My husband and I have camped together since we started dating. Because we both grew up camping, it was natural for us. We always knew we would have little ones following us around the campsite one day and we did. Now, we have big ones that get tired of it quickly because they don't know what to do with themselves.
While my husband and I love primitive camping, we usually stay in a campground with the kids. We've only done an overnight primitive camp with the kids. We like to take them to the local campground (not far from home) for at least a week at the beginning of June. We also like to squeeze in any other trips we can.
With the kids being 10 and 13 this year, they get bored and whine much easier and it becomes much less enjoyable for mom. Plus, screens are only allowed at bedtime and on rainy days when we are camping. The only exception to this is they are allowed to take pictures and listen to music with their phones.
This year, I've decided to be proactive and find things ahead of time to keep them out of my hair when they decide to teen/ tween whine at me. Luckily, they both still like Legos, so that is still an option and I will make sure they take some along.
1. Last year, they forgot Nerf guns and light sabers and I definitely heard about it. This year, it is already on the list. They had better not forget them. They can shoot each other to their hearts' content. They just don't know that dad has one too that is small enough to fit in his pocket. [tip: buy cheap bright colored foam darts so that it isn't a big deal if they get lost, but they are also much easier to find]
2. I found a really cool selfie scavenger hung from Crazy Outdoor Mama that I have printed already and they will get in their "surprise" bags.
3. In the past, we've gotten them a new toy or stuffie for the longer camping trips. We're doing it differently this year. I made surprise bags with the next book in the series they are each reading, fun light sticks, a craft for each, a small activity book, and NERDS. (Always the NERDS)
4. I also included a beach blanket/ tarp and paracord in their surprise bags and their dad has fire starters for them to practice with. They will be learning some survival skills this year.
5. Does your teen eat every waking moment, or is that just mine? This year I made them a snack bag for each day. This is more for me than them- I don't have to make sure they aren't going through all the snacks in the first 2 days. They have plenty for the day in their bag and it is up to them to make sure it lasts. This is on top of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Don't worry- they run it off.
6. We read for 20 minutes every day and have 1 hour of quiet time every day. They can fish, read a book, or play independently. What they can't do is bug mom. I usually read a book in the tent or take a nap. They know Dad is right there for them.
7. We like to take walks and see what interesting things we can find. Sometimes it is a crane hunting his food and sometimes it is a funny sign at another campsite. It's always a good time.
8. They fish, bodyboard, ride scooters, and look forward to meeting new friends.
It isn't hard to camp with teens and tweens, it just takes some prep in this digitally-driven age. It doesn't have to be expensive to find activities to keep them busy or cost anything at all. Everything can come from home. This is just what we do. It is also helping to teach them to prepare themselves- I include their input in packing and require them to pack their own backpacks (I just give them a list).
Take those kids camping and have fun!
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