Hi I'm after some advice- does anyone let their teen have their own tent for family holidays? As I have a new baby coming camping this year I know my current tents bedroom isn't going to be big enough for 2 adults and 3 children. My daughter will be 14 and I know she would like her own pup tent. I am considering buying a bigger tent with more sleeping pods so she could have her own space away from her brothers. I usually camp with other family members so a pup tent would be surrounded by our tents and very close to mine. Any advice appreciated. :)
------------- **¤2015¤**
May-Creswell barn farm
Llys Y Fran
¤◆◇ 2014 *¤◇
May ~ llys y fran
June ~ Dolbryn
July ~Lleithyr Farm
August ~ tirbach farm
~Dolbryn
This is exactly what we did when our son was 14. We were in the caravan and he was outside in his little argos tent. He'd stay there till mid day by which time he'd be hungry.
It worked well as they need their own space. Maybe slightly different with a girl but most campsites are family orientated these days so probably OK. It's part of letting them grow up.
It's doable, my kids did it when they were that age. Sometimes a site will charge you a little extra for a pup tent.
Don't go for a crappy tent, you need something double skinned and just about big enough to sit up in. You also need something that takes up little room.
I recommend Decathlons pop up range, particularly the £44 two person one, but consider the three man one as well. If you wait until it's coming up to Festival time of year (in the lead up to summer) then Decathlon often brings out unusual patterns and colours which might add to the appeal for your daughter.
It is what we did with our two boys and now our grandson in each case from about 6 years old. No experience as the guardian of a girl, far too complex for us!
Anyway, it worked brilliantly, they "wanted" to come with us under that arrangement and gaining independence, though still overseen is invaluable and best approached in stages. The rule, though must be that is their space, absolutely.
I bought a pup tent for my teen a few years ago, so he could have his privacy. Vango Sigma 300, nice little tent, with decent space. There is a 300+ version, which has a second exit at the rear.
A few years down the line, he no longer camps, but the tent is still used by me. It's last outing was in Glencoe over the weekend.
Ive just checked, it has a link in front and a SIG as I thought. Shame
Post last edited on 21/01/2016 19:00:42
------------- New Year: Hesketh Bank
Feb/March: Red Squirrel
March: lakes
June: Morecambe
Aug: Lake District(not camping camping)
October: Red Squirrel
Personally, l would not let any young girl sleep in a separate tent alone. I have bought up 5 daughters who are all grown up now, although sadly one died last year. Anyway, it was during a camp up on the old Star campsite near Alton towers that we had a 'Peeping Tom' lift out the rear pegs of my teenage Daughters tent and look down through the vent mesh at her sleeping. He also tried the same with mine and my younger daughter's tent, but was disturbed when l shouted thinking that it was Andrew, my eldest daughters boyfriend mucking about, but it was not, and a few weeks later someone was arrested and charged for this kind of offence in the same area, sorry, but from experiance, its just not worth the risk, young girls are just too much of a temptation to some preditory morons.
I shudder to think what may have happened if l had not woke up and shouted Andrews name.
Julia
------------- Just love to be out amoungst Nature and Wildlife
Celebrating 37 years of Caravanning in 2019, Recently Considered Retiring, but Totally Addicted for Life!
If I were in your shoes I would find a pup tent that would fit in the main area of your own tent and let her use it outside during the day but bring it in at night and she could still have her own little bit of privicy
Quote: Originally posted by romany girl on 21/1/2016
Personally, l would not let any young girl sleep in a separate tent alone. I have bought up 5 daughters who are all grown up now, although sadly one died last year. Anyway, it was during a camp up on the old Star campsite near Alton towers that we had a 'Peeping Tom' lift out the rear pegs of my teenage Daughters tent and look down through the vent mesh at her sleeping. He also tried the same with mine and my younger daughter's tent, but was disturbed when l shouted thinking that it was Andrew, my eldest daughters boyfriend mucking about, but it was not, and a few weeks later someone was arrested and charged for this kind of offence in the same area, sorry, but from experiance, its just not worth the risk, young girls are just too much of a temptation to some preditory morons.
