| 1 | Mar 1, 2010 12:55 PM | Although I think listening to music is wonderful, if some kids have ipods or equivalent, and some don't, I wonder how that dynamic would affect everyone. Thank you so much for considering this whole, enormous issue. |
| 2 | Mar 1, 2010 1:03 PM | If they are playing video games or wearing headphones, they are not interacting with the larger group that the camping experience provides. |
| 3 | Mar 1, 2010 1:06 PM | To read or visit with friends in place of listening to music. To hear nature outside the window or listen to the thoughts inside of your own head. While not taking their ipods would not be popular with my kids, I think it would be a good idea to try it. It is still easy to "check out" with the music. If they want to "check out" they will have to find it inside themselves instead of relying on the music. Cameras are fine. If phones were allowed, we would reconsider sending our kids to Camp Mac as ours do not have phones but of course, are drawn to those who do. |
| 4 | Mar 1, 2010 1:07 PM | No electronics is one reason we selected the Camp Mac experience. Her time their will be more fulfilling if it is not paired with the distraction of any electronic devices. |
| 5 | Mar 1, 2010 1:18 PM | The "community music" of the cabin is more valuable than I think many realize. My kids come home and soon download many songs that they heard while at camp and these songs are forever part of their memory and bring them back to camp. (for me, those songs are "Ben" and "Sunglasses at Night," and I've watched my kids respond to music the same way I have!) I like the policy as is. Camp is too valuable of an experience to allow kids to isolate themselves with these electronic devices. |
| 6 | Mar 1, 2010 1:20 PM | I think camp is an interactive, outdoor experience which had a profound impact on my formative years; not a 'plugged in', individual, multi tasking, sound bite oriented experience. I feel that concentrating on what is at hand and learning to work together on team sports or group individual activities needs to be part of their growing up experience.
That being said, I know that music is an integral part of the kid's lives today, maybe more than 40 years ago, and I would love them to have their music available for some group activities, dances etc.
Good luck and thanks for the input |
| 7 | Mar 1, 2010 1:21 PM | A key reason we like Camp Mac is the no video / phone policy. We are fine with a music device seen as a privilege that can be used in a limited fashion (eg. quiet/cabin time). |
| 8 | Mar 1, 2010 1:21 PM | While I can agree w/ Option 2 if necessary, I hate the thought of tolerance toward anything to which kids "may have become dependent." It won't hurt them to learn what the sounds of nature can do to promote rest. I strongly encourage Option 1. Thank you. |
| 9 | Mar 1, 2010 1:26 PM | Keep in mind, the newer technology has video screens. |
| 10 | Mar 1, 2010 1:33 PM | The beauty of Camp is just that - it is CAMP! If there is a need for a wide berth of portable electronics, then maybe those children should consider attending a technology camp instead!! |
| 11 | Mar 1, 2010 1:35 PM | I think music only devices are fine, but where we live, I can't think of any child that has a shuffle or walkman....it's all ipod nano and touches, so you would need to figure out how to manage the other features that are on thoses devices. |
| 12 | Mar 1, 2010 1:46 PM | My kids do not ask to bring any electronic devices to camp. However, I do not feel that ipods being allowed ONLY in cabins or at free time would be a problem. |
| 13 | Mar 1, 2010 1:47 PM | Thank you for your care and concerns of our children! |
| 14 | Mar 1, 2010 1:51 PM | We will be VERY disappointed if Option 3 is implemented! We do not like Option 2 either but it is better than Option 3. |
| 15 | Mar 1, 2010 2:03 PM | Thanks for working so hard for our children!! I think the only thing Emily brought to camp last year was an ipod, and that was really not necessary. I prefer fresh air and exercise over electronics anytime. We donot have many electronics at home so this is just not an option for her, so I vote no electronics. Whatever is best for everyone is fine with me, but I hope this is the option we opt for the kids sake. |
| 16 | Mar 1, 2010 2:06 PM | Music only during down time only |
| 17 | Mar 1, 2010 2:12 PM | she comes home singing country music, so somewhere they are listening to it, maybe on radios? |
