AIBU to think camping with children in 3 degree nights is too much

[Blablasheep]

AIBU to think it's crazy to take your children camping when the temperature drops down to 3 degrees overnight?

It depends whether or not they have the appropriate equipment.

Not necessarily right or wrong.

I would say it's depends on their age, their previous expierence and the equipment and kit you have. and this includes food and drink.

Mine camped in Poland when the youngest was 5 and eldest was 7 in really cold conditions. However both Dh and myself were outdoor instructors at the time and had good quality kit for us and the boys. The boys were already used to being out in the Lakes and Cairngorms so no issue.for them and it was an adventure.

Their love for the outdoors, camping, skiing and mountaineering has continued into adultood.

Do they have appropriately warm sleeping bags and mats, and a suitable tent?

Will they be well fed?

Are they a suitable age? I probably wouldn’t take a two year old. Sensible six year old would be fine.

Are they going to a suitable place? A campsite or a well-chosen wild camp if the adult is appropriately experienced.

If the answer to all the above is “yes” then no problem.

Depends if you know how to keep warm overnight at those temperatures.

YABU.

camping is fun. It’s a great family activity. Kids who grow up camping usually have amazing memories.

Humans have survived much lower temperatures overnight since the year dot. And that’s without all the fancy equipment available now. So, yes, YABU.

Loads of my friends have camped over the past couple of weeks, including those with toddlers. Temps went below freezing for a few nights, everything is fine, correct clothing, food and equipment is key!
I love camping when its cold - far more enjoyable than in the baking sun

Depends on the kit that is available. My parents had a caravan and my brother and I whinged for a tent. On the first night we used the default caravan sleeping bags and were freezing! My brothers lips went blue at one point! We told mum & dad at brekkie the next day and were promptly taken to the local outdoor store to get proper 3 season sleeping bags!!

Why? It is cold people profuse more bedding or whatever I trust they know what they are doing so children dont come to harm so what is actually harming them?

depends on the kit they have, the experience level of the adults

how do you think people managed for eons in cold climates?

It’s completely fine.

If they're sleeping in the garden in a Wendy house wearing Pri-markay onesies in a thin sleeping bag, it's probably not a good idea. With the right equipment, no problem.

We do it with Scouts regularly.

as long as you have the right equipment and right clothing it’s fun.

Right equipment - its fine.
Personally we don't camp before the end may bank holiday weekend as we find it too cold even with the right equipment but that just preference. I know people who do it all year round.

Scouts do every year.

Noooo surely not. People camp in the Antarctic OP, anything is possible with the right kit.

My DS camping for 2 nights (forecast 2 deg low) with Scouts this weekend but he does have a warm sleeping bag.

I’d not do it for a holiday but I’m older and colder!

Depends if they have the right gear and are used to it and want to do it.

I don't think anyone should force their kids to camp in 3 degrees, but I don't think it's necessarily anyone else's business if some people do this and that's what they're into

With a decent sleeping bag and something warm to wear if they need to get up in the night they will be absolutely fine.

I managed not to die at Brownie camps in much lower temperatures when I was a kid.

I'd do it with Scouts but not Cubs. But then Cubs are super small and annoying compared with Scouts, so that may be colouring my decision-making... I've done it with my kids aged 3 and 6 and, to be fair, it was chilly and we went and bought extra blankets - but it was fine and we all had a good time

You're probably going to have to provide more context.

All our holidays as kids were camping as we didn't have much money. I absolutely loved them! The freedom of being constantly outside, being able to play out into the night / dark with other kids on the campsite, sitting round a fire with a big blanket over us whilst my dad cooked on the BBQ...

As long as they've got good sleeping bags, thermal / warm clothing to sleep in and a solid and waterproof tent then they'll be fine - brilliant memories and adventures!

If you have decent gear it's fun for them. I took DS in the snow in Snowdonia one year. Our sleeping bags are super warm though. Toasty in underwear while it's snowing outside. Loved it.

For a standard UK beach/camping trip I would consider Easter if warm during the day. Otherwise wait until May Day bank holiday.

I've camped in late August before in the UK and woken up to a frost. If you've got the correct gear it's fine.

My adults kids reminisce about our basic camping holidays far more than our expensive AI fortnights, or NY city breaks etc.

We camped in south of France last May half term and the days were 30deg plus but the nights were freezing! I ended up sleeping with one of those silver blankets under my sleeping bag and fully clothed as I was so cold! 🥶