OUT THERE WITH JASE ANDREWS
Try to go device free for the full nature experience.
But, if you’re staring down the barrel of a long drive
and potentially some very bored kids, consider an
offline gaming device like the Nintendo Switch,
but only in the car. Let them know that once they
get there, it’s time for a break from the screen.
ON LOCATION
Once you’re on location, you’re going to need
to keep your kids busy. So make sure you jam-
pack their days with exciting and fun activities,
especially on the first leg of the trip while they are
weaning themselves off technology. That means
planning out a full itinerary for each day.
Start with the fun stuff. Try planning a scavenger
hunt for them (making sure you keep safety in
mind). But be sure to let them figure things out:
counting the rocks that line the creek crossing,
types of trees to be identified and spotting native
animals. Have a competition to see who can first
spot a kangaroo or wallaby, or find a specific
plant or bush tucker.
But the fun activities won’t fill up their day. The
next step is giving your kids, like I do mine, daily
tasks. Rather than calling them chores, let them
know that their tasks are integral to the running of
the campsite. This works especially well with the
younger crowd. Teenagers, on the hand, might be
tougher to motivate.
Nonetheless, jobs, like gathering firewood and
starting the evening fire, prepping for breakfast,
lunch and dinner, are essential day-to-day tasks.
As time goes on, they won’t even be thinking
about the internet. Be sure to point out why being
in nature is a wonderful thing whenever you can.
Let them know they can be as loud as they like
and teach them the joy of exploring. This really
helps them to appreciate that they are no longer
in suburbia.
Lastly, get them up early on the first couple of
days to ensure they are tired at night and can
actually sleep without longing for wi-fi and the
usual pre-bed browse.
Whether it’s paddling down the creek, going
fishing, hunting for bush tucker and quad-biking
through the bush, the key is for activities and
games to rule over technology. With a bit of luck,
your kids will be running and climbing all over the
place, just like you used to do.
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