Why Sending Your Teen to a Travel Camp is the Best Gift You Can Give Them

In a world of endless notifications and curated social media feeds, teens are more connected than ever—and yet, they’re also more anxious, isolated, and unsure of themselves. As parents, we often grapple with how to help our kids navigate these challenges and grow into confident, resilient adults. Travel camps may be part of the solution. Offering more than just adventure, they provide teens with opportunities to disconnect, build resilience, and discover lifelong passions.

The Downfalls of Digital Connection

Today’s teens are living in what Jonathan Haidt calls "The Anxious Generation." Constant screen time and social media exposure can contribute to heightened anxiety, decreased focus, and social struggles. When teens spend their free time scrolling, they miss out on the real-world connections and experiences that shape their growth—what Haidt calls "embodied experiences."

From The Anxious Generation- notice how the increases in major depression correlate to the advent and of smartphones and proliferation of social media apps.

At a travel camp, screens take a backseat to nature, adventure, and meaningful relationships. Imagine your teen replacing the glow of a phone screen with the warmth of a campfire or swapping TikTok for the thrill of summiting a mountain. These are firsthand experiences, not the vicarious spectatorship of today’s digital "entertainment." Travel camps create a space for teens to unplug and truly connect with themselves, others, and the world around them.

Even after camp ends, the benefits of reduced screen time can continue. Parents who encourage intentional limits on devices at home can help their teens maintain the mindfulness and presence they discovered during camp.

The Problem with Snowplow Parenting

Ah, snowplow parenting. If helicopter parents hover, snowplow parents bulldoze—clearing every obstacle from their child’s path so life is smooth and struggle-free. The problem? Life isn’t smooth, and without the occasional pothole, teens miss out on learning how to navigate challenges on their own.

Picture this: Your teen forgets their lunch. A snowplow parent races to the school, sandwich in hand, ensuring no stomach goes grumbling. But what happens when that teen grows up and forgets their lunch at work? Or—gasp—a deadline? Snowplow parenting inadvertently sets kids up for a world where they’re unprepared for struggle and failure.

Travel camps, on the other hand, provide a crash course in resilience. Forgot to pack a rain jacket? Your teen will figure out how to stay dry. Struggling to pitch a tent? Time to problem-solve with their team. These small struggles build big confidence. And yes, they’ll come home with stories about how they survived—and maybe even thrived—without you paving the way.

Here’s the secret: struggle isn’t a bad thing. It’s a life skill. And travel camps give teens the chance to practice it safely, with supportive guides and peers by their side.

The Joy of Adventure and New Experiences

Let’s be real: part of the fun of travel camp is just that—fun. There’s nothing quite like the joy of stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing adventure. For teens, it’s a chance to ditch their routine and dive headfirst into unforgettable experiences. Whether they’re kayaking a winding river, exploring a new state, or sleeping under a canopy of stars, these moments spark a sense of wonder and possibility.

Real life, embodied experiences facilitate resilience, authentic communication, and lifelong passions.

And here’s the magic of formative years: new experiences can ignite lifelong passions. A teen who discovers the thrill of hiking at camp might go on to summit peaks around the world. One who learns the basics of photography on a trail might pursue a creative career. These sparks can change the trajectory of a teen’s life—all while they’re simply having fun.

Plus, the memories made at camp—laughing around the fire, tackling challenges, and forming lasting friendships—become cherished stories they’ll carry into adulthood. And if we’re lucky, maybe they’ll even tell those stories to their parents.

Get Them Out There!

Sending your teen to a travel camp isn’t just about giving them a week of fun. It’s about equipping them with the skills, confidence, and joy they need to thrive. At camp, they’ll escape the screen, embrace resilience, and discover passions that last a lifetime—all while making memories they’ll never forget.

Give your teen the gift of adventure. Explore Crooked Trail Adventures’ teen travel programs today and let them experience the transformative power of the outdoors.