Living the Summer Differently

Presence, Exchange, and Life Beyond the Screen

Where it all began

When we started our summer camp in 2003, mobile phones were not yet part of everyday life. Days at camp were shaped by laughter, movement, and constant exchange between young people from different backgrounds. Conversations happened face to face. Friendships formed naturally. Energy filled every moment. Time was structured around shared experiences rather than notifications. That original spirit still guides us today, even as we live within a constantly evolving technological world.

A toughtful approach to technology

Over the years, technology has changed, and so has our approach. Digital devices are now part of the landscape in which today’s teens grow up. We acknowledge this reality without making it the focus of the camp life. We do not ban phones, but we do not place them at the center either. Instead, we create an environment where screens naturally take a step back. Our intention is not to regulate behavior, but to offer an alternative rhythm – one that feels distinct from the rest of the year.

What summer vibes mean to us

Summer vibes, in our view, should feel light and unpressured. They should be rich in new impressions, encounters, and moments that unfold without haste. A Summer Camp is an invitation to slow down, connect with peers, and experience something beyond familiar routines. Living together and sharing activities, meals, conversations, and challenges creates a natural sense of belonging.

Presence as a natural choice

Reduced phone use is therefore not a rule, but often a consequence of being engaged. When teens are active, curious, and immersed in what they are doing, screens tend to fade into the background. Real interactions replace virtual ones. Attention shifts back to people and shared experiences. Being disconnected becomes something to enjoy, not something imposed.

More than a summer

For us, this philosophy has never been about control or restriction. It is about creating the right conditions for presence, exchange, and meaningful experiences. By doing so, we allow summer vibes to be truly lived and remembered – a time marked not by screens, but by connection, discovery, and moments that stay long after summer ends.