Finnish summer camp bans phones for a week

A summer camp in Finland’s Kymenlaakso region is running without mobile phones, as organisers seek to shield children from digital distractions, reports Yle.

The Humu scout camp, held near Kouvola, encourages a phone-free experience to let participants focus on traditional activities like outdoor skills and crafts. Adults retain phones for safety, but children rely on noticeboards, camp radio, and letters for information.

Camp leader Emilia Mahlio said the decision reflects adults’ concerns that constant messaging could detract from the camp experience. “We want the children to be fully present, not just following WhatsApp groups,” she said.

Participants like Riia Kemppainen and Assi Kovaljeff welcomed the break from constant notifications. “It’s liberating not to have 20 WhatsApp groups demanding reactions all the time,” Kovaljeff said.

Other camps, such as those run by Kiljavan Leirikesä, allow phone use once a day, with devices otherwise stored out of sight. Organisers report less night-time disruption and more engagement with camp activities.

In contrast, some youth confirmation camps permit phones but restrict use during lessons. Timo Lampi, a youth worker in Lappeenranta, noted that while pre-smartphone camps had stronger group dynamics, social media is now central to teens’ social lives.