Unplug in the Digital Age with Grand Canyon Whitewater

PAGE, AZ, February 16, 2011 (Press-News.org) When was the last time you sat down with your family without being distracted by the telephone ringing, the television blaring in the background or a constant stream of text messages beeping at your children from their cell phones? For most families it is probably hard to remember a time spent together without constant digital commotion interfering in some form or fashion.

According to a study done by the Council for Research Excellence recently published in The New York Times, average adults are exposed to screens; whether television, computer or cell phone, for 8.5 hours a day! It is important to unplug and get away from those screens and the smothering effects of technology once in a while. "Nature Deficit Disorder" is the term coined by author Richard Louv in his book, Last Child in the Woods. Louv argues that the increasingly smaller amount of time that children are spending outdoors is a major cause of many behavioral problems gaining intensity. Louv reasons that one cause of Nature Deficit Disorder is the "lure of the screen", which allows technology to dominate our attention, and take us away from enjoying the outdoors.

Grand Canyon Whitewater believes they have a cure for Nature Deficit Disorder. Grand Canyon rafting trips on the Colorado River offer time for families to "unplug" together. While whitewater rafting through the Grand Canyon, cell service isn't even available, so parents don't have to play the bad guy by banning the phone or the television from children. The owners of Grand Canyon Whitewater have found over many years of river running that the Grand Canyon is a magical place where people forget about their jobs, their to-do lists, their computers and their deadlines. The Grand Canyon offers guests a renewed appreciation of simplicity and fun. Colorado River trips seamlessly unite tranquility and adventure and are an enjoyable vacation for everyone. Grand Canyon Whitewater has run rafting trips with groups of children from age 8 to teenagers, baby-boomers and grandparents and reports that each person found the trip unique, exciting and fun.

Grand Canyon Whitewater Vice President, Bruce Winter, began bringing his family on river trips when his girls reached 8 years old. Over the last 16 years, the Winters have navigated the river as a family at least once every summer. Winter remarks, "Being on the river with my wife and daughters is an incredible experience. Every year, we get to spend the week on the river purely enjoying our surroundings and each others' company. We have loved getting together this way without all the distraction of the busy everyday life. I have always been an advocate of Grand Canyon raft trips for families to have time to connect."

Grand Canyon Whitewater trips give families a chance to unwind together and remember what it is like to spend time enjoying each other. Every day, rafters will get to experience thrilling whitewater rapids together, hike through side canyons to discover crystal clear waterfalls and streams, and just enjoy spending time together without distraction. At the end of the day, rafters relax with their toes in the sand and share favorite moments from their adventure-filled days while listening as the Colorado River flows by and the phone DOESN'T ring.

Grand Canyon Whitewater tours combine thrilling world-class whitewater rafting and off river excursions; wandering up crystal clear creeks to discover waterfalls, ventures through side canyons and discovering evidence of ancient inhabitants hidden from most Grand Canyon visitors. Whitewater rafting through the Grand Canyon offers a unique view of one of the most popular and breathtaking natural wonders of the world. Grand Canyon raft trips give people the ultimate view of this "grand" location.