Camping With Tech Dependant Teens

By Author: Mark Stjean
Total Articles: 59
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Many families won't look into camping vacations for their family because either the parents or the kids are so technologically dependant they're afraid to leave the security of their internet connection or to go outside their cell phone coverage. The truth is we are all a little guilty of this as we can't go anywhere without our cell phones, GPS navigation is our personal chauffer when driving and laptops are everywhere you see. What would happen to us if a great disaster happened to wipe out all of our technology and we had to actually interact with one another again on a more simple level?

Camping with your family brings everyone closer together and let's you slow down from a hectic pace to enjoy the more simple aspects of life. Conversations are more meaningful and simple tasks such as collecting firewood for the campfire build stronger bonds that you can ever imagine. There are a few things you can do on camping trips to make it more enjoyable for tuff teenagers fighting against a camping trip because they feel there's no way it could be fun without their cell phone, computer and most of all having to spend all that ...
... time with their boring parents that have just spent the whole day packing all their camping supplies.

1. Most teenagers love sweets so bring some marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers for smores and watch them join in on the fun. Roasting marshmallows over the fire with the family will bring you closer together and almost surely something will happen to make you all laugh as a family.

2. If possible let them bring a friend as this will ease the transition and they can build friendship bonds that will last a lifetime. This will also let them talk to their friend face to face rather than texting their thoughts back and forth.

3. Take hikes and explore the areas around your campsite, this gives everyone the sense of adventure. When you don't know what's around the next corner or over the next hill it brings the curiosity out in all of us.

4. When around the campfire refrain from talking about normal everyday issues like school, friends and such. Try telling stories, make up conversations such as what your now teenager used to like when they were young and the funny things they used to do. This will make them laugh and help break down the barriers if there are any.

5. Bringing some outdoor games will help pass the time and if you can put your competitiveness aside to let your kids win a couple times it helps too.

6. Lookup the wildlife that resides in the area and try to identify some of them with your family. Make a game out of it and tell them the first one to see certain type of bird or insect wins a prize.

As parents we owe it to our kids to teach them that the simple things in life are just as gratifying as material items. There are many people in this world that don't have all the gismos and gadgets we are so fortunate to have. We wonder how someone could be happy living in households that have very little and in all reality it's family unity that is most important. Take the time to at the very least try a weekend away camping and you may be pleasantly surprised at what it does for your family unity.

The author of this article has expertise in camping supplies. The articles on outdoor camping gear reveals the author's knowledge on the same. The author has written many articles on camping supplies as well.