8 replies to this topic

[WreckWench]

We've bounced around the idea of a *kid friendly* trip several times before. Each time our members who have kids have thought it was a good idea. I have thought it would be a great option as well IF it was planned far enough in advance.

2012 is certainly far enough in advance so now its a good time to talk about having a *kid friendly* trip that either focused on kids if we had enough wanting to go or just allowed kids knowing that would temper the tone and tenor of our regular trips just a bit!

So what do you think? Should SD have a trip that allows kids? Should we try to specifically set up a trip that is more kid oriented?

One idea is our bi-annual Cozumel, Cenotes and Whalesharks trip since the whalesharks can easily be a big hit with kids. If we did offer a *kid friendly* trip where would you like to go?

As always we appreciate your thoughts.

[dolphinswimmer]

I think it's a great idea, but I would not want all the trips to be "kid friendly". Lets face it, some people go on vacation to get away from their kid and would not want to have to deal with someone else kids on the trip. It is sometimes hard enough to deal with the adult kid lol:taz:. And for those of us who don't have kids, may not want to have to deal with them.

I think a specific trip kid oriented is a good plan. One that also allows the parent's free time away from the kids would really be appealing. Both to the parents and the kids. The kids get to do thing with other kids without their parent watching them all the time.

[uwfan]

Those who know me know "toning it down" would not be an issue with me as far as the trips being kid friendly. I think as long as the trip was known to be a kid friendly trip it would be just fine. Personally, I would consider how much time I had already had away from the kids (mid summer being best) whether or not I would want to go on a trip that was kid friendly. I love kids but when I work with them during the week, I want time away from them when I'm off work. That being said, I met a great group of kids from one of the high schools here that were on a trip to Cozumel at the same time I was. They were terrific both on the boat and in the water and I'd vacation with them again.

[WreckWench]

Kids as well as couples and families are