SYR Electronic Devices Policy

SYR PROVIDES YOUR TEEN A MUCH-NEEDED BREAK FROM TECHNOLOGY. WHY?

Phones Are Distracting

SYR is a unique place to connect with God in a real and meaningful way, leaving an eternal impact on our teens. It is also a time to develop lasting friendships and build community within the Summit Youth Group. One of our SYR core values is that we are relationally-focused; God first, and then others second. The use of cell phones and other electronic devices are a big distraction for teens (and adults) from the opportunity to be relationally-focused and build community by being present.

Phones Make You Look Down

We will return to Refreshing Mountain Retreat & Adventure Center this year! Our goal is for everyone 
at SYR to look up and take in the beautiful outdoor setting, which is one of the unique qualities we love about our SYR location. We want to provide an experience and atmosphere that lends itself to “getting away” from the elements, routines, and activities of normal life. This type of setting allows our teens the opportunity to experience God’s awesome creation, in ways not common to most kids. It also allows them to be more carefree, to pause, reflect, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Phones and devices allow teens to easily access the internet or phone calls and causes them to look down instead of up, which hinders their opportunity to experience all that SYR has to offer.

Unsupervised Internet Access

If our teens were to have internet access throughout the week, it would be difficult to monitor what the camper is viewing and/or showing other campers.

Devices Are Expensive if Damaged, Lost, or Stolen

You most likely paid for and maintain your teen’s device. These items are valuable and thus, the SYR Team cannot be responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged electronic devices. The camp environment is not conducive to these items being secure, or easily found if lost or stolen. Smart watches, GPS watches, Fitbits (or other fitness trackers), Kindles (or other smart readers), GoPros (or other action cameras) or digital/film/polaroid cameras are prohibited, so please ensure these items are left at home. If a teen is found with these devices, they will be secured until Friday.

Guidelines to Follow:

  • Cell/smartphones will not be accessible to your teen during SYR.

  • All devices will be collected and secured as each family arrives to check in for 
departure from Summit. Please understand there will be no exceptions.

  • Phones will be returned on the bus ride back home on Friday.

  • If there is any reason you need to be contacted (ex. an emergency or a concern about your teen), 
SY Leadership will call the registered emergency contact number provided immediately.

  • You will be given two leader cell phone numbers and the camp office number in case you need to 
contact your teen. These numbers will be available to contact during SYR.

  • Please only use these contact numbers for an emergency, as the SYR Team will be focused on 
ensuring all the teens are having a good time, being ministered to, and building lasting relationships with God and others.