Age

littlefire · 03-28-2012, 07:15 PM

What is an appropriate age to begin taking kids camping? My son is 8 months old, which is too young. I remember camping when I was around 5, but I don't think I had a very good time until I was a few years older.

Mr.E · 03-28-2012, 07:22 PM

I've been camping since before I was 1 year old. My daughter, too.
It's a lot of work... and the "type" of camping is different (or was in my daughter's case). We did 'Car Camping'... Did I mention it's a lot of work?

For my winter trips I had my kids wait until they were 6... That was a lot of work, too.

ejdixon · 03-28-2012, 10:43 PM

There was another thread that talked about this here in this forum. You may want to check it out: What ages are appropriate for camping?.

For me, it's really more on how able you can handle living in the outdoors with the kids. Some of the seasoned campers here bring their kids as early as 6 months while some wait until they are a bit older.

dinosaur · 03-29-2012, 08:59 AM

I believe that it depends on your own age. The older you are, the older you want the children to be. It is much easier to take a respectful 12 year old than it is to have a three year old you constantly have to watch, following them around saying "Don't touch that!", "Get away from the water!", or "Don't pet the skunk!".

This does not mean that a three year old is not an absolute joy. But.....you'd best keep your eyes open.

ppine · 03-29-2012, 10:04 AM

four weeks

Ask any Native American, nomadic herder, or tribal person around the world.

JenVarsity · 03-29-2012, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlefire

What is an appropriate age to begin taking kids camping? My son is 8 months old, which is too young. I remember camping when I was around 5, but I don't think I had a very good time until I was a few years older.

I have a girlfriend who took their daughter camping REALLY young. I think she was only a few months old. I was shocked and thought it was too young, but that is what they like to do; so to them, she would be fine.

Our daughter is two and we are just talking about going camping this year. It really is a personal preference and based on the needs of the child.

Grandpa · 03-29-2012, 05:31 PM

Babies seem to have a ball from 0 to 24 months. From 2 Years to 5 years, they will also have a ball but need constant watching. After 5 years, if they have been camping all their lives, they will know the routine and pretty much take care of themselves. By 8-12 if they haven't been taught they will need teaching but will still have fun. From 12-18, if they have been taught, foreget it, they will be off on their own with like friends. If no experience, they will be whiney, cranky and in general...teenagers. Moral of the story, get them started early, and be sure what you are teaching is correct. They will attain self confidence much earlier and love you forever.

ppine · 03-29-2012, 07:26 PM

Grandpa,
thank-you for a thoughtful and informative post.

pastywhite · 03-29-2012, 08:06 PM

I think Grandpa nailed it. Never too early.

TroyS · 03-29-2012, 08:20 PM

Grandpa pretty much covered it. I agree that it's really best to get kids started with camping at an early age, especially these days when loads of techie stuff can really cause kids and teens want to spend lesser time outdoors.