10/27/2026
What happens when we give children a little more space to grow—and parents the ability to let them?
In The Atlantic’s August 2026 article, “The New Parent Trap,” Russell Shaw explores the challenges of constant communication between parents and children while they are away at summer camp, and what can happen when that connection becomes too immediate and too frequent.
At Camp Treetops, we’ve long believed that growing up requires space to be independent. Our unplugged philosophy means campers don’t make phone calls home. Instead, they write letters—a simple tradition that gives them time to reflect, share stories, and communicate on their own terms.
It also gives them something equally important: the opportunity to work through challenges without immediately turning to a parent. Without constant contact, campers learn that support is available from counselors and friends, and that they are capable of solving problems, making decisions, and navigating unfamiliar situations on their own.
And Treetops parents aren’t left wondering what their children are up to. Each week, we publish 150–200 photos and send our Camp Journal, sharing the adventures, discoveries, and everyday moments that make up life at Treetops. Our goal is to capture candid moments where the campers aren't taken out of their experience at the expense of getting a great photo.
Sometimes, giving kids the space to grow means stepping back just enough to let them discover what they can do for themselves.
Read the feature at the link in the comments below.
