In Episode 52, we speak with Michael Jacobus – the Founder of Reset Summer Camp; a 4-week clinical summer program for, mostly, teenagers who are suffering from technology addiction. The camp treats addiction to video games, social media, excessive screen time and provides assistance with poor technology habits. Michael has worked in the Summer Camp space for over 30 years and believed that the camp experience could create an environment that provides both the campers and, their families, with the tools needed to build a healthy relationship with technology and help rebuild any strained relationships at home.
The program begins with a technology detox (one that most of the participants are not big fans of) and then moves into exposing new ways of having technology be properly present and absent in their lives. It also provides guidance to parents, both, during and after the program.
Some of the questions I ask:
- What is Reset Summer Camp and what motivated Michael to launch it? [4:41]
- There was a concern in the 60 and 70s about TV being addictive, what makes the current technology any different? [10:10]
- What type of progress does Michael see in a camper after the first week? [24:10]
- What role does being outside play at the camp? [33:27]
What You’ll Learn:
- Options for managing boredom instead of reaching for technology. [0:55]
- About the types of kids that attend Reset Summer Camp. [7:22]
- About some of the resources that are provided to teach, guide and train parents on how to change the way they act with technology or the way they interact with their kids. [13:41]
- What Michael says to the parents to help them navigate their relationship with their child and the technology. [27:43]
- About the breakthrough moments for some of the campers. [32:15]
Resources:
ResetSummerCamp.com
