Among the various changes caused by the pandemic, one of these has strongly influenced the presence of children and adolescents in the digital world. A survey conducted in August last year by TIC Kids Online Brasil revealed that in 2019, 89% of children and adolescents were immersed in the world of the Internet, which has changed in 2021, when this index jumped to 93%. Furthermore, a survey carried out by Giga Gloob showed that 15% of children aged 2 to 4 already have their own mobile phone.

Through these numbers, we have an idea that the use of electronic devices by children is on the rise, both indoors and outdoors, which ends up worrying parents.

Promising to offer a leisure option where children and young people can find new friendships, independence, challenges, as well as moments of proactivity and adventure, ABAE, Associação Brasileira de Campamentos Educativos, has 20 camps whose premise is community and l outdoor experience.

Among the proposed activities there are art workshops, games that encourage interpersonal interaction, ecological workshops, rafting and itineraries.

“At Camp Aruanã, for example, we observed a request from parents for this digital detox. Campers who bring some type of electronic device deliver the devices to the coordination, which are placed in a safe and returned at the end of the programs,” explains Camila Gaudio, director of Aruanã.

“What really makes the difference are daily activities, adventurous experiences, games, sports, socialising, direct contact with nature and cultural workshops. The combination of everything that is offered in our field makes the digital detox process much easier,” she completes.

Time for a digital detox

NR Acampamentos has educational villages surrounded by nature which they use for their activities. In Sapucaí-Mirim, in southern Minas Gerais, they host seasons for children aged 5 to 10. In the unit of Santo Antônio do Pinhal, activities are planned for children aged 11 to 16.

“The motto is to offer activities for all tastes, with sporting, competitive, artistic and cultural activities. Every camper can find their favorite, such as theatre, dance, bands, sports clinics, journalism, nature activities, arts and painting, among many others,” says Kito Vivolo, director of Abae and NR Campamentos.

“A novelty we are bringing is that in the 3rd week of July we will have the Kids & Teens season, together with the football themed seasons, in partnership with the Paris Saint German Academy and the basketball season, NRB, with former NBA and WNBA athletes, as well to an international coach from the Canadian basketball base,” he comments.

Confidence and self-confidence in the real and digital world

According to a study by McAfee Corp, parents are trying to better educate children about digital wellbeing. 85% of parents surveyed are concerned about their children’s online safety with exposure to scams, followed by sharing personal information (85%), fake news (81%), illegal content (82%) and cyberbullying ( 79%).

“The excessive use of smartphones and other electronic devices by children and adolescents impairs cognitive development and promotes a sedentary lifestyle. We must respect age groups, set boundaries and invest in quality time with children. A good example of quality time is to promote the contact of children and adolescents with nature: this contact helps to promote physical and mental well-being, as well as contributing to the learning process, stimulating socio-emotional skills and social interaction”, explains Silvia Reinecke, clinical psychologist.

If digital controls are tight, vacation activities couldn’t be any different. Parents today seek greater independence from their children, valuing security, but with greater attention to contact with friends, nature and recreational activities.

“After the pandemic, we have seen an increase in parents seeking more relationships and personal development for their children, which goes hand in hand with this digital detox and the no-bullying policy we are in,” says Isidoro Luiz, director of Acampamentos dos Cougars.

Also in this context, ABAE encourages parents to seek out associated fields of the entity primarily for the overview and engagement of all involved in this same group.

“We value twenty educational camps that seek to give development and autonomy to all children and young people, through the discovery of skills and the strengthening of friendship ties. Respect, proactivity and experience are the premises of all our associates”, concludes the director of ABAE.

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Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.