What if the thing your family needs most is less screen time—and more presence? In this episode of The MercyCast, host Raleigh Sadler sits down with Amy Lowe, director of Winshape Camps for Girls, for a timely conversation about kids, smartphones, social media, anxiety, parenting, faith, and the lost art of being present. In a world where children can swipe a screen before they can tie their shoes, Amy has witnessed what happens when kids step away from technology and into nature, community, and meaningful relationships. At Winshape Camps, children spend time without phones, notifications, and the pressure to perform online—and parents often report something remarkable when they come home: “I got my daughter back.” Amy and Raleigh explore why disconnecting from technology can actually help us connect more deeply with our families, our neighbors, God, and creation. In This Episode, we learn about: The cost of constant digital distraction for children—and adults.How smartphones and social media can impact our levels of attention, anxiety, and relationshipsThe importance of the camp slogan “disconnect to connect”What happens when children spend a week without phonesWhy parents say they feel like they “got their kids back” after campThe connection between technology, anxiety, and the pressure children face todayHow Christian camps create space for kids to develop faith, friendship, and spiritual growthHow nature and quiet can help us become more presentWhy doing something difficult can build confidence and gritPractical ways families can create healthier technology rhythms at homeHow parents can overcome mom guilt and give themselves graceThe importance of Sabbath and intentional technology-free timeWhy sometimes stepping away is the best way to rediscover what really mattersDisconnect to Connect One of the central ideas in this conversation is simple but counterintuitive: Sometimes we have to disconnect in order to truly connect. When phones disappear, children have the opportunity to look at the person sitting across from them. They tell stories. They play. They explore nature. They have deeper conversations. They learn to be uncomfortable, try new things, and discover that they are capable of more than they thought. And the same principle applies to adults. Raleigh and Amy discuss how putting down our phones can create space to reconnect with God, family, community, nature, and our own thoughts. What Can Parents Do Today? You don't have to send your child to camp—or completely abandon technology—to start creating healthier rhythms. Amy shares several practical ideas: Try a 24-hour technology Sabbath as a family.Keep phones away from the dinner table.Put your phone down when you're talking with your children.Create technology-free moments before bed.Spend intentional time outside.Look for opportunities for your children to experience healthy discomfort and independence.Give yourself grace when changing family rhythms is difficult.Remember that small changes can create meaningful connection over time.A Word of Encouragement for Parents If you've ever felt guilty about your child's screen time, you're not alone. Amy offers a powerful reminder: if you're listening and looking for ways to love and parent your kids well, you're already taking a meaningful step. Changing habits can be difficult at first. But new rhythms become easier with time—and the benefits can be worth the discomfort. You don't have to be a perfect parent. You can start with one small step toward being more present. Why Christian Camp Matters Amy explains how Christian camps can create a unique environment for spiritual formation. Kids have the opportunity to step away from screens, spend time in creation, build meaningful friendships, learn from older mentors, and talk about what God is teaching them. For families who aren't ready for overnight camp, Amy also discusses day camps and family camp as accessible ways to experience the benefits of unplugging and reconnecting. Key Takeaways 1. Attention is a limited resource. Constant notifications compete for our attention, emotions, and relationships. 2. Quiet isn't necessarily empty. When the noise disappears, we can begin to notice God, creation, other people, and what is happening inside us. 3. Disconnection can create deeper connection. Putting away technology can help families rediscover conversation, laughter, presence, and intimacy. 4. Kids need real relationships. Mentors, counselors, parents, friends, and faith communities can provide something a screen never can: genuine human connection. 5. Confidence often comes through discomfort. Trying something new, being away from parents, meeting new people, and navigating challenges can help children discover that they are capable. 6. Parents need grace, too. Healthy technology habits aren't built overnight. Families can experiment, reset, and try again. Questions to Consider What is technology taking your attention away from?When was the last time your family experienced a truly technology-free day?Are your children seeing you model the screen habits you want them to develop?What might happen if you created more space for quiet?Where could your family disconnect to connect this week?Listen, Share & Subscribe If this conversation encouraged you, share The MercyCast with a parent, grandparent, pastor, youth leader, or friend who could use the reminder that being present is one of the greatest gifts we can give the people we love. Subscribe & Share If this episode encouraged you, be sure to: Subscribe to The Mercy CastLeave a 5-star review.Share this episode with someone navigating a season of change.Follow for more conversations that inspire faith, leadership, and Kingdom impact.Subscribe and rate on Apple Podcasts.Subscribe and rate on Spotify.Sometimes the thing we fear most—disconnecting—is exactly what makes the connection we've been craving possible. You are loved. About Amy Lowe Amy Lowe is the director of Winshape Camps for Girls, a Christian camping ministry focused on helping children and families experience community, adventure, faith, leadership, and life beyond the screen. Amy's own passion for camp began during college when she worked at a Christian camp and experienced firsthand the impact that a week of intentional community and ministry could have on young people. Learn more about Winshape Camps and find resources for helping your family build healthier rhythms around technology and connection. You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram. Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you! Email us at info@mercycast.com. For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mercycast/exclusive-content
