Warwickshire &amp; West Midlands

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When choosing a holiday camp for their children, parents often weigh up a variety of factors – safety, fun, education, and staff experience. Now, another priority is rising to the top of the list: screen-free environments. 



In the UK, one in four children aged 5 to 7 already owns a smartphone, and the average age for getting a first phone is just nine. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/07/shashank-verma-T701TezTfg-unsplash-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62723" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/07/shashank-verma-T701TezTfg-unsplash-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/07/shashank-verma-T701TezTfg-unsplash-1-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/07/shashank-verma-T701TezTfg-unsplash-1-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/07/shashank-verma-T701TezTfg-unsplash-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/07/shashank-verma-T701TezTfg-unsplash-1-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo by&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/@heyshashank?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash">Shashank Verma</a>, <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/a-young-child-is-looking-at-a-tablet--T701TezTfg?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure>



In a world where smartphones are ever-present, screen-based learning is the norm and <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-launches-crackdown-on-mobile-phones-in-schools#:~:text=By%20the%20age%20of%2012,lead%20to%20lost%20learning%20time.">97% percent of 12-year-olds in Britain have a smartphone</a>, here&#8217;s why both Amy and Daisy are passionate about screen-free spaces, especially as more families are actively seeking activities and experiences where kids can unplug and truly be kids.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-we-are-screen-free-we-want-kids-to-enjoy-the-moment-connect-with-others-and-make-real-memories">“We are screen-free! We want kids to enjoy the moment, connect with others, and make real memories&#8221; </h3>



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Violinist and founder of <a href="https://www.thestringsclub.org/">The Strings Club</a>, Amy Cunningham, above, runs award-winning five-star rated musical holiday camps for children aged 4-11 across the UK, including Warwickshire. She set up The Strings Club in 2012 and is literally a sanity-saviour keeping children (and you) smiling. Kids are taught by experienced childcare practitioners and string teachers with age specific activities for those aged 4-7 and 8-11. 



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Amy is finding many parents are increasingly relieved to hear that The Strings Club doesn’t allow screen time. She said: &#8220;It gives their children the chance to experience full days of movement, music, and meaningful interaction &#8211; without the constant buzz of a phone in their pocket. 



&#8220;Our camps are all about music, creativity, and interactive fun. Phones and screens distract children from immersing themselves in our carefully curated timetable of activities.&#8221; 



This year the theme at The Strings Club&#8217;s weekly summer holiday camps at Kingsley Prep School in Leamington Spa is Disney Pixar: Movies We Love with a focus on learning the guitar. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-childhood-should-be-noisy-creative-and-full-of-movement-and-when-screens-are-removed-kids-get-that-freedom-back">“Childhood should be noisy, creative, and full of movement – and when screens are removed, kids get that freedom back&#8221; </h3>



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Daisy Greenwell is co-founder and director of <a href="https://www.smartphonefreechildhood.org/">Smartphone Free Childhood</a> (SFC) – a fast-growing parent-led movement which campaigns to delay giving smartphones to kids and supports parents around use and misuse of smartphones. Founded in February 2024, SFC now has more than 350,000 members and is leading the charge to create healthier, happier childhoods. The organisation offers resources, local parent groups, and advocacy aimed at challenging Big Tech’s influence and helping families reclaim real-life connection.



So, why are screen-free camps such as The Strings Club so important?



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“Screen-free camps give children real connection, real play, and the chance to be completely absorbed in the moment,” says Daisy. “Childhood should be noisy, creative, and full of movement – and when screens are removed, kids get that freedom back.”



According to Daisy, kids thrive in screen-free environments. “They become more imaginative and collaborative. They build confidence by learning to navigate friendships and solve problems face-to-face, not through filters or feeds. It’s great for their minds and their emotional wellbeing.”



And for parents? The peace of mind is real.



“Knowing your child isn’t glued to a screen, being exposed to harmful content, or missing out on the world around them is a huge relief,” Daisy adds. “Screen-free camps give children the space to be safe, engaged, and present.”



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Join The Strings Club Leamington Spa Holiday Camp this summer – based at The Kingsley Prep School , CV32 5RD– for an unforgettable week of music, creativity, and fun (without screens). PLUS, use the special promocode MS25 at the online checkout for 10% off. 



Explore The Strings Club and their Leamington Spa Holiday Camps on the weeks of 28 July, 11 Aug and 26 Aug, as well as Oct half term, <a href="https://www.thestringsclub.org/events?locations=Leamington+Spa">here</a>.

School’s out! Why do screen-free holiday camps matter more than ever?

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