GaryWT
MA
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Joined: 08/28/2002
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I guess I am lucky, my oldest camped with us until he was 19, his sister until she was 18 and our 16 year old is looking forward to this year coming. They have all brought friends even if it meant taking 2 cars, Xbox comes as well and sometimes it is played outside using a projector, great way to meet new kids. We generally never go out to the middle of no where but most trips are either to campgrounds with plenty of activities or to areas with recreation like beaches or amusement parks etc. Many time we are camping with other fammilies so we had built in friends. Our oldest still joins us from time to time or camps with friends on his own. Hoping to get our 20 yo daughter out at least once this year but either way, we will be camping plenty.
Hope it works out for you.
ME '63, DW 64, (DS 89, DD 92 not so much), DS 95
2011 Heartland North Trail 30QOK
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4monkeys
Southwest Ohio
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Joined: 02/12/2010
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Our 4 kids are younger & close in age. So we haven't hit this yet. Good ideas to keep in mind for a few years ahead....and I feel your pain about not having room in the car, we finally have an 8 seater now.
The only other thing I can think of: We got our oldest a tent-cot. He's 9, loves it as he gets his own space plus the prestige.
Otherwise, maybe make special effort to do internet research of areas where you're camping. Look for go-cart tracks, lazer tag, etc where you'll be and include an activity of the like as you're able.
Also, how about cheap bows & arrows for the archery ranges which are sometimes available around the state parks, etc?
If we hit this point, it will be kinda heartbreaking so I feel for ya. Good luck
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ryansX6
Iowa
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Joined: 01/24/2010
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I know this falls into "how to parent" but you asked  I have a teenage son too and we limit his gaming time to about 1.5 hrs per day. He does not get a say in this-we are the parents and set the limits. So he HAS to have other interests.
Sometimes the campgrounds we go to are full of little kids and he's one of very few older kids but we always take his bike and usually the kayak. He also reads, fishes, and sometimes even has to entertain the little one.
I agree that bringing a friend can be good-but be aware of who the friends are.
Two teenage boys can sometimes be a lot more trouble than one
I guess as the parent, you have to set some limits and expectations and follow through with them. No one says you won't get some complaints but consistency is key IMO.
Family of 6 w/ a KZ Sportsmen 314BH
2002 K2500 Suburban, 8.1L, 3.73
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rookie_rv
Rowlett, Texas
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Joined: 08/27/2005
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Rookie Rver  here......i send this reply with a smile because I've lived through it. Ya know, believe it or not.....they come back on their own! Right now at early teen years their thinking is their way is much "kooler". Nothing, and I mean nothing takes the place of camping! EVER!! Right now "those people" (early teenage years) don't know. My warning to you.......when the do come back they are not coming alone. There will be friends who never experienced camping. It is then you will be able to sit back and watch and listen to how much was learned, loved, experienced, about camping.......
Darius....the "Rookie RVer"
U.S. Coast Guard Retired
"RVing....cause life's a trip"
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ByTheRvr
Somerville, NB; Canada
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Joined: 12/23/2011
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Oasisbob wrote:We are a camping family. Always been since our youngest was born. We camp almost year round and this is the time of year we plan for next summer. My kids are ages 2, 10, 13 & 15. My oldest boy has decided camping is no longer "cool" and goes reluctantly. Long story short my wife no longer wants to camp due to the kids fighting. So the past year I have taken the middle age kids and camped with friends. Any idea how I can bring the family back together for some summer family fun? Last summer we camped at a great location and my oldest stayed in his tent playing X box or sleeping most of the trip. I hate that.
Hi Bob,
I don't think forcing the kids (or wife) to come along makes for an ideal camping trip. While I understand the need for discussion and compromise, camping is, well..., camping. Staying inside playing video games does nothing to enhance the family experience. If your wife isn't thrilled going anymore, why not leave her home with the kids that don't enjoy camping. Go with the kids that want to go.
I love to camp. Neither of my sons, now grown, nor my wife, wanted to go camping. No amount of discussion could convince them to go. Oh, when my wife and I first married, almost 40 years ago, we bought a TT after discussing it. After 4 weekends, with my wife not leaving the trailer, I asked why and she said she didn't like bugs. We sold the trailer.
I now go camping a lot by myself. My wife is always welcome to join me. I would rather be with like minded people camping than be stressed because the family is there against their will. If they go and are miserable I will be too.
Good luck!
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TXcampingfamily
San Antonio, TX
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Joined: 07/04/2008
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We have 2 boys (13 & 15). Our summer usually has a big road trip to tour parts of the US and short weekend trips to local state parks. The boys are into all the sites and history on our long trip, so it hasn't been a problem. We always include them in the plans and add stops that they are interested in. I have noticed on the local weekend trips that our oldest son will sometimes hole himself in the camper with a book or handheld game (the xbox is not allowed to leave the stick house). We have found that camping with families with similar age kids help. Our favorite family has a daughter a year older than our oldest son and a son our youngest son's age. It's amazing how fast our oldest son will get out of the camper when we tell him that our friend's daughter was outside in her bikini!!
Gin & Mike + 2 TD (tax deductions)
2001 Jayco Qwest 265
2002 Ford F350 crewcab 4x4
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davosfam
SW Washington
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Joined: 07/25/2006
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Our boys are now 18 and 22 and we've been where you are. Our youngest son loves camping but we have always let him bring a friend and their bikes. The only electronics we allow are cell phones. We don't bring laptops, TVs, etc. Our kids always met other kids at the campground too. It's amazing how teenagers are drawn to each other.
My suggestion: Convince your wife and oldest son to try one more camping trip with the entire family. Allow your son to bring a friend but NO video games, etc., only bikes, board games, cards. We have stayed up late playing Spoons with our kids and have had other trips where the kids played Apples to Apples and adults were around the fire. If it goes well for all, you have your whole family camping again and some great memories. If it doesn't, then you go back to camping without them. But I think you will see the difference bringing a friend and NOT bringing video games will make.
Shannen (and hubby Rick)
2 sons, ages 18 and 22
2 dogs, "Duncan" (mini schnauzer) and "Libby" (lhasapoo)
2005 Chevrolet 2500HD Duramax Crew Cab
2001 Acura CL Type S
1986 Kit Road Ranger 234
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davosfam
SW Washington
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Forgot to mention, the boys stay in their own tent so they have their own space. Just make sure to pack an extra extension cord for cell phone chargers.
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glock15
Riverton, Utah
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Joined: 02/07/2011
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We have 5 daughters, the older 2 are out of the nest the other three are 13, 17, and 21. none of the group are real outdoor enthusiests, but i have found that if i can keep them busy they enjoy going. A large part of our trips involve riding ATVs, shooting,exploring, some fishing, or what ever they find a interest in doing. I guess what im getting at is if I keep them doing things that they find exciting they want to be there, but to sit around and relax all day makes for a long trip.
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zack0109
Newport dunes
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Joined: 02/21/2012
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Each kid could have his/her own interest or choice,u can just satisfy the common interest. Teens have their own minds,let their minds go. Do not interfere much.
Best wishes.
Into the wild.
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