Hi :)
We are fairly new campers, and have a 5 year old son, the trouble is he finds it hard to mix with other children when we're on holiday as so many go in groups or have siblings ( he has 3 older siblings, but they are almost all in their 20's, so not ideal playmates!)
I found last time we went on holiday, he tried really hard to join in with a small group of boys, stood there holding his footbal and they all walked off and ignored him :(
I end up taking him all over the place to keep him occupied, but love the idea of going away with friends so a few families can mix the kids up and he has people to play with!
But... none of our friends have tents. they are either skint and can't afford one, or they are well off and go to all inclusives abroad!
Does anyone here ever do mini meets with kiddies of a similar age? We are Surrey based.
How easy do you find your smaller kids make friends on site?
Thank you :o))
------------- First camping trip, Blacklands farm Aug '10
***
July '11- Laleham camping Site
July '11- Fishery Creek
Aug '11- IOW
Aug '11- another SE site, haven't decided yet!
We have had the best times camping after we met a few others from this site.... It's great because you really don't know what to expect and everyone is from a different walk of life, We have now met lot's of people from this site and will continue to do so, There are always children of different ages at our meets and our little'un has made some great friends too....
There are various meets around the country but there don't seem to be many in you neck of the woods, We quite often get together around the Norfolk/Suffolk area and the people we usually meet up with are from all over... Essex, Hertfordshire, Suffolk, Norfolk and Oxfordshire to name a few, I will probably be arranging the annual meet at Deers Glade for september, look out in the East Anglia section for news on that, of course you are more than welcome to join us
Why don't you join Camping & caravanning club as they have rallys most weekends at minimal cost around £5 -£10 per night per unit and generally are within 1/2 an hour of your home.
There will be lots of families around who camp like you,we have made many friends over the years through this club & our children love it!
We now are in a motorhome but will stay with the club as friends have tents, caravans, folding campers & motorhomes and we all camp together.
Good luck & happy camping
Mrs P
------------- Things are only impossible until they're not!
We found the same with our 10 year old - our other children are in their 20's & don't come with us so our youngest has to try to join in. Sometimes the other children will allow her in but sometimes a sibling group or friends camping together only want to play by themselves, as you've found.
We solved this by joining in on meets with the C&CC. Our daughter made friends right from the start - the organisers tend to have children who seem born to it & usually take newcomers under their wings. We've only been on 2 x 4 day meets so far but she loves it & we're starting to get to know people already. The DA we belong to have a strong Youth/Junior leadership & they often set up impromptu field games where all children can join in. The first time she needed me to take her over but the organisers soon draw them in.
We never imagined we'd enjoy group camping,but you can join in or sit back & relax, knowing your child is having lots of fun!
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Mini meets or family get togethers?
