Despite ongoing criticism, the University of British Columbia says it will continue to offer a summer camp program in which kids are allowed up to three hours of videogame activities a day. The program, which was launched last summer, lets children play with the Wii, PlayStation, and computer games, while also maintaining traditional games like foosball, ping pong, and board games. A field trip to Electronic Arts to meet designers, preview upcoming titles, and learn about jobs in the games industry also included.
Not surprisingly, the program has been a hit with kids and faculty alike, but not everyone is keen on a videogame summer camp. There's even been some dissension at UBC, in particular the medical department, which criticized the program for not doing enough to fight childhood obesity.
But is the criticism deserved? According to GamePolitics.com, it seems people are taking issue with using "videogames" in the descriptor, ignoring that three hours of gaming leaves plenty of time both before and after to engage in other activities. On the other hand, the CEO of Active Healthy Kids Canada recently reported that only about 12 percent of Canada's youth are getting adequate exercise as part of the company's 2010 Report Card on Physical Activity in Children and Youth.
Are critics overreacting, or do they have a legitimate concern?
Comments are closed on this article
Vegan
May 03, 2010 at 5:29pm
No one would say a word if it was 3 hours of reading a day. Most video games do exercise the mind. Puzzle solving skills translate into real-world benefits.
Trooper_One
May 03, 2010 at 12:17pm
It could be a fun camp - not everyone's a sport or music camp person so video gaming makes sense.
They could incorporate proper social behaviour through games, competition, and even outdoor activities and healthy eating (snacks).
If they plan it right, they could steer kids from unhealthy lifestyles while gaming.
fusobotic
May 03, 2010 at 8:53am
It really depends on if the children are old and mature enough to know when too much is too much.
Come on MaxPC crew! FIX THE SPAM FILTER!!!! It's not just a few people, everyone's tired of it already!
Peanut Fox
May 03, 2010 at 10:31am
No child could know that. There are many adults who struggle with over doing things themselves.
fusobotic
May 05, 2010 at 9:55am
What I mean is whether they know they have other responsibilities, and if they are addicted to video games. I just play for entertainment, I'm not thinking about gaming all day. I do other things that are more important to me. In other words, its not my reason to live, and it might not be for some of these kids if they're mature enough to have other goals in life.
Come on MaxPC crew! FIX THE SPAM FILTER!!!! It's not just a few people, everyone's tired of it already!
lostcause64
May 03, 2010 at 6:57am
...If the gaming is done in moderation and mixed with other things that get the kids off their butts, then there isn't a problem. The increasing obesity rate is happening because of too much... As in too much junk food as opposed to on ocassion, too much sitting in front of the tv/pc screen and not enough getting some sunlight. It's like drinking, an ocassional drink is fine, but getting slack-eyed and silly every day is going to cause problems. Moderation is the key.
John
Have you ever wondered why intelligence can normally be found in an individual, but runs screaming in terror from a group? Though, there are exceptions...
ThunderBolt
May 03, 2010 at 6:49am
I don't think those two have anything to do with each other. Quite the opposite actually. Personally, I found myself eating more when watching videos or movies. When I play games, I am never hungry. Even when there is food right in front of me, I still won't eat it because I'm "busy".
Rocketpop
May 03, 2010 at 6:07am
I guess if they're playing multiplayer games it has a social benefit, especially if they're playing with other kids they don't know. It's probably not too great for exercise, but that might make up for it.
I think too many parents don't understand the critical importance of social development and learning how to have friends. I think it's much more important than *any* other aspect of development in youth. One can't be expected to be a totally happy and healthy person without learning how to have friends. I hope this program helps aid them with that.
Vernak
May 03, 2010 at 4:25pm
I agree with the social benefit argument dependent on the type of game. No one seemed to be up in arms about the kids playing "foosball, ping pong, and board games." It is just when you throw technology in there that the general public throws a knee-jerk reaction of a Category 5 hissy fit.
First off, there is no context given to the video games being played. If young kids at camp are shooting off each others heads while screaming "Headshot!" that is one thing. However, if the kids are playing something like Wii Sports it would be in a physically active, social environment where the kids would likely be learning at least some basic communication skills while interacting with other kids in a fun way.
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