Camping is a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern day life and return to simpler days. No skyscrapers or traffic jams just endless forests and enjoying Mother Nature in all her glory. For adults, it can be wonderful time, but for many children who are joined at the hip to their cell phones, game systems and general comforts of home, it can be closer to a waking nightmare. Here are some tips to keep your little ones occupied and interested on camping trips.

Don’t Give In
It’s important to have one cell phone on hand in case of emergencies, but that doesn’t include Candy Crush, Facebook or e-mails. The kids will beg and plead with you to let them bring their phones, tablets and game systems, but don’t give in. Once you give in, it’s over. They’ll spend the entire time playing games and texting with their friends instead of actually enjoying nature. Once they see it and experience nature, they’ll forget all about cell phones and tablet. It’s important that they get the chance and that won’t happen with electronics.

Keep them busy
Idle hands are the devil’s plaything, so keep the occupied during the trip. While they need to do their share of chores and helping out with the camping, they should also be engaged with fun activities as well. There’s nothing wrong with bringing a few board games to play between adventures. Hiking is a great activity, but incorporate learning into it as well. Try and identity the various plants, trees and animals you see along the way. Tell them a little history of the area and really get them involved.
Fishing is a fun way to pass the time and a great way to catch the night’s dinner. You’d be surprised how fun hiking and fishing can be for kids, especially when they haven’t done it before.

Have a campfire
The best times of a camping trip happen by the light of a campfire. Making s’mores and stargazing or telling scary stories as the night winds down.  You can roast hot dogs or talk about life and the world. It’s a time to really talk and more importantly listen to your children. Many parents don’t take the time to talk to their kids and find out what’s on their minds. Children don’t stay children forever and before you know it they’re off on their own. Don’t let your memories be about tablets and cell phones.