Feb 27, 2025
Hello CYJ Community,
You know that moment when you’re sitting at the dinner table, and the glow of phones illuminates everyone’s face? Yeah, that’s exactly what we DON’T want! As your camp professional, I’ve seen firsthand the magic that happens when we put down our devices and actually look at each other (shocking, I know!). FYI, this includes your smartwatches.
Let me paint you a picture: Last summer at camp, we had 650 kids who did far more than survive - in fact, most thrived! - without checking Instagram every 3.5 seconds. Instead, they were engaged in this ancient practice called “conversation.” I know, wild, right? The Campers and Staff talked, shared stories, and built strong relationships. If you were a camper, think back to your time and ask yourself, how could this have worked with cell phones? The answer: it doesn’t. While we recognize camp has its own magic, we believe a little camp at the dinner table is a good thing.
Here’s what happens when we’re actually present at dinner:
So here’s my challenge to you: Make Family Dinner time sacred in your household. First, it sounds simple, but I suspect most do not do it. Eat together! Put the phones in a basket (or launch them into space, whatever works). Share stories, laugh at terrible jokes, debate what’s happening in the news, and create those memories that don’t need a hashtag to be meaningful. Knock out the easy ones by asking questions about their day.
Remember, these moments around the table are fleeting. I know first-hand. Before you know it, your kids will be off to college, probably surviving on ramen and energy drinks. Let’s make these family dinners count!
Loving Family Dinner and a phone-free smile,
Frank “the Tank” Silberlicht
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