Impact of a device-free summer camp on adolescent mental health and wellbeing

Abstract

Objectives

This study assessed changes in mental health and wellbeing or ‘mind health’ of 192 teens attending a device-free residential summer camp for 2–3.5 weeks.

Methods

Campers completed a comprehensive mind health assessment at the start and end of the camp period and answered questions at the end of camp on their camp experience. A subset also completed a socio-emotional task.

Results

Composite mind health scores (the Mind Health Quotient or MHQ) improved by 10.1 points on average from the start to end of camp (p < 0.0006); those arriving with mental health struggles had a larger median improvement of 27 points. The most substantial gains occurred in the composite dimension of Adaptability & Resilience (11.9-points, p < 0.00,001), followed by Social Self (10.2-points, p < 0.01) and Cognition (9.6-points, p < 0.005). Among individual items, significant (p < 0.001) improvements were observed in focus, emotional resilience, and adaptability to change, alongside reduced restlessness & hyperactivity, fear & worry, and frequency of feeling unwell. Socio-emotional assessment found significant reductions in nervousness and embarrassment during a peer presentation task, coupled with a significantly improved ability to perceive others' emotional states (p < 0.015). The most prominent experiential change was social. Campers reported greater ease in making friends (40%) and a stronger sense of belonging (44%) at camp than at school (p < 0.0005). Improved social belonging, exercise, sleep, and diet at camp were all associated with improved MHQ scores.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the potential preventative and therapeutic impact of device-free and socially immersive environments for adolescent mental health, particularly for those experiencing psychological distress. Clinical Trial NCT07761143.