What if you woke up one morning and found almost everything that fell under the category of “technology” had disappeared?

All of a sudden you found yourself in an old, musty cabin with one light bulb, a few metal cots with mattresses, and the buzz of bugs, without your Playstation 2, your TV, your computer or your iPod. All of them were not available to you. What would you do, and how would you feel? Would you feel angry, sad, upset? Would you cry? Or would you look around and notice the wooded surroundings and the sound of wind rustling in the leaves?

As I began my two weeks at camp with little technology, the first thing I noticed was the almost completely undisturbed natural beauty that surrounded almost everything. Even our old, rustic cabins, bathrooms and dining hall seemed to belong there.

I also noticed that there were birds singing in the trees, chipmunks, and even a few toads moving around on the ground. The plants and trees were thick, lush and green. The soil was dark, rich and moist due to lots of rain. At camp, you went to bed early, and you woke up early, able to enjoy the crisp mornings in the woods.

So what would you notice first—the natural world or the lack of modern electronic entertainment? Whatever the case, how would you react? Would you play catch or talk to a friend? Given the choice of having one of two books—the Bible or one other of your choice—which would you read?

Without video games and TV programs, what would you do for entertainment? You could go hiking, rafting or canoeing, and so much more. Or you could sit down and mourn for your “much needed” modern lifestyle.

The sheer pleasure of being so close to the natural environment was wonderful because I hadn’t been in nature like this since AYC 2007. Although it came as a surprise to me, I didn’t miss my usual technological life half as much as I expected. In fact, I didn’t miss it at all.

Due to not being able to play video games or watch TV, I was able to enjoy new, fun experiences that I otherwise would have missed. I had the opportunity to fight my fear of heights by participating in a high ropes course. I learned teamwork and cooperation with the low ropes course. And the whitewater rafting trip was a unique experience for me.

I have never been comfortable with public speaking so being pushed to do an “interesting experience” speech was a terrifying, life-changing experience that I will never forget. Even as I write this article, I continue to grow and mature. In just two short weeks at camp, I learned many beneficial lessons that I would never have learned if I had been glued to a screen.