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As your kids get older, they’ll start wanting their own independence and space – especially on your camping trips!
In this episode of the Snowys Camping Show, Ben and Lauren give you all the details on how to keep your teenagers happy so that everyone can enjoy quality time away as a family.
Shortcuts:
00:00 – Intro
03:00 – Camping with younger kids vs teens
04:20 – Giving them their space
06:04 – Involve them in planning the trip
08:08 – Caravan park camping
09:36 – Cook food you don’t eat at home
11:30 – Going with other families or extra kids
13:56 – Take your kid’s bikes
16:20 – Radios for communication
18:48 – Technology
23:14 – Games
Mentioned in this Episode:
Products:
Coleman Instant Swagger 2P Tent
Coleman Instant Swagger 3P Tent
Camping forks for marshmallows
Camps Australia Wide Camps Guide Books
Other:
Libby: The Library Reading App
Camping with Younger Kids Vs Teens
Things change as kids grow older, and camping with tweens and teens is different to trips with rug-rats! The gear required and the way you set up will shift and, as older kids seek more independence, they may have developed a different attitude towards camping and spending time together.
Give Them Space!
Allowing teenagers their own space, such as a swag or small tent, will allow them some privacy. A Swagger style tent from Coleman is the perfect balance between a swag and a tent; a winner among some of the Snowys staff with older kids!
Responsibility
If they are sleeping in their own shelter, ensure they take ownership of it. This includes the responsibility of setting it up, keeping it clean, and packing it away when the adventure is over. Encourage them to add their own personal, homey touch too, such as fairy lights or lanterns.
Food
Cooking a meal that you wouldn’t normally eat at home can invite some interest – or, encourage your teens to either choose their favourite dinner or help create a special desert.
You could make smores, roast up some marshmallows, or cook snags on a stick over the campfire. This allows everyone an opportunity to sit around together as a family.
A few key changes will make camping with teens much smoother. Image: Black Wolf
Radios
Distribute a set of radios to everyone, as this will encourage them to roam and explore with more confidence. It will also mean that you can find them easily when needed, call them back for food, and give you peace of mind that they can get in touch if needed.
Other Families or Children
If your kids are at the age where they are looking for more independence, they may not want to sit around camp with you and other adults. Choose destinations where teens can make friends and go off to other campsites, or consider organising your trip with other families.
Bikes: An Absolute MUST!
Encouraging your kids to go for a ride always goes down well. They can go off for the whole day on their own adventures while you relax and unwind at camp!
Involve Them in Decision Making
Encouraging your teens to decide where to go gives them a sense of autonomy on the adventure, so they won’t feel like they’re being forced to go against their will. Even if it’s not your ideal destination, head somewhere just for the weekend if that’s what they’ve chosen.
If you’re doing the choosing, pick a site that will give them the opportunity to participate in fun activities like hiking, swimming, fishing, or sightseeing to keep them happy and occupied.
Technology, Tablets, & Games
It’s up to you and your own parenting style as to whether you want to limit the use of devices such as tablets or smartphones – but e-readers are a great option for long car rides. They are lighter, and tend to take up less space than books.
Pack a few board games or a deck of cards for your trip too, as that will offer the chance to interact more as a family.
Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!
Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of the Snowys Podcast. Don’t forget to subscribe to us on YouTube, Spotify, iTunes, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Pocket Casts, or Stitcher so you never miss an upload.
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Catch you out there!