Camp Pepin gives kids a chance to unplug, connect, and find their authentic selves

Against the backdrop of increasing screen time and indoor activities among youth, the Red Wing Family YMCA's Camp Pepin has to offer an exciting summer program lineup, featuring experiences designed to reconnect young people with nature and foster personal growth."Out here we're away from screens, and the need for that is getting more and more nec-essary for kids," said Camp Pepin's Director Erik Burton. "There are the kids that grew up through a pandemic so some of their social skills were affected by that," he mentioned.In today's digital age, chil-dren are spending increasingly more time in front of screens. Camp Pepin provides a safe, natural setting with modern facilities where young people can develop a deeper aware-ness of themselves, their peers, and their environment. Through hands-on learning, team-building exercises, recreational activities, and small-group living experienc-es, campers discover new sides of themselves away from the digital world.The foundation of Camp Pepin rests on four core values the team of counselors and staff go by, Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility, which guide daily activities and interactions. Through a tradition of quality program-ming, campers have more than a fun time...they get away from their screens, they build character, develop new skills, and forge friendships that often last a lifetime.At Camp Pepin, the magic happens when kids can truly be themselves. Director Bur-ton believes the small group sizes create a small community where genuine personalities and friendships flourish. It's a place where counselors dance around in wacky outfits and let their personalities shine with no filters needed. This playful atmosphere sends the message to campers that you don't have to fit in to belong."Be your authentic self," Burton emphasizes, and it's more than just a motto...

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