| 18 | Mar 1, 2010 2:18 PM | I' in agreeance with no electronics at all. They are devices to have when not with other kids. You should keep your policy to have no electronic devices period. |
| 19 | Mar 1, 2010 2:20 PM | music would allow children to practice for talent nighnt and learn/teach others fun dances |
| 20 | Mar 1, 2010 2:22 PM | I am paying for my children to experience what camp has to offer to it's fullest. If they are allowed the electronic devices how are they getting the true camp experience. |
| 21 | Mar 1, 2010 2:38 PM | camp is camp! |
| 22 | Mar 1, 2010 2:39 PM | One of the things that I like most about CampMac is that the kids have no access to electronic equipment. Music is fine but nothing else, please. |
| 23 | Mar 1, 2010 2:40 PM | This is my child's first time at camp so I may not be the best informed parent, but ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!! I'm not paying a boat-load of money to have my child killing more brain cells by "plugging in". He can do that at home. To have "music only" devices would just mean I would have to go out and buy a shuffle after our family already has 6 ipods of some kind (there are only 4 of us). (Sorry I'm so opinionated. Maybe you should re-think the "comment" section next time.) As a positive to the electronic device option, my son would be thrilled to bring his I-touch. Thank you for asking for our opinion! |
| 24 | Mar 1, 2010 2:53 PM | I feel very strongly about this. I have had 5 campers at Camp mac! |
| 25 | Mar 1, 2010 3:04 PM | Tell kids if they want to have music in their cabins that they should bring cds. Make sure that each senior counselor can provide a cd player/boom box. |
| 26 | Mar 1, 2010 3:06 PM | It is just not necessary. Kids will fall to sleep without music if they are tired, which they will be if they are active all day long. Maybe the first night will be hard but as we all know, the next night will be easier. Kids need to learn to put themselves to sleep. My cousin's kids have to watch a DVD to go to sleep, which drives me crazy. |
| 27 | Mar 1, 2010 3:09 PM | Thank you for asking. Camp should be about getting back to natural and building friendships. That's hard to do with something stuck in your ears that plays music. |
| 28 | Mar 1, 2010 3:16 PM | no electronic devices!! not only is it the most consistant with the purpose of summer camp, it is a rare opportunity to put a small chink in the bad habits that are being formed (i.e. dependency upon ipods to go to sleep, etc.). Thanks for being aware of this important issue as our kids become more and more "device dependent"! |
| 29 | Mar 1, 2010 3:34 PM | I listened to my walkman at Camp Mac 20 years ago while I was going to sleep and I think its perfectly fine. However, I dont believe it should leave the cabin. Im constantly telling my daughter "No, you cant bring your mp3 player in the grocery store or anywhere in public. I think its rude to walk aroung with earphones. Anyway, I think music is fine in the cabin. I dont believe any other electronics should be allowed. |
| 30 | Mar 1, 2010 3:49 PM | Last summer (2 week session) a cabin mate received an Ipod in the mail and William wished for one the rest of the term. It made a huge impression on him. I'd love to see a no electronics policy.
P.S. We received 6 wonderful letters from him last year! |
| 31 | Mar 1, 2010 3:58 PM | I feel the kids need "unplugged" time. At home they have every electronic device available to them and no structured activities. Let them learn how to think and interact with other by banning all
electronics. Some parents can't say NO, a policy would take the 'boogy' off the parents back. |
| 32 | Mar 1, 2010 4:05 PM | Thank you for asking! |
| 33 | Mar 1, 2010 4:07 PM | The Camp Mac experience is a very special time in the lives of some many people, it would be a shame to lose the opportunity to truly enjoy life without any outside destractions. They will return to the real world soon enough. Thank you for all you do for our children. Jeff DeMouy - Mobile, AL |
| 34 | Mar 1, 2010 4:14 PM | Too difficult to police each device for compliance - and they simply don't need any devices which will only serve to distract them from the camping experience. Kids need some technology-free time. |
| 35 | Mar 1, 2010 4:44 PM | I would also be happy with Option 1 - definitely agree that Option 3 would be a bad idea. Thanks! |