I shudder to think what may have happened if l had not woke up and shouted Andrews name.
Julia
Ahhhhhh that's sooo scary!!!!! This is what I fear!!! After reading this im looking into buying a bigger family tent!!
------------- **¤2015¤**
May-Creswell barn farm
Llys Y Fran
¤◆◇ 2014 *¤◇
May ~ llys y fran
June ~ Dolbryn
July ~Lleithyr Farm
August ~ tirbach farm
~Dolbryn
Quote: Originally posted by moppetsdad on 21/1/2016
If I were in your shoes I would find a pup tent that would fit in the main area of your own tent and let her use it outside during the day but bring it in at night and she could still have her own little bit of privicy
Good idea I have been considering this if my funds can't stretch to buy a bigger tent this year.
------------- **¤2015¤**
May-Creswell barn farm
Llys Y Fran
¤◆◇ 2014 *¤◇
May ~ llys y fran
June ~ Dolbryn
July ~Lleithyr Farm
August ~ tirbach farm
~Dolbryn
Quote: Originally posted by romany girl on 21/1/2016
Personally, l would not let any young girl sleep in a separate tent alone. I have bought up 5 daughters who are all grown up now, although sadly one died last year. Anyway, it was during a camp up on the old Star campsite near Alton towers that we had a 'Peeping Tom' lift out the rear pegs of my teenage Daughters tent and look down through the vent mesh at her sleeping. He also tried the same with mine and my younger daughter's tent, but was disturbed when l shouted thinking that it was Andrew, my eldest daughters boyfriend mucking about, but it was not, and a few weeks later someone was arrested and charged for this kind of offence in the same area, sorry, but from experiance, its just not worth the risk, young girls are just too much of a temptation to some preditory morons.
I shudder to think what may have happened if l had not woke up and shouted Andrews name.
Julia
Totally agree, too risky in my opinion! Years ago maybe but not in todays world.
A personal alarm is also a good option if in a seperate pod in a large tent setup..costs a couple of pounds and gives peace of mind.
------------- It is a wise man who has something to say.
It is a fool who has to say something.
I am currently on the lookout for a 3 man for my daughters age 12 and 16. The pescaras is just too big for weekends.
I was looking at a halo for €150 but it is now out of stock so now thinking of a Vango sigma or a slumit Gobi.
No way would I let the 12 year old sleep in her own tent but I'd pity any peeping tom trying to mess with the 16 year old. The temper and boxing lessons would put paid to him.
I'm keeping a lookout on my local gumtree etc for a bigger tent, have come across a gelert horizon 6 but after reading the reviews on here it's really prone to the the poles splitting and leaking. Ideally I'd love a airbeam tent if I save up, think I'll need a trailer then as not a lot of room in my ford focus
------------- **¤2015¤**
May-Creswell barn farm
Llys Y Fran
¤◆◇ 2014 *¤◇
May ~ llys y fran
June ~ Dolbryn
July ~Lleithyr Farm
August ~ tirbach farm
~Dolbryn
Quote: Originally posted by VangoMan02 on 21/1/2016
Years ago maybe but not in todays world.
Flippin' 'eck Vango, you are old enough to remember it was in fact 'worse' going right back to the 60s & 70s. It's also statistically 'worse' in France & there most Dutch/French etc teenaged kids have their own tent.
I would say teenager is more at risk of harm on the streets of their town or even at school than on a campsite.
Best tent for op's daughter would be a popup if they are worried about tent security as they are sealed so only entry is through zipped door which they could place nearest to door of their own tent.
Quote: Originally posted by moppetsdad on 21/1/2016 If I were in your shoes I would find a pup tent that would fit in the main area of your own tent and let her use it outside during the day but bring it in at night and she could still have her own little bit of privicy
Good idea I have been considering this if my funds can't stretch to buy a bigger tent this year.
The pop up tent I recommended is free standing and lends itself to this scenario.
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.