In the heart of the Allegheny Mountains along the banks of Sweet Root Creek lies the River Mountain campus of the Youth Digital Wellness Retreat in Everett, Bedford County

On this early December morning, a light snow falls over Black Valley, dusting the rooftops of the retreat’s newly-constructed cabins that in a few short months will host a company of young people on a quest for life/tech balance.

These young adventurers will be part of a first-of-its-kind digital wellness program that goes beyond the traditional fun of summer camps and empowers young people to disconnect from screens and reconnect with the natural world around them.

Developed in conjunction with Penn State University, River Mountain’s purposeful curriculum aims to provide a blend of challenging, fun, and educational activities for children aged 10 to 15.

Through a mix of outdoor adventures and guided, experiential-learning based activities, River Mountain guests will learn about digital citizenship and self determination, and begin the journey towards creating healthier tech habits.

The River Mountain founders believe the dualities of nature and technology are important to general wellness and balance.

“Young people are the most vulnerable to tech’s intentional design. They’re not emotionally or cognitively developed enough to understand the persuasive tactics that keep them hooked. That’s why we believe this investment is of the utmost importance, and in fact a healthy new model for kids and families,” said Ryan Tyrrell, River Mountain founder.

To that end, the River Mountain management team has been mindful of every detail of the curriculum and the facility.

The retreat cabins, for example, were designed with circadian rhythms in mind so children wake with the sun and fall asleep to the stars-- not the blue light from cell phones.

That mindfulness extends even to guest meals, which are served family style in a 19th-century log home where conversations of the day's activities flow freely.

Finally, each day concludes around a campfire featuring guided discussions about the day’s adventures and group conversations about the positive and negative aspects of technology.

Every aspect of programming and experience have been designed to allow young people to add their voices to the discussion and to encourage healthier tech habits that children will take with them when they return home.

And by focusing on skills such as focus and attention, communication and relatedness, and health and well being, River Mountain’s curriculum aims to arm children with tools that they can use for years beyond the retreat experience.

River Mountain is now accepting reservations for summer programs and offers a full slate of outdoor adventures for children and families year-round.

Visit the River Mountain Youth Digital Wellness Retreat website to learn more. Questions should be directed to Ryan Tyrrell by sending email to: rtyrrell@rivermountain.org or calling  615-383-0984.

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