Electronic Devices

Davidson Summer Programs Electronic Device Policy

All Davidson Summer Program sessions are “fully connected” communities. Being fully connected means focusing on making connections with other participants without the distractions of electronic devices. Often, camp is the only place students can truly unplug and be electronic free. Camp provides the opportunity to build new skills, to gain friendships, and to be independent from parents for a short period of time. While cell phones may be a convenient tool to check-in with your student, this same access changes the dynamics of the student experience during the summer. At camp, students are able to bring concerns directly to their peers, program assistants, and/or leadership staff, which for many is a new method of communication. This often results in a boost of confidence when students realize they can be successful self-advocates. We’ll be unplugged but fully connected.

The cell phone policy is simple to understand: no cell phones.

We ask parents to please help us enforce this policy. If you are personally dropping your student at camp, please take the cell phone(s) with you or check them into your student’s program assistant upon arrival. For those arriving by air, we understand and fully expect parents to request that their student carry a cell phone while they are traveling by themselves. Again, we simply ask that you remind your student to check-in their phone to their program assistant once you have received the phone call that they have arrived safely.
What message does it send to have your student “sneak” a cell phone into camp? It may convey that you are not sure your student will be safe at camp or be able to turn to our staff if they need help. If you choose to send your student to Davidson Summer Programs, it’s important that both you and your child feel comfortable with the camp’s staff and leadership team and that you trust your student’s needs will be met at camp – whether they are physical, social, or emotional. When your student knows that you are confident, they will in turn be more confident with the experience.

Other electronic devices: Music players, tablets, computers and cameras are among a list of electronic devices that campers tend to bring. As many of these devices have multiple functions, the rules tend to get a little fuzzy. Our guideline is that any electronic device that has the ability to communicate, either through the internet or cellular data plans, including those who have the capability disabled, are prohibited. AirTags, personal laptops, and tablet computers are also not allowed. We will provide students with a laptop for course work, as needed. Digital cameras and noise machines are welcome, as are many music players. Please keep in mind, there are a number of music players that have Wi-Fi capability and can connect to the internet and these types of devices are not permitted.