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Hi Everyone

What a great forum this is, I have learned a lot since joining and would like your views on the following.

I recently bought a tent and all the necessary equipment to take my three grandchildren 8,10 and 12 camping, I saw this as an ideal opportunity to bond better with them. My wife has no interest in camping, however my son has agreed to come along, as he is keen and it will give me help in putting up the tent and keeping the kids amused.

My dilemna is this, for the first trip away, (go Friday evening after work and back Sunday afternoon) I was hoping for it to be dry to give us the opportunity to get out and enjoy ourselves. The last thing I want is for it to be raining and the kids not enjoy it and not want to go again. However, every weekend recently, the weather turns fowl and I cancel the planned trip, saying maybe next week.

What would you do in this situation, go in the rain and risk them being put off, or wait in the hope we might get a decent dry weekend soon.

Smytho

I think if its changeable like it is this week then I'd probably go as more than likely there will be some warm sunny intervals for you to be able to get out & have some fun.  I probably wouldn't take them if its going to rain relentlessly as the inside of a tent isn't a true camping experience & you don't want them to hate it but unfortunately as with any pre arranged event in a British summer you have to be prepared for a bit of the wet stuff!

I think you got to go for it, I had the same dilemma first time and went with the kids for a week. We eventually had to pack up and come home after three days the weather just got to bad, wind was my hate and worry the rain didn't matter.

Coming home I was saying what a disaster and sorry camping was such a let down. The kids were having none of it, they loved camping, rain and gales just added to their adventure. 

I agree, go for it. My husband was looking at the enormous black clouds this Friday just gone and saying perhaps we should not go, but I persuaded him to take a chance and the weather was gorgeous all weekend.

I do understand PP who gave up after 3 solid days rain - everything would be a bit damp by then, but if your grandkids are anything like my son sploshing in the rain is more fun than playing in the sun!! Enjoy, N

PS - what a fab Grandad they have, those memories will last them a lifetime - I'm the wrong side of 35 and still cherish my childhood good times with Gramps!

As others have said, take them along with wellies and waterproofs - and some dry clothes.   
Take a game that you can play together - great way to spend time as a family.

Also check out something local to do indoors then if you feel like doing something indoors away from site, other than look around the shops, you can.

A few weeks back the local forecast was for -1'C and sleet. In June! We went anyway and it was warm enough for the kids to paddle in the campsite stream and to get out the suncream.

Forecats lie. Anyway "rain" can nean half an hour in a 6 hour period, on mosr forecasts.

Thank you everyone for taking the time to reply.

It looks unanimous then, just go for it and deal with whatever circumstances the weather throws up.

Where are those wellies...................

Smytho

We went to Devon last year and the only common denominator in clothing was wellie boots - for everyone.  My grandson had a great time as did the other kids.

Make sure you've got wellies, waterproof clothes and dry things to change into and then go and have fun.  Pack a couple of board games just in case.

smytho. if you dont get wet with the rain and all mud. then you just aint camping.

that is the best part. at least that is what i was led to believe.