Remember the last time you sat around a campfire and no one’s face was lit up by a phone screen? If you’re like most families, that memory might be a bit fuzzy.
Our screens have become like family members—but one that demands constant attention, never says “please” or “thank you,” and has a terrible habit of interrupting.
Here at Okontoe, in the beautiful northwoods of Minnesota, we see a different kind of family dynamic expressed.
There might be momentary panic at first. No cell signal. Wi-Fi for emergencies but not endless scrolling. Maybe the kids (and even parents) thinking, “What are we supposed to do?”
That nebulous feeling that you’re missing out on something.
But it’s not too long before the magic starts to happen. Real conversations begin. Canoe and kayak adventures start to happen. Kids ask their Dad about that bird call they heard. Mom can actually take a nap in the hammock—in the middle of the day.
The screens have been put in the background, replaced by something far more valuable: each other.
We’re not anti-technology here. We’re pro-connection.
And it just so happens that because there’s no cell service in our area and Wi-Fi is limited, you get to experience the joy of digital detox when you stay at Okontoe.
Here are 10 reasons your family needs to unplug and head for the woods…
1. You’ll See Each Other without the Digital Distraction
At home, it’s a fight to stay connected with each other because there are always distractions. You may see your kids every day, but are you truly seeing them?
If you scroll through Pinterest or Facebook while they’re telling you about their day at school, you’re only half there.
Our screens—whether phone, tablet, TV or computer—constantly distract us, even when we really do want to connect with our family.
A digital detox like you’ll get with us means you can be present with your family without the constant lure of screens taking you away.
2. Boredom Becomes a Benefit
In our world of non-stop schedules and constant entertainment, we’ve become almost afraid of being bored. As soon as 10 seconds of nothingness has passed, we’re reaching for our phones to scroll Instagram.
But boredom is a rich soil where creativity can grow.
Instead of being entertained, your family can come here and create your own entertainment:
- The lake is ready to be fished in, swam in and paddled
- The woods are ready to be explored
- There are trails to hike, both in camp and in our local area
- Teach your kids to collect tinder and kindling, then build a campfire
- Practice the art of storytelling around that campfire
Boredom forces us to engage with our imagination, our environment and our people. That’s a good thing!
3. Your Brain Will Get a Break
That is, your brain will get a break from the constant pings and notifications that keep us in continual, low-grade stress.
Can you imagine a week without all that digital noise 24/7? It can happen here. You can breathe deeply. Feel less stressed. Sleep better (especially after all that outdoor activity you’ll have time for).
And the incredible thing is that when your brain gets a break from the constant digital chatter, it can open up to a whole new world you forgot about.
The sights, sounds and smells of the world around you. A less-cluttered brain is a more creative brain. A more joyful brain. A more relaxed brain.
4. Nature Isn’t Just on Instagram & Pinterest
You know how you’re always drawn in by the online photos of nature’s wonders?
Here, you get to see nature in person. That gorgeous sunset over the lake. The stunning waterfall that’s such a reward after a vigorous hike. The brilliant stars in the night sky that’s so dark up here.
The lovely wildflowers that grow in the meadow or under the trees. Those birds with their beautiful songs. Maybe even a moose across the lake, or a loon’s lonely call in the morning.
The feel of the wind on your face when you’re out in a canoe or kayak. The sound of that wind blowing through the pine trees overhead. The refreshing chill when you dive into the water for a swim.
Photos of nature have nothing on being IN nature itself. God is the most awesome content Creator of all, and His works are on display around the clock.
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5. Your Conversations Can Go Somewhere
Instead of your conversations being limited to “Did you do your homework?” or “How was your day?” or “What’s for dinner?” you can take undistracted time to really talk with each other.
When everyone isn’t in their own digital world, you have space to engage. Whether it’s serious conversation or laughing about funny memories, those times are precious. And so often lost in our daily lives.
6. Use Your Detox to Reset Your Spiritual Life
Have you found it hard to hear the Lord’s still, small voice when your mind is buzzing with constant digital noise? We all have.
A “forced” media fast like you get when you come to Okontoe creates that quiet space that’s so necessary for prayer. For meditating on God’s word. For hearing His voice speaking to you.
Even if you’re not here specifically for a prayer retreat, you can take time on the lake in a canoe, or sitting by your campfire, or walking the road through our property to commune with the Lord. Maybe even to reconnect with Him, if it’s been a while.
7. You Can Learn New Skills Together
“When you’re not a consumer of digital content, you become a creator of real-world experiences.”
Doesn’t that sound like an adventure? We’re all about that here.
Having your family in one place away from home is a perfect time to teach them new things, or learn new skills together as a family.
Things like:
- Building a campfire that’ll start and keep burning
- Outdoor cooking (even if you’re in a cabin)
- How to paddle a kayak or canoe—even how to portage a canoe while you visit our other two lakes
- Identifying constellations in our clear, very dark night sky (you can see so many more stars here than in urban areas)
Think of the memories you can build and the sense of accomplishment you’ll all have.
8. Model Healthy Behavior for Your Kids
Intentionally bringing your family to a place where digital media isn’t a thing shows them there’s life beyond that world. Even if you struggle with some screen addiction yourself.
You can teach them while you live out healthy screen boundaries yourself (and you can still catch the weather forecast or send that emergency text if you need to with our Wi-Fi).
You can show them how fun real conversation is when it lasts more than three sentences before distractions interrupt. Or that life’s best moments don’t always have to be captured and posted. Sometimes they can simply be lived.
9. You’ll Rediscover Simple Joys
You know how very young kids are fascinated by everything around them? That one stone or that caterpillar or that puddle they just can’t stay away from?
Life is full of simple joys like that when you’re not constantly distracted by an over-taxing schedule and non-stop digital noise.
Make that perfect s’more. Feel that warm sun on your face. Actually have time to read a book while you watch your kids play.
Take a canoe together, paddle around our lake and look for frogs and turtles and waterlilies.
Take a drive along the Gunflint Trail at dusk and see if you can spot one of the elusive local moose. Maybe even a mama moose with her calf. Watch a loon dive in the water and try to guess where it’ll come back up.
You’ll feel an inner contentment you may not have felt in a while.
10. You’ll Create Lifelong Memories
15 years from now, neither you or your kids will remember the TikTok videos you watched or the Pinterest pins you saved.
But you all will remember that fox you saw. Or how your kids got to paddle a kayak for the first time. Or when you all hiked over to the Rocks across the lake on our trail.
Maybe you’ll get rain. Maybe the bugs will be bad. Maybe your tent will leak or your car will get a flat tire. But you’ll remember that too, and look back and say, “Remember that time at Okontoe when…?” Not-so good memories are also part of life, and that’s OK.
Undistracted family time together is a legacy worth building! It’s so worth it!
Book Your Stay at Okontoe Today
Blog and photos by Sharon Brodin, except where noted.