Last Bank holiday weekend we went camping in Wales. It’s always a risk camping in the UK as the weather is unpredictable and even the weather apps can get things wrong, so the planning is important, but having a back up plan is more important. Fortunately, this time it was ‘ok weather’ and we managed to do what we wanted to do.
We were joined by friends and family, the ages ranged from 4 – 54, and there were 14 of us to please which is tough at the best of times. I had my iPad loaded up with films for the children and everything technical was charged up, in case of any melt downs! The funny thing was, because we were in a field and the sun was out, nobody bothered with their ‘tech’.
We were all busy playing rounders, gathering wood for the evening campfire or relaxing enjoying the space and beautiful view. The whole weekend was taken up with horse riding, indoor climbing, playing games and talking, it was fantastic.
You could see everyone getting back to basics and communicating face-to-face. The community feeling was enhanced with everyone ‘mucking in’ to get meals cooked, kettles filled, washing up done and general chores to help out. The children shared games and played nicely with each other, without an iPad in sight!
Each night we had a campfire with the obligatory marshmallows and when it came to bed time, no-one moaned about it, as they were so tired, they were ready to sleep.
Sometimes doing the simple things are the things that give us so much fun. Doing ‘stuff’ outside (like we use to do) is great and, mostly, free. It made me want to go camping more often – that was until we had to pack everything away again, drive home and unpack everything!
What it did make me think about was the fact we didn’t rely on the films or the entertainment of our phones and the games available. We interacted with each other at a different level and it felt better. I don’t think it is a problem to have those things but, as a Grandparent, I have probably relied on them too much to keep our (Grandchildren) busy – so I didn’t have to go to the park with them, play rounders in the field or get their coats on and go walking in the rain. I have become part of the problem!
It’s easy to say “Go on Netflix and watch a film” or “Here is my iPad, it’s got a great game you’d like” I have become a modern, lazy, Grandad. Fortunately the children have their Mum who does grab their coats and gets them out to the park. She spends time reading to them and playing games with them, doing the simple things but the ‘real’ things that build relationships and a sense of family.
What is it like for you? Do you have the balance right or do you need to go ‘camping’ for a reality check?