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

shum02
Explorer
Jun 05, 2015
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.
RoyB
Explorer II
Jun 05, 2015
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
Jack_Diane_Free
Explorer
Jun 05, 2015
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.
Halmfamily
Explorer
Jun 05, 2015
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.
mabynack
Explorer II
Jun 05, 2015
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.

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

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