What a great forum this is, I have learned a lot since joining and would like your views on the following.
I recently bought a tent and all the necessary equipment to take my three grandchildren 8,10 and 12 camping, I saw this as an ideal opportunity to bond better with them. My wife has no interest in camping, however my son has agreed to come along, as he is keen and it will give me help in putting up the tent and keeping the kids amused.
My dilemna is this, for the first trip away, (go Friday evening after work and back Sunday afternoon) I was hoping for it to be dry to give us the opportunity to get out and enjoy ourselves. The last thing I want is for it to be raining and the kids not enjoy it and not want to go again. However, every weekend recently, the weather turns fowl and I cancel the planned trip, saying maybe next week.
What would you do in this situation, go in the rain and risk them being put off, or wait in the hope we might get a decent dry weekend soon.
Hi Smytho,
If you wait for decent British weather you might never get the chance to go.
The thing is you would normally book in advance,especially for a weekend pitch,or risk the site being full.
Take a chance on the weather,just make sure the kids have plenty of waterproof gear and wellies.
This is whay camping is all about,the great outdoors.There is always something to do no matter what the weather.
------------- Sue & Phil
--------------------- I Love My AeroBed
I think if its changeable like it is this week then I'd probably go as more than likely there will be some warm sunny intervals for you to be able to get out & have some fun. I probably wouldn't take them if its going to rain relentlessly as the inside of a tent isn't a true camping experience & you don't want them to hate it but unfortunately as with any pre arranged event in a British summer you have to be prepared for a bit of the wet stuff!
I think you got to go for it, I had the same dilemma first time and went with the kids for a week. We eventually had to pack up and come home after three days the weather just got to bad, wind was my hate and worry the rain didn't matter.
Coming home I was saying what a disaster and sorry camping was such a let down. The kids were having none of it, they loved camping, rain and gales just added to their adventure.
I agree, go for it. My husband was looking at the enormous black clouds this Friday just gone and saying perhaps we should not go, but I persuaded him to take a chance and the weather was gorgeous all weekend.
I do understand PP who gave up after 3 solid days rain - everything would be a bit damp by then, but if your grandkids are anything like my son sploshing in the rain is more fun than playing in the sun!! Enjoy, N
PS - what a fab Grandad they have, those memories will last them a lifetime - I'm the wrong side of 35 and still cherish my childhood good times with Gramps!
Sorry to be blunt but I think your missing the point here. You promised to take them away but every week you say next weekend. I think not taking them after a promise would be more of a let down than the rain!
Just go for it they just want to spend time with you doing something different and exciting. Sitting in the tent snug and dry sound of rain on the tent, playing games with dad and granddad, great memories are made of the simple things in life, that is giving your time.
------------- July 1-9 Nantcol Waterfalls meet Sept naturist week Sept SVR w/e Oct Secret meet Nov hopleys meet
As others have said, take them along with wellies and waterproofs - and some dry clothes. Take a game that you can play together - great way to spend time as a family.
Also check out something local to do indoors then if you feel like doing something indoors away from site, other than look around the shops, you can.
Go ,pack the wellies, waterproof ect. Its not about the weather, the children will enjoy the adventure.Have a look on your chosen sites web page for links to indoor/entertainment sites.I did and found a cracking place i would't have seen other wise.
Let us know how you get on.All the best
At the moment here it's blazing sunshine one minute and torrential rain the next. It's forecast to be the same tomorrow and then back to glorious sunshine for the rest of the week. It doesn't bother me what the weather's like just as long as there's a small window between the rain to get pitched. Then it can do what it likes. Just being away for a few days is enough for me whatever the weather can chuck at us. In fact I sometimes enjoy being in the tent when it rains and even a walk in the rain to me is enjoyable.
A few weeks back the local forecast was for -1'C and sleet. In June! We went anyway and it was warm enough for the kids to paddle in the campsite stream and to get out the suncream.
Forecats lie. Anyway "rain" can nean half an hour in a 6 hour period, on mosr forecasts.
Wellies, waterproofs and lots of rain = happy children.
On Saturday I tried everything to get my two out of the house to play. They were having non of it.
As soon as the heavens opened they grabbed umbrellas and rushed outside to see if it was going to flood - could I get them back in...........
Similarly we do Forest School on Mondays till 7.30pm. One week it rained and rained and rained. Did the children (or adults) complain - no, they just got on with making their benches and stools, bows and arrows under a tarp which was over the climbing frames. We all sat in the rain around the camp fire eating tea too.
We hummed and aahhhed last weekend and then booked a pitch. On the way down it was raining and really grey and we thought 'oh no'. Arrived at the site, the rain stopped, the clouds stayed, but by the time we were organised we went for a walk in lovely warm sunshine. Sunday was good too, a bit windy but sunny and dry, so go for it and see what happens
We went to Devon last year and the only common denominator in clothing was wellie boots - for everyone. My grandson had a great time as did the other kids.
Make sure you've got wellies, waterproof clothes and dry things to change into and then go and have fun. Pack a couple of board games just in case.
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: What Would You Do?
