I am the first person to admit that one of my biggest personal weaknesses is checking my phone immediately after I hear that vibration. We live in a scary world; a world full of constant communication, comparison to others, and obsession with technology. However, I was given the unique opportunity for five summers in a row to experience a complete technological detox. 

I spent five summers of my life at Camp Nock- a-Mixon,  a seven week long sleep away camp in Kintnersville, Pennsylvania. I cherish all of the memories and experiences I am fortunate enough to say I have had there, for example going swimming, conquering the ropes course, learning how to play a variety of sports, and unique art projects. However, there was one catch. And that is, all technology was prohibited. Laptops, iPhones, iPods, headphones, you name it. Literally picture this: not being able to update your best friends on your everyday happenings, when you are upset, not being able to call your parents with the click of a button, not even being able to take high quality pictures to capture the memories! The only communication I had with my family and friends was writing them a letter, which would get to them in two days minimum. This was definitely difficult to adjust to at first, and I longed for the ability to hop on Instagram to distract myself from my troubles. However, as time progressed, I experienced emotions and freedom I had once never let myself become exposed to. 

I bonded with the friends in my cabin in ways I have never bonded with people before. Imagine being with the same group of fifteen people constantly 24/7. I know it sounds cliche, but we laughed and cried together, and I seriously mean that so genuinely and wholeheartedly. I experienced every high and low that the girls around me were going through, even if the situations had NOTHING to do with me. I even learned how to become a better version of myself because I had the time and availability to work on myself, instead of spending hours each day on my cell phone. 

My summers at camp changed my perspective on life entirely. First, shooting a text to our parents or friends to say hi seems like such a simple ability, however we once lived in a world where we could not do this. The next time you are thinking about how appreciative you are of a friend or family member, take the time to prove this to them and send them a text telling them you love them. Use your technology to accomplish something meaningful, not inconsequential such as scrolling through Facebook for the sixth time in a row. Additionally, do take the time and treat yourself by taking an occasional break from your laptop or phone. During the times I went through with no technology available to me, I actually became a stronger person, and discovered more and more each day about the qualities which make up the person that I am. I became such a vital part of one of my friend’s lives that she said to me, “I wouldn’t have been able to survive this summer without you.” During my summers, I found such joy in helping others which inspired me to become involved in all of the organizations I am a part of today. So, the next time you lean over to your bedside table to grab your phone and check the same thing you browsed through five minutes prior, consider taking a break because maybe you will discover something about yourself that you never knew before.