Maybe I am old school (I'm 33), but I believe in "disconnecting" when camping. I mean from phones, internet, etc. The last GF and I had a no phone policy. We would bring them, but not use them.The current GF is glued to her phone. I give her a hard time and she puts it away eventually. However, her Kids are non stop tech addicts. 12 and 15. I don't care as much at home, but when camping, I want them to realize there is more. Her younger one will venture out and find kids to play with. The 15 year old is not very sociable and rather be on her computer than talking to people. When they come with, I try and book more kid friendly locations. What is everyones thoughts on this subject? I am picking up my new trailer sat and planning a trip not too far for next weekend. The 15 year old asked if she could come. I was looking at places without wifi/adult orientated since I assumed it was just going to be the GF and I (kids are supposed to go by her EX every other weekend). If you have teenagers, how do they handle sites without internet? Do you allow electronics while camping? My new one comes with a TV, which I am not sure I would even use. I use my tv at home maybe once a week for a couple hours at most.Am I too strict wanting kids to enjoy the nature and what camping is all about? I feel if they are connected to their devices, they are missing out on the real reason for camping- to enjoy nature and relax and learn to live life without being connected to social media.

My ex and I went on a 3 month trip around the US and she hardly ever put her ipad down the whole trip. I would try to point out something interesting to her and she wouldn't look up until she finished what she was doing - by then it was too late. She was too busy to navigate or take photos, or even talk to me. It was worse than travelling alone. So the short answer is, I think that setting limits on using cell phones and Ipads is a good idea. I HATE eating dinner with someone who has their phone stuck in their ear the whole meal.

My teens are 17DD and 15DS. They bring their smart phones and that's it. They do use them but also spend time enjoying the outdoors. My son more than my daughter loves to be outside but will use his phone in the morning and at night. I see it this way, we are on vacation do what you enjoy and let them do what they enjoy. Don't stress over it, maybe they'll see how much fun your having and will come out and enjoy with you.

I think having an agreed upon 'no tech-time' might work. If you come on too hard about this nobody will have a good time and they will be resentful. Might be hard to get everyone on board with a new trailer for the next trip. Technology is 'their world' and obviously not yours.

I would say "What ever cranks your tractor" - Doesn't bother me what everyone brings with them. I was raised in southern Illinois in Horse Creek Country a long time before all of these things came along. We had all of our family fun outside under an apple tree somewhere making whistles out of hollow sticks or dropping apples on blind Uncle Jesse... Of course he would call us out by our name as he knew who we was. We all have our specific chores to do when camping in todays world - the rest of the time belongs to them to do with as they wish...My trailer provides its own internet WIFI hot-spot...Personally I like to get off to myself alot when camping off-road but thats me. Hiding all of the kids stuff in the attic would be a bit over-board I would think... Our kids always wanted to go back camping everytime we went when they was still here at home. Now they take their kids camping...Roy Ken

Outside of family events such as eating together and such try taking it away and see what happens.It's a tech addiction, no different than drugs, go cold turkey and you'll be turning the rig around with miserable kids in tow who will NOT want to do that again. You have to find some compromises.

Bringing teenagers...leave tech at home or no? | Good Sam Community

45 Replies

Moderator
Moderator
Jun 06, 2015
The vast majority of the responses have been directly responsive to your question. We are sorry you don't appear to appreciate their taking time to share their experiences and opinions. We will just close this one for now. If you want it reopened then send me a pm (private message) and we will see.
RoyBell
Explorer
Jun 06, 2015
It wasn't very detailed and the subject was kids and tech. I guess reading comprehension isn't everyone's strong point.
MarkTwain
Explorer
Jun 05, 2015
korbe wrote:
RoyBell wrote:
It amazes me how I ask what people do with tech and teenagers and it turns into a relationship gonna end badly thread. I am a member on many forums and this is the only one where everyone takes something and puts such a nasty spin on original topic. Amazing.

Hey Roy, you start your post by detailing your situation including how things are going with your GF and her kids. Your first question is, "What is everyones thoughts on this subject?"

Well? you're just getting everyone's thoughts, that's all. :W

X1, well said:)
bcbouy
Explorer
Jun 05, 2015
when we go camping,its to unplug and stay that way till we get home.our kids were trained that way as well.we rock a sunday dinner as much as possible,our kids are all growed up and were dinks now.when they come over the phones stay put away,its non negotiable.on a side note:the wife and i were at a hockey game a while ago,not cheap either 300 bucks for 2 tickets.beside us was a guy and his little girl,maybe 10.he never put his phone down once during the whole game.i felt so sorry for that kid.he ignored her for over 3 hours.yay technology.
korbe
Explorer
Jun 05, 2015
RoyBell wrote:
It amazes me how I ask what people do with tech and teenagers and it turns into a relationship gonna end badly thread. I am a member on many forums and this is the only one where everyone takes something and puts such a nasty spin on original topic. Amazing.

Hey Roy, you start your post by detailing your situation including how things are going with your GF and her kids. Your first question is, "What is everyones thoughts on this subject?"

Well? you're just getting everyone's thoughts, that's all. :W
Roy_Lynne
Explorer
Jun 05, 2015
Go camping in middle of nowhere where your sure not to have any service, and when they complain, just shrug, not your fault ATT didn't get out that far.
RinconVTR
Explorer
Jun 05, 2015
I feel naked without my phone near me so I'm not going to tell my kids they cant bring electronics on trips. We bring the tech along on every trip.

Phones, movies, tablets, sometimes laptops.

We simply limit usage...just like at home. Its never been a problem.

And if there ever is a problem, well the device would magically disappear. My kids know I don't make threats...I state facts and I follow thru. So they listen.

Now, change the subject and ask me again if they listen...I might tell different tale.
RoyBell
Explorer
Jun 05, 2015
It amazes me how I ask what people do with tech and teenagers and it turns into a relationship gonna end badly thread. I am a member on many forums and this is the only one where everyone takes something and puts such a nasty spin on original topic. Amazing.
MarkTwain
Explorer
Jun 05, 2015
Hondavalk wrote:
Probably not gonna sit well with some people but to me the key word here is
"Her Kids". If mom is ok with what they're doing I think you are walking on very shaky ground. Sounds like deeper issues need to be worked out between you and your GF.

Walking on shaky grounds again, this sounds like a preview of future issues.
Go_Dogs
Explorer
Jun 05, 2015
Another thought. Maybe suggest they download some apps that pertain to a camping trip. A nice one is Google Sky Map. It will identify things seen in a night sky. Fitness apps to record their activity levels. I think Go RVing and KOA has some apps with recipes, ideas. IOW: Try to get them to adapt their Tech-oriented world to camping.

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Bringing teenagers...leave tech at home or no?

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