Camping with friends for the first time - can we make it work?

[flibflab]

We are seasoned campers, we like an off-grid experience; campfire, no electric, no "pitches", a wood to explore, few rules, no campsite entertainment and a nice walk to a local pub. We have 2 kids who are good at amusing themselves and hanging out with us. We usually go with various friends who like the same kind of stuff (most of which I've been camping with since aged 15)

Other friends have 2 children, one of whom is autistic who asked if they might come with us.

I've suggested a site that I want to try along our usual lines for a weekend in 2 weeks time. They are now worried and asking for a play area or near a beach. I don't know what to do; look for another site or just say this is where we are going join us or not?

Anyone got any ideas? We are based in the SouthEast. I love my camping and I want them to love it too.

It depends on how much you want them to come! If you do then there will need to be compromises- if it's there first time they may have no clue what to do. Also you obvs are considering their child has sn which is nice of you, and may be a factor in where you are going.

If you are viewing this as you have said, they have asked if they can come with us then you are within your rights to say this is where we are going, come if you want to, but if you value the friendship plenty and want to help them with their first experience then perhaps you should compromise a little more.

But really, it's up to you!!

Maybe they're thinking that a play area or nearby beach would be easier for them to distract their DC if the camping conventions don't suit this first time. It's very considerate of them.

However, everyone needs to adapt to different situations and your style of camping may be a wonderful growing experience for their DC too.

I love my camping too; what's not for a person with additional learning needs to enjoy? Rockets, pull toys, bats and balls all available from Woolies.

Some of the sites with entertainment and play areas close to beaches have been the most awful experiences I've ever had.

Best one was near Barry Island, a vast field where anything goes -more like a festival. Worst one an aquadrome in Nottinghamshire.

Stick to what you know best and believe the parents can make their own decision.

Maybe you can reply and say that we've found sites with play areas to be really busy and not relaxing so we tend to go to basic sites and bring x,y, and z to entertain the kids.

Or the site is near a, b and c so we can pick an activity for the day.

But also, I'm sure you can find off grid style camping with a play area. If you search on pitch up for allows fire and play area under "leisure on site" there are plenty of places that look like they would fit the bill. Not sure where in the South East you are but what about Oak Valley?

We've had this with some of our friends. They wanted to go to all singing all dancing sites without an understanding of what that would be like in reality in terms of business and noise. We had to do some careful explanation without sounding patronising. In your circumstances just explain how busy some sites get and find some negative reviews to back this up. And find a compromise which is not completely off grid.

Please please discuss the plans for meals as well as the site!! We took a weeks shopping when we went with friends.
She turned up with a trailer tent, dh +3 dc and a cooked chicken.

I kid you not.
Guess who hosted 2 families for 5 days?
Basic sites are fine with a great cooked meal around the campsite!!

Look for another site which meets their criteria as well.

We recently went to Wowo which had courses you could attend with the dcs. This broke up our stay nicely!

Do your kids normally play together with your friends? They shouldn't need a play area if they do, or are likely to get along. Have you suggested stuff like taking rounders stuff/bats/balls, stuff to make a den, marshmallows etc.

And is their first time camping? Although I love the sound of your camping, I do get it might be a bit too far for some.

Thanks guys for all the replies. Just having a search around for something that might work for everyone. I really want them to enjoy it but think we need to have a very honest conversation about what we ALL want from the weekend. I think it's just anxiety but I've pointed out it's local and we (some or all of us) can always go off site if things aren't working out.

I'm not worried about food, she will likely feed the 5,000!

I'm not sure her DC would cope on a course without adult input. They were aware about what kind of camping we normally do so I have to admit I was a little surprised when they asked to come but still hopeful it will be a success. Will ring her later when she's home.

If she's asked to come with you, I think you're within your rights to go to the type of place you normally go to!

Thanks to all who replied. We've just got back and it was fine. Kids had a few moments of being a bit "lost" with nothing structured to do but soon passed the through "I'm bored" and discovered the woods and played happily. I think I've converted them to camping