Kids swap clicks for coconuts at holiday park’s digital detox day
A Lancashire holiday park is claiming victory in its bid to persuade youngsters to abandon their mobile devices for a day – and to tackle a series of traditional summer games instead.
Moss Wood caravan park near Lancaster threw down its challenge on the last Saturday in August during one of the school holiday’s busiest weekends.
It invited all families staying on the park to go cold turkey on their phones and tablets, and to spend a click-free day swapping Facebook for old fashioned fun.
Digital Detox Holiday
The digital detox experiment, said the park’s Henry Wild, was an outstanding success and drew a huge crowd to the specially constructed games arena in the grounds.
Both children and grown-ups exchanged small screens for big screams of delight as balls were hurled at the coconut shy, and tin cans were toppled by well-directed bean bags.
There were also three-legged races and a chance to “splat the rat” along with other high-octane activities – plus a hugely popular welly wanging competition.
International fun also got a look-in with the Swedish game of “kubb” where towers of wooden blocks have to be demolished – and for the less energetic, the more passive pastime of bowls.
“For a few blissful hours, our guests ditched their digital devices and went back to what leisure was like when our park first opened over forty years ago,” said Henry.
“It was a time when youngsters on holiday would often meet up to play games and make new friends, rather than staying in touch with their existing chums online.
“Everyone said how much they enjoyed getting stuck in to our traditional games and activities, and a number of youngsters said they hadn’t missed their mobiles for a second.
“We rely as much on the internet as any other modern business, but it’s great just occasionally to pretend that the digital revolution simply didn’t happen!” added Henry.
Moss Wood provides holiday homes to buy as well as pitches for touring caravans and motorhomes. There is more information about the park at www.mosswood.co.uk
