Going away for a couple of days tomorrow, first time in my new tent:)
I am looking forward to playing around with the set up as I have only been able to get the tent up in the garden but not the canopy!
We are going to Fleet Farm in Hayling Island, which is about half an hour away from home. I am only taking my youngest two with me. Not worried about camping with little ones on my own as I am a single parent so you do most things on your own, taking two will be much easier than taking all four!
This will be the first time I have taken my 10 year old boy camping for two years as he has severe Autism and last time I took him, he escaped from the campsite, which was quite terrifying! This time I have it all planned. We are going electric hook up and I am taking my remoska, toaster and kettle, reducing the need to have to cook outside the tent, where I can't keep an eye on him properly. I am armed with all his favourite things and my iPad which I have rented his fav films from iTunes to keep him occupied while I am cooking etc.
I bought a royal flushable toilet as he will no longer go in the ladies with me and other people get funny and there are not always disabled facilities. With hot water from the kettle, it will be strip washes instead of showers, which he is scared of anyway, also so that myself and my little girl can wash etc, as I can't take him into the ladies and I can't leave him outside while I shower etc.
I also bought this tent so that the kids can sleep inn the bedroom, while I sleep in the living space, to ensure he won't escape in the night!
Now that I have taken care of all the safety issues, I am hoping we will have a great time!
------------- mum to four, three boys and a girl:)
2017:
July:
C&CC Chichester: 2 nights
Hi Jammiedodger73
Im a single parent dad to six children,myfive year old has autism and is none verbal. Would love to take him camping but for all the reasons you said would find it too much of a challenge specially with all the other children as well.I will have to try him out with just the two of us I think. I know he will love it he loves the outdoors. Let us know how you go on and have a great time
Hi Billy!I must admit it is more challenging when you have a child with Autism but it can be done, before the camping break I regularly camped with all four of my kids, eldest has ADHD and number two son has high functioning autism. How old are your other children? Would they be able to help you with watching him, playing with him etc?
One night camp in the garden sounds a great idea to get him used to it, as he is non verbal does he use PECS system? A visual time table would be a good idea to show him everything that needs to happen while you are camping.
Hard work yes, but when it all goes to plan it is very rewarding for him and for you. My son was non verbal until around five years old and in nappies until he was nine, I used to use a Kampa Khazi while camping but now I have the chemical, flushable version.
It is a shame there isn't a meet for parents with children who have ASD, i am sure we would all have some great tales to tell!
Take care and if you do the one nighter in the garden let me know how you get on!
------------- mum to four, three boys and a girl:)
2017:
July:
C&CC Chichester: 2 nights
Hi Jamiedodger73 ages of the other children are 3,7,8,12,14, 3yr old boy the rest are girls,The two older children always help out so would be alot easier than on my own, like you say you regularly camped with 4 children so hey! whats another 2
One of my concerns is sleeping, He does sleep ok at home most times but does wake up at the crack of dawn! bit worried about the other campers!
He does use the PECS system thats a good idea to do a visual time table and think I will do a garden camp trial,,,,,any excuse to put the tent up
Jason is still in nappies so no problem with toilets,We still have the Kampa Khazi for the little ones so no need to leave the tent at night times.
Organising a meet would be a great idea would feel a bit easier knowing all the other campers on site have simular challenges.Let me know if you are interested ,now that would be a challenge knowing you must be as busy as I am
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: Off tomorrow!
