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Deer Run Camps & Retreats Emphasizes Essential Role of Summer Camps in Combating Childhood Anxiety
Registration is open for Deer Run’s 2026 summer camps, which the organization says help 3,200 campers build confidence and reduce anxiety.
On Friday, June 5, 2026, Deer Run Camps & Retreats in Thompson's Station, Tennessee, opened registration for its 2026 summer season, emphasizing outdoor programs' role in reducing childhood anxiety and building confidence.
Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt's research indicates that the decline of play-based childhoods and rise of phone-based interactions have become primary drivers of mental health challenges among young people.
The 150-acre retreat center offers water sports on Spring Valley Lake, zip lines, climbing towers, and archery, with activities designed to foster personal growth and meaningful connections among campers ages 5 through 10.
CEO David Gibson stated, "Children need spaces where they can step away from distractions, hear truth, and connect deeply," highlighting the camp's response to digital overload and identity struggles.
During the 2025 summer season, more than 3,200 campers participated in Deer Run's programs; the facility continues serving churches and organizations for retreats throughout the year.