Taking the Kids: Camping doesn't mean leaving tech behind
That's one reason the new study suggests people plan to camp more. Lower gas prices are also playing a role. The majority of campers plan to spend more nights camping this year and almost half plan to take more than one trip.
No wonder, since many believe the experience will not only enable them to reconnect with nature, but also with each other. Campers believe camping improves family relationships and perhaps most important, kids are enthusiastic about going. We all know nothing will derail a family trip faster than grumpy kids!
But we need to accept that in 2015, kids won't be willing to part from their devices, even on a camping trip.
"For teens, their life and their cyber-life are one," Dr. Silverman explained. If they aren't able to share their experience with their friends, "it is as if it's not happening."
When they do share the experience, Silverman said, and their friends respond, it's validation for them that what they are doing is fun!
So if you thought taking the kids camping was a way to get everyone unplugged 24/7, think again. The key, Dr. Silverman said, "is that you are in control of the device. Your devices aren't controlling the family!"
That means before going to that national park or campground you need to have the how-much-time conversation with the kids, as well as the talk on how-much-we-can-spend-on-souvenirs. And you need to stick to the program! Maybe it's an hour at breakfast or an hour when you get back from your hike. Maybe it's longer, especially if it rains. (Devices can save the day when it rains.)
Consider also that technology can help you on the trail, suggested Sascha Segan, the lead mobile analyst for PCMAG.com, who also spoke on the panel. I used to tell my kids to "hug a tree," if we got separated on the trail and wait for us to return. Now, Segan said, apps like WAVE and LIFE360 can help parents keep tabs on the kids. Let's not forget the importance of a compass app -- or a flashlight on your phone.
"Take a picture of a bird or bug and use technology like Google Image search or Google Translate to identify the species. Look up the words to a campfire song on YouTube, Segan suggested. There are National Geographic apps that serve as guides to the national parks and Audubon Guides apps that can help you identify birds, wildflowers and animal sounds. Let the kids be in charge of telling you the name of the pink flower or yellow bird you saw on the trail. Who can identify the most leaves? Flowers? Animal tracks?
"Think of your devices as a way to enhance your knowledge of nature," Segan said.
Just put them down long enough to talk to each other. And have a s 'more for me.
========
For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com and also follow "taking the kids" on www.twitter.com, where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments.
(c) 2015 DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
