How much freedom 9 years old

[Hurstlandshome]

I'm taking two 9 year olds camping this weekend. There is a clubhouse and a play area, the whole area is enclosed and has security on the entrance.
How much freedom would you allow them around the tent and the enclosed grounds? Would you want sight of them at all times or would you say it's ok to let them go to the play area on their own? I would consider them mature. One of them isn't mine so I'm keen to do the right thing!

This is the best place for them to test their freedom! Let them go to the park, give them a time to be back by or check in at.

I would let them go to the park. Rules would be that they have to stay together and have a time to return.

What does the other kids parents say? I think their opinions need to be taken onboard.

Can you take/acquire decent Walkie talkies? That has worked well for us in a similar situation (inc. slightly younger sibs) to enable us to keep in touch but give some freedom. Though agree that as long as there are clear boundaries that letting them do this should be fine.

@Hurstlandshome
My decision has always been based on our tent location versus the play area and how busy the play area is. As well as whether the play area is a thoroughfare, to the toilets etc, that happens on some sites. Or if the play area has a busy road passing it, where new arrivals and departures are busily using...
I would test the water initially if they've never had any freedoms, so perhaps they play alone whilst you go off to the toilets. Then perhaps you say they can play for x amount of time.

I don't think that there is a one rule fits all.

Could you organise a absolutely basic mobile, text and call only? DD had this as her first one when she was that age and was helping out at the stable.

I think the phone was £10 as a PAYG.

Oh, and a watch obviously to ensure they can check when. it's time to return.

I would walk them around and physically set boundaries eg not out on the entrance, stay on the grass not the tarmac road in case there are cars, not out of this gate onto a footpath even though it looks likes it’s still the campsite, here is the office if they can’t find you and there’s some sort of problem. Make sure they both have watches. Then test them with half an hour. If they’re back on time, they can have an hour to play and explore by themselves as they’ve shown they can be trusted. And so on.

I do a walk round the site with mine to orientate themselves, then pretty much give them free reign over where they go. Depends on each site and any obvious obstacles. Its the freedom I had as a child and I want them to have the same. Sensible 8yo.

I would give them quite a lot. I think making sure they are orientated is a good idea.

and obviously make sure they know basic safety rules, such as never go anywhere with another adult, and to come and tell me immediately if another adult asks them to go see me where with them.

Mine have had free roam of campsites since well before 9. Are they both yours though. I'd be a little more cautious if in charge of someone else's dc.