| 36 | Mar 1, 2010 4:53 PM | This is the whole reason we are sending our son to camp....to get away from all of this "extra stuff" in life and enjoy the beauty of nature and friends. |
| 37 | Mar 1, 2010 5:03 PM | I'm torn between Option 1 and 2. If you allow music devices I would suggest they be allowed in the cabins only. Mainly to be used at bedtime or rest time. |
| 38 | Mar 1, 2010 5:13 PM | Keep them unplugged! |
| 39 | Mar 1, 2010 5:15 PM | I think with technology/electronics, it would be hard to allow one type. I think it would be ok for counselors (as long as it did not interfere with camp time/experiences). I am paying for my children to get an experience they cannot get at home. They can always play with those gadgets (we do not have them all but we do have I-pods and Ds's) at home. I think allowing only certain devices would cause more harm than good. Let the children play outside and be children. |
| 40 | Mar 1, 2010 5:17 PM | I feel that either option 1 or 2 would be appropriate; however, would prefer a "pure" camp experience. I would love my child to learn to be entertained without electronics! |
| 41 | Mar 1, 2010 5:19 PM | Please do not allow this. I would consider sending my children to another camp if electronic devices WERE allowed. But we love Mac and do not want to consider another camp. Please do not allow electronic devices of any kind. |
| 42 | Mar 1, 2010 5:26 PM | One of the best things about going to camp is to getting back to the basics. |
| 43 | Mar 1, 2010 5:30 PM | some children may not have any. not permitting them would make it fair to everyone. nothing worse than a child being left out away from home. |
| 44 | Mar 1, 2010 6:04 PM | I think some kids enjoy and relax to music -- I know that I did as a teenager. No videos or cell phones though! |
| 45 | Mar 1, 2010 6:07 PM | Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! for asking the parents how they feel about this subject! I am VERY against any devices and believe that camp is not the place for these distractions! Clearly, they are getting enough of these devices while not at camp. |
| 46 | Mar 1, 2010 6:25 PM | My concern would be that campers would listen to the music device while going from activity to activity and not communicating with fellow campers. It reminds me of the students on the school bus that plug in their ear plugs and zone out other students.
I think it would fine if the music device was for rest period and bed time when the kids are not talking to each other, but would not like to see it be used through out the day. |
| 47 | Mar 1, 2010 6:45 PM | I agree that there should be limits. My child loves her music. However, the only thing we have is the ipod touch. I would love for her to bring that with no videos. I believe they will follow the rules of the camp and listen to the music only. |
| 48 | Mar 1, 2010 6:53 PM | If you are going to allow electronic devices at camp, I might as well save my money and let her sit at the pool and walk around the block with her ear phones on. |
| 49 | Mar 1, 2010 7:47 PM | I want them plugged into camp! |
| 50 | Mar 1, 2010 8:14 PM | I would be OK with allowing music in the evenings/rest time, but absolutely no cell phones! |
| 51 | Mar 1, 2010 8:44 PM | Option 2 is just an invitation to Option 3- you know how people's definitions of technology changes. If you allow one, you risk having to allow them all. I'm all for option 1 and the traditional nature of Camp Mac is one thing I like best about it. |
| 52 | Mar 1, 2010 9:02 PM | Music only limited to certain times. |
| 53 | Mar 1, 2010 9:49 PM | I am torn on this issue. It seems like we are so connected at all times. I do like for my daughter to be away from friends at home and all of the usual teenage pressures. She actually loves that too. I would love a once a week email or phone call from her. I don't mind the ipods so they can listen to music, but it would be hard for y'all to control what they are listening to. |
| 54 | Mar 1, 2010 9:58 PM | Please outlaw them all! Let the kids gain confidence in themselves finding out that they CAN survive without all this "stuff". Also, these things tend to separate the "haves" from the "have-nots". i grew up as a have-not all around "haves" and it just made a lot of things about my growing experience unpleasant. Pleas keep them all on the same socio-economic level while at camp. Plus, my kids think we are so MEAN--everyone else gets everything;why can't we?
Thanks for asking our input. |
| 55 | Mar 1, 2010 10:06 PM | Kids need some time "unplugged".
