single/single parent camping?

[rainman]

Anyone else go camping on their own or as a single parent, or am I just a bit weird? I'm ok doing music festivals and such on my own or with my daughter bit feel a bit odd just going camping for camping's sake (plus she's bored and wants to go home to watch CBBees by the time I get the awning up). Any comments, suggestions or random abusive remarks will be read with interest.

[fullsunian]

I sometimes just go away with my 13 year old daughter, who never seams to get bored when in the van. She luvs the VW scene and wants a camper as her first car! Trying to talk her out of that one, coz I will be the one fixing it all the time

[rainman]

Great if she enjoys being out camping but mine doesn't like being anywhere, no matter how luxurious, other than her own bed so there always has to be an added attraction so most of my camping is at festivals. Maybe she'll grow into it.

[scrumpy jack]

I went away with my daughter (she is 3 and a half) last year alone, the wife had work at the weekend... we had one of the best camping trips of the year. We met some cool people and she played with other kids on the campsite. While she slept I sat up drinking with the neighbours, it was great. She said she wants to do it again and we must leave mummy at home. I would have no worries just do it.....and have fun ....

[Pepperami]

Say this in general and see what response you get. Loads of single parents camp it's like a big family when you go to a meet. Tiz really nice to see the interaction that you dont get to see day to day.

[Alice]

I'm a single parent and my boys and I have a great time camping. They count down the sleeps til we'll be in the van. We do sometimes camp with friends,and have met many more on sites. I always take loads of bubbles, kites, balls etc, and also they get special food like late night hot chocolate and gunky cereal when we camp.
Make the whole thing a big adventure, if you are excited she will be too.Sites with streams or woods are great, or with a play area. If there's stuff she knows she has to look forward she may be keener too. Camping with kids is great fun, my kids friends occasionally come too and all beg to come again.

[tigger2000]

We have a 7 year age gap between our kids and it's hard to find things to do that appeal to an 8 year old and a 1 year old, so I often take the eldest off on a 'big girls' adventure', leaving dad at home with the toddler. We have a great time - can't wait for the weather to get a bit better so we can get out in the van again.

[TravellingChick]

I'm single parent to a 3yr old who loves the whole festival scene and camping in general.

Check out http://www.singlewithkids.co.Uk/forum" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; there are heaps of single parents there who organize all sorts of trips. Big summer events are the camping trips and it's fab fun with loads of kids all ages running riot while you chill with other parents.

We have one t2 bay and 1 t25 Viking and 1 bongo. I'm about to buy my first t25 and another person is hoping to buy one soon, so you won't be on your own with your van!!

Sarah

[R0B]

i think grandparents are handy.for kids who dont like camping.

[Flibbertigibbet]

I am a lone parent of a child with aspergers and we have been camping for past 6 years in van with or without club members I mentioned his diagnosis as he did not have that initially but we were still made welcome. We have camped alone and d.v.d. or T.V. is good although we have been rubbish in sorting it as yet

[camper man]

well iam not single but wife hates camping
but me and my 2 year old will be camping at lots of shows this year

[rainman]

Thanks for the encouraging comments, I will check out the single with kids website and also the gunky cereal.

[TravellingChick]

Thanks for the encouraging comments, I will check out the single with kids website and also the gunky cereal.

Cool, will look out for you there then! There's a few dads on the forum so you won't be drowning in single Mum's.

[tezza]

dont know about female child camping but me (father) and my lad did loads of it together when he was 8 to 15 great fun great bonding experience and he learned loads of practical skills highly recommended

[lloyd]

Say this in general and see what response you get. Loads of single parents camp it's like a big family when you go to a meet. Tiz really nice to see the interaction that you dont get to see day to day.

Wait tell you see Pep loosing a game of Risk with a couple of 10 year olds.
Club meets are great for kids and us older kids too. We are one big family with kids running about from van to van. Usually are a couple of vans doing movies and games too. Great fun for all.

When my kids were growing up we always had a camper. Would spend at least a couple months out of each year out and about... sometimes for 3 weeks at a time. Never had any trouble and we mostly wild camped.