Parents Pay Up to $19,000 for Summer Camps That Prohibit Phones

Sleepaway camps in Pennsylvania and Connecticut are charging seven-week tuition ranging from roughly $14,600 to $18,975 for programs that completely prohibit smartphones and other digital devices. According to a survey by the American Camp Association, about 90% of camps follow similar tech-free policies, with some even scanning letters to email parents. Camp directors such as Andy Hicks at Greenwood Trails and Wendy Siegel of Tyler Hill Camp observe early challenges, including quiet dining rooms and delayed sleep, but report that campers learn to interact without screens.

Parents like Meredith Worth justify the expense as a way to give their children weeks without the constant pull of social media, fostering independence and broader networking. Campers, including 13-year-old Emma Bobson, describe the experience as initially difficult but ultimately beneficial for resolving conflicts face-to-face rather than through digital messaging.