Thank you for allowing parental input. |
| 56 | Mar 1, 2010 10:38 PM | One of my FAVORITE things about Camp Mac( there are MANY) is that they cannot use cell phones or the internet. Thank you, Mary Pinson |
| 57 | Mar 1, 2010 10:44 PM | The camp experience in the past without them was great! |
| 58 | Mar 2, 2010 1:00 AM | We are becoming such a disconnected society in terms of human interaction. Children need time to learn how to relate to each other and the world the way God intended, face to face. |
| 59 | Mar 2, 2010 1:20 AM | I am so opposed to video games, etc at camp. I really don't mind the music ipods but my thoughts are this: parents use to send kids to camp to learn skills they could not learn otherwise. To become more active! Parents now send kids to camp to get away from all of the activity, phone, etc. They still enjoy activities they would not otherwise learn but are not destracted by media and this is their only opportunity to have a repreave from this and just enjoy relationships and nature! I hope your camp views these devices as "not camp" worthy! It will certainly impact my sons future. Thank you. |
| 60 | Mar 2, 2010 2:51 AM | I absolutely oppose any electronic devices! Kids who need ipods to fall asleep will eventually fall asleep without it! Let nature take its course and free the child from this crutch. |
| 61 | Mar 2, 2010 3:08 AM | I always loved the forced interaction with other kids doing something as a team or participating on some other skill/confidence building activity. NO GAMES should ever be allowed at camp mac. They get too much of that at home! |
| 62 | Mar 2, 2010 3:10 AM | The camper should be able to do without electronic devices for 2,3 or 4 weeks out of their life ! |
| 63 | Mar 2, 2010 12:32 PM | My daughter is one of those who has become dependent on "noise"/music to sleep. I think in the beginning, when she's still adjusting to camp life, the music also serves as a comfort since the songs are something familiar. |
| 64 | Mar 2, 2010 2:03 PM | I feel that music is OK in the cabins only...not to walk around camp w/ earphones in all day. No cell phones please...texting every neg. event can be addictive, especially if mom and dad respond. Letter writing should be the main communication for home. Let's enhance our verbal communications skills by actually putting it in practice. There is nothing sweeter than a bunch of girls piled up on a bed giggling and talking or a gang walking down the sidewalk laughing and being verbal! Let's teach our children how to reach agreements, vocalize opinions, and encourage one another by verbal communication! |
| 65 | Mar 2, 2010 2:32 PM | unplugged them!!!! I wish someone would unplug me! |
| 66 | Mar 2, 2010 3:27 PM | I know this isn't an easy decision. When I was at Camp Mac in 1983/84, radios were allowed but not really abused. Headphones I guess allow people to not disturb others so I go back and forth on this. In the end, I based my decision on the fact that if they have to have headphones to sleep or relax, it's time to learn to live w/out it b/c it will cause problems in the future if they are "addicted" to NOISE/DISTRACTION. Thanks for soliciting our opinion.
Walter Calhoun |
| 67 | Mar 3, 2010 3:12 AM | Don't change a good policy. Kids at camp should learn to be "physical" and not a "bunk potato"!!! |
| 68 | Mar 3, 2010 3:51 PM | Thank you for bringing these issues to the parents to resolve. This type of interaction shows me that Camp Mac is on top of their game. Keep up the great work with our kids! |
| 69 | Mar 3, 2010 4:41 PM | they need to be outdoors......this is why we LOVE camp mac!!!!! |
| 70 | Mar 3, 2010 5:30 PM | thank you for your continued efforts to keep the camp experience as positive as possible! |
| 71 | Mar 3, 2010 5:38 PM | PLease do not allow gaming devices of any kind - I love it that the kids stop and play good old fashioned card games together- please no cell phones - IPOD touches etc -thanks! |
| 72 | Mar 3, 2010 5:56 PM | I would love to see the campers completely "unplugged" - no music or anything. But since I am not the supreme ruler of all campers, I could compromise on music. However, many songs are not what I would deem appropriate. Many pop songs have suggestive, if not vulgar, lyrics. How can anyone assure that any camper will not be exposed to such things? Ahh, there's the rub...I'm changing my vote to Option 1. Let them learn to sleep to the sound of frogs and crickets and fans! |
| 73 | Mar 3, 2010 6:17 PM | I like option 1 Let each cabin be equipped with a boom box & listen as a group. Our kids need to learn how to play well with others. You could let each counselor provide an i-pod with pre-programmed music or take requests to add songs to a playlist & make it more interactive within the cabins & cabinmates. |
| 74 | Mar 3, 2010 6:31 PM | Hi -- I'm not opposed to music devices, but would be prefer no technology at camp! |
| 75 | Mar 3, 2010 6:42 PM | what a gift to our kids to make them unplug for a month. Wish I could unplug too! |
| 76 | Mar 3, 2010 6:47 PM | Music can be an issue also and some of the stuff these days is trash. Even knowing that I am not always able to screen everything my kids listen to I know the listen to stuff I would not want them to but "it's cool" to friends to what the world says is cool. Maybe limit the hours music is played, example 1 hour before bed. Or headphone only for 1 hour before bed? I am not opposed to No electronic devices, it is good for kids to have to have to interact with each other and make changes. With as much activities going on I am not sure how much they really need it for sleep. |
| 77 | Mar 3, 2010 6:55 PM | Unplugged is the best! |
| 78 | Mar 3, 2010 7:08 PM | I feel children are involved too much with electronics and it would be a great learning experience on how to get along without them. |
| 79 | Mar 3, 2010 9:01 PM | I am fine with option 1 or 2! I love for camp, no electronics. Whatever is easier for you. |
| 80 | Mar 3, 2010 9:51 PM | PLease notify us of the results b/c if devices are allowed I would like to know as I am nervous of the music or games etc that other children may show or share with my daughter. Sorry for the initial delay in replying. Busy week. |
| 81 | Mar 4, 2010 1:35 AM | like the idea they can listen to music at night to go to sleep but I am fine either way |
| 82 | Mar 4, 2010 2:34 AM | Electronic devices for music only. |
| 83 | Mar 4, 2010 2:38 PM | Please do not ever allow the electronic noise of our everyday world to invade the beauty and peace of Camp Mac. |
| 84 | Mar 4, 2010 2:57 PM | At first I disagreed with this policy of no devices. However, my child's camp experience was enhanced by NOT having these devices, and enjoying outdoors and friends! I agree that the music device should only be used at bedtime, and not allowed during private time. The electronic games they are allowed to play as a part of their camp experience is more than adequate. |
| 85 | Mar 4, 2010 10:10 PM | I don't understand option 3. What kind of electronic devices have video screens but not games or videos? |
| 86 | Mar 5, 2010 2:03 AM | Thank you, looking forward to camp! God bless y'all! |
| 87 | Mar 5, 2010 4:24 AM | Keep the policy as is. AT first I thought policy 2 was decent, but, on second thought, definitely NOT. Take away all technology. Thank you. |
| 88 | Mar 5, 2010 11:00 AM | I agree that going to camp is to build social networking between campers.I do not think that the video games,cell phones,texting of any kind should be allowed at camp.After all the kids are going there for the camp experience.I think it is good to get their noses out of the games,texting and learn to talk to one another.I do think that it would be good to allow the campers to send their own e mails (1) once a week to their parents.Other than that I think that only music devices such as an I pod or radio should be the only electronics that they be allowed to have at camp. |
| 89 | Mar 5, 2010 4:55 PM | My kids do not "hook up" as much as other kids but, I still feel like they probably spend too much time with electronics. Funny how when the power goes out we suddenly rediscover all the great games and toys we have! It is very difficult to abstain from electronics much as it is hard not to eat sweets if they are in front of you. If my child's cabinmates have electronic games that is all they will want to play(or watch as otheres play). I love the fact that Camp Mac allows children to be free of the media world and electronics. They rediscover their imagination and the world around them! PLEASE NO ELECTRONICS! We can play xbox at home! |
| 90 | Mar 5, 2010 4:57 PM | Not having the Ipod at bedtime for my son would be difficult, because he listens to classical music before he goes to sleep . He finds it helps quite his mind and sleep better. With Aspergers kids this can be an issue. For Mark it was an issue for him to go to sleep, no matter how tired he was. He uses music as a coping mech. He will also retreat to this when things get "too crazy" around him. We are very proud that he copes this way. We find it a productive and healthy coping mech. Now I know he is in the minority when it comes to the type of use of the Ipod. It is not an ITouch, it is just a plain Ipod with no video ability. Please keep him in mind. |