By Jamie Roach
In a world increasingly shaped by screens and anxiety, childhood is being redefined—and not always for the better. In The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt outlines how our kids are losing out on essential developmental experiences: real play, face-to-face interaction, independence, and time away from screens. He explains how the absence of these important experiences are resulting in an increase in anxiety, depression and self-harm among young people. While there are many antidotes to this from music to sports, camp is designed to meet these very needs in a unique way.
In a camp experience, kids rediscover the joy of being outdoors, of laughing with friends around a campfire, of trying new things without the ever-present pressure of social media. It’s a place where unstructured play is not just allowed, it’s celebrated. As Haidt emphasizes, free play is critical to human development—and camp can offer it in abundance.
Camp is also a break from the curated digital world and a return to real life—where relationships are face-to-face, laughter is unfiltered, and growth happens organically. Away from home, kids gain confidence, form lifelong friendships, and discover who they are in a safe, caring community.
But there’s something even deeper happening at a Christian camp. Research led by Dr. Jacob Sorenson explored how faith-based camp shapes the spiritual formation of young people. His research identified how profoundly impactful the relational, the participatory, and the faith-centered aspects of camp can be. Further findings pointed to the safe space camp creates for young people to be away from home and the opportunity to be independent in a unique environment outside of their normal day-to-day.
For example, at Youthfront Camps—in the rhythm of daily life through shared meals, meaningful conversations, and time set aside for quiet reflection—kids are invited into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. It’s not forced. It’s not flashy. It’s woven gently into the fabric of the camp experience, creating space for the Holy Spirit to work and authentic spiritual transformation to take root.
Camp is more than a getaway. It’s more than a fun summer memory. It’s a chance for your children to grow—emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. A camp experience is what many kids need most right now in our phone-based and digital world: space to be a kid, space to grow, and space to encounter the love of God in the company of friends.
Learn more about Youthfront’s camp programs here.
About Jamie Roach: Jamie has served on the staff of Youthfront for 35 years, working with students, parents and youth workers. His passion is seeing people live their best life. Jamie is a spiritual director, author, communicator and Licensed Professional Counselor at Youthfront’s affiliate, Presence-Centered Counseling. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Nazarene Theological Seminary and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Mid-America Nazarene University. Jamie loves Nebraska football, reading, walks in the woods and hanging out with his family. Jamie and his wife Lea Ann have four adult children and four grandchildren.
