It was my mum that talked dad into camping when we were kids and I have so many happy memories that I can't thank them enough. We would never have gone anywhere otherwise, I'm sure. There were times when we were flooded out, the tent nearly blowing away and the van breaking down. As a kid you just don't seem to care. I've been abroad many a time and can say in all honesty that the camping trips still rate very highly on my scale of 1-10. I've never been camping yet and hated it. The funny thing is, when ever I mention the trips to either of my parents they just laugh at me and I have to remind them that I wouldn't be doing it now if it hadn't been for them. I guess I'm saying it's never too late, Janjen
------------- The true test of fairness is how fair you are to those who are not
Our kids camped with us when they were little while we lived abroad. When we started camping again in this country they didn't want to come with us. My daughter went with us for one night last year (wasn't happy about it) and she loved it! We're planning another trip in September with her and her boyfriend, they're both excited about it. I do miss the years when they were little and being outdoors with them kept us busy and wished we'd gone more often.
My Dad couldn't take us camping but he gave us a love of nature and being outdoors, cycling, etc. He's nearly 90 now and when I told him I'm going camping he told me about cycling camping when he was a teenager, tents, cooking. A bit hair-raising some of it but fun. In turn I explained about modern camping and full facility campsites.
Rather than regrets at not camping earlier, start building future memories. One regret my Dad had was not having photos, a camp log or a journal to show me.
------------- Mavis
It is easier to smile than frown so share a smile every day
Our son is 17, so this year is probably our last family holiday (until the grandkids come along). We're planning our camping old age already, starting with a cycle tour along the Canal du Midi in a couple of years, then looking at tents that are tall and don't have a turned up SIG to trip on in the doorway etc etc...
We have had some fantastic family holidays. A few years ago I was so ill we nearly couldn't go. I finally got the consultant's permission at the last minute and we went. Boy, I needed that holiday! Anyway, a few days in we bought a Times and read: this, by Libby Purves
written a month after her son killed himself. A brave article, and so right. Have family holidays, she says. I want everyone to read this and have posted it all over the place. Isn't the Internet wonderful!
We've had a lean few years and I've learnt to stash a little money away every month to pay for the holiday ... because it's a high priority, it really is!
Quote: Originally posted by lizex on 23/7/2010
Don't regret it, you're camping now, aren't you?
Our son is 17, so this year is probably our last family holiday (until the grandkids come along). We're planning our camping old age already, starting with a cycle tour along the Canal du Midi in a couple of years, then looking at tents that are tall and don't have a turned up SIG to trip on in the doorway etc etc...
We have had some fantastic family holidays. A few years ago I was so ill we nearly couldn't go. I finally got the consultant's permission at the last minute and we went. Boy, I needed that holiday! Anyway, a few days in we bought a Times and read: this, by Libby Purves
written a month after her son killed himself. A brave article, and so right. Have family holidays, she says. I want everyone to read this and have posted it all over the place. Isn't the Internet wonderful!
We've had a lean few years and I've learnt to stash a little money away every month to pay for the holiday ... because it's a high priority, it really is!
Liz
that was very moving, I can see why you want people to read it.
We are camping now yes, Im going to drag the kids along for as long as possible!
------------- One day your life will flash before your eyes, make it worth watching
Holidays have always played an important part in our family, when we were small my parents always made sure we had our annual weekly holiday usually to the nearest Butlins or seaside resort. When my own children came along this was something I felt really strongly about.
We've had the holidays abroad in the sun, weeks away from home in rainy England lol and discovered camping just a few years ago. I've passed on my love of camping to friends and family as we tend to holiday together anyway. Yesterday my son, who is 25, asked what my holiday plans are for this summer. I'm hoping we can match up some time off work and i get to spend some time away with my 2 year old granddaughter.
hopefully Janjen you won't have to drag the kids along ... they will choose to come along, wishing you many happy times away camping with your family.
Apparently we went camping as kids - I must have been to young to remember.
I am now 56 and me and o/h only started camping 3 years ago.
I'd had a couple of mini-strokes whilst abroad (well one was on plane coming home) and she is now worried about me flying (me I'm more bothered about cost of travel insurance).
So after looking at caravan n mobile home holidays we opted for camping - went and spent £400 on gear and haven't looked back since. Best £400 (well more now with 4 tents and other gear) we ever spent.
I only started camping a few years ago, you have 10 yrs to catch up to my age now. Then you will have had a good few years of camping experience more than I would have had. Does that make sense. I have met people with teens the same age as yours, they seem to enjoy camping. Enjoy creating new memories and experiences. I am sure they will carry on with the tradition.
I only started camping a few years ago, you have 10 yrs to catch up to my age now. Then you will have had a good few years of camping experience more than I would have had. Does that make sense. I have met people with teens the same age as yours, they seem to enjoy camping. Enjoy creating new memories and experiences. I am sure they will carry on with the tradition.
Heather
------------- One day your life will flash before your eyes, make it worth watching
Sorry JanJen, it's usually Dads that say that they have run out of time and lost all contact with the Kids, the advice should still hold true for a Mum, if you start mountain climbing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, wild camping etc you would definitely have earnt the title of "SuperMum"
------------- Steve
Look into my eyes, not around my eyes but into my eyes
I never went camping when I was a kid - we didn't have a car, and I was never allowed to go with my friends. So I only got into it thirteen years ago with my OH, and we had tents, trailer tent, camping van, then caravan. Since learning to drive I'm now solo camping with my two little dogs and I love it!
------------- Tigermouse
I have a very temperamental personality - 50% temper and 50% mental
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: wish id done it years ago
