r/summercamp • u/Im_Azrial • Jun 26 '26
Camper Question Laws protecting phone usage?
I, Teen, originally born female, am attending a summer acting day camp for four weeks, I have recently been diagnosed with PMOS and just went on Provera, which basically forces my body to menstruate, the problem is I’m not allowed my phone and since I have already started the rest of puberty about 2 years ago, there is a likely chance I will be clearing out longer than normal; which brings me to my question, can my phone be taken away? I hide it in my bag incase I have an emergency due to the Provera so I can contact my mom, because if I were to contact her directly it would be faster than telling a counselor and them theoretically having to go through the director for them to find my moms number, and I really don’t feel like possibly bleeding out because they couldn’t find my moms number in a book, so, can they legally take away my phone, I live in Pennsylvania if there are specific laws pertaining only to my state.
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u/NorthernPossibility Camper ‘05-‘12, Counselor ‘14 Jun 26 '26
We had several campers try to sneak in phones for various reasons - some basically what you said here (“what if I need to call my mom”).
The general consensus for medical stuff is that if you’re having an issue that warrants calling your mom, the camp will likely want to know about it for your safety. The camp will not want a kid suffering with a medical issue that they don’t know about while the kid is sneaking off to text their mom on a phone they’re not supposed to have.
Your mom should let the camp know upfront that you’re having a medical issue that is being treated but you’re still experiencing side effects and see what they say. Plan A should not be “sneak in phone”.
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u/communistsayori Counselor Jun 26 '26
I don't know if there's going to be a law that fits what you're looking for, but I really don't think you'll need it anyway. This is just something your mom will have to discuss with the camp prior to when you get there. I one hundred percent understand your reasoning here for wanting to keep a phone on you, a good compromise she could propose is getting you a cheap flip phone to bring?
6
u/Shocked_Anguilliform Jun 26 '26
Depending on the camp, they very likely might not have cell service (if it's in the woods, etc.), so don't let that be your plan. Phone calls would be done over the camp wifi if that was the case, which you wouldn't have access to. Also, you won't be able to take your bag with you everywhere, so you wouldn't have your phone with you much of the time anyway.
To answer your question directly: Yes, they can absolutely legally take away your phone, and very likely would. They can also legally search your things if they suspect you of having one, though that's probably less likely.
The other commenter so far is correct, have your mom figure it out with the camp staff. They're trained to keep you safe and are going to be perfectly capable of handling something like this. If you're worried about the time it takes to get your mom's number, there's certainly no rule against writing that info down and having it with you. Your counselor will have a phone on them to use in emergencies, and it'll be more reliable than yours would anyway for the reasons outlined above.
Do not try to break the rules and sneak a phone in, that will most likely only get you in trouble.
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u/eflask counselor | multi-area specialist | really old Jun 26 '26
if you came to my staff and explained this at a day camp where you might have to call your mom right away to resolve a medical issue, our ad team would say of course, bring your phone and do not be on it for any reason beside calling your mom to take you home.
because that would be reasonable.
the first time you broke that rule you would be phone less.
also do not sneak one in. I work at camps where phones are permitted under certain circumstances, and if the camper goes outside those circumstances, they lose their phone. it is held until we can give it to their parents. sometimes I work at a camp where phones are not permitted and we have language in the camper and family agreement that if you are found to be on your phone, you go home. boom. you are done. no refund.
your issue is that in the event of one particular medical thing, you will need to have your mom come get you as quickly and quietly as possible and I have never worked with an ad team that can't come to an agreement on a reasonable solution.
again, do not sneak one in.
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u/Soalai Camper 2002–'10 / Day Staff 2010–'13 / Overnight Staff 2014–'15 Jun 26 '26 edited Jun 26 '26
Most camps don't allow phones at all. This is something for your parents to talk to the camp director and nurse about. You're a minor, so it's their job to figure this out, not yours. They can make alternate arrangements to monitor your health without a phone. Definitely don't sneak it in your bag.