What is acceptable re: Leaving kids at the campground

[MandLBee]

In September, we will be staying at Ft Wilderness, tent camping. We have five children. The eldest is 14, the baby is 6. We have 1 13 year old son, and daughter's ages 11 and 9. DH and I would love to have an early date (lunch after church) at Artist Point.
Our kids are great, never get into trouble, follow the rules when home alone, so if we were at home, we've wouldn't hesitate to leave them. However! I feel a little uneasy about leaving them for a couple hours at the campground, you know? What do y'all think?

 

[robinb]

Hmmmm. My concern might be the 6 year old but you have two older kids who I assume are used to being responsible for the younger ones. I don't think there are any laws or rules about leaving young kids alone with older teens. As long as you trust them not to leave, I would say it's ok. You're pretty close in case something goes south.

 

[MandLBee]

Hmmmm. My concern might be the 6 year old but you have two older kids who I assume are used to being responsible for the younger ones. I don't think there are any laws or rules about leaving young kids alone with older teens. As long as you trust them not to leave, I would say it's ok. You're pretty close in case something goes south.

I would be leaving them with a phone, too, and I don't mind if they call. It would be so nice to bike over there, walk around, and eat a really nice meal together.

 

[Stars In The Night]

I'd say you are fine, so long as you are very clear on the rules. 14 and 13 are old enough to babysit. By the time I was 14 I was babysitting a family with 3 kids under 3, 4 days a week 8 hours a day.

 

[AZMermaid]

I agree- leave a phone and have a nice time! They will probably be happy for a break from you too- lol!

 

[Tink_83]

I personally don't see an issue with this, personally. I checked and according to the Florida Department of Children and Families (https://www.dcf.state.fl.us/programs/childwelfare/caregivers/whentoleaveyourkidshomealone.shtml) there is no specific age at which a child can be left to babysit (they recommend 15 but I still think a 14 and 13 year old should be able to handle it). Unless you run across a hard law in Florida then I would say you are fine. Good luck!

 

[holden]

I think you are fine if you set specific guidelines (i.e. stay at the campsite, etc). Also load the Uber app on your phone in case you need to return quickly.

 

[Sugardimples]

Artist Point doesn't serve lunch. Dinner only.

 

[MandLBee]

Artist Point doesn't serve lunch. Dinner only.

Yeah, I went to make a reservation and found that out! We got a 5:30.

 

[robinb]

Yeah, I went to make a reservation and found that out! We got a 5:30.

Enjoy!

 

[kteeter]

At age 14 they can supervise a younger sibling on a ride so I think this is just fine especially if only for a few hours, would not suggest them leaving the resort area.

 

[smadath]

I would suggest asking this on the Camping At Disney board. That's where the "Experts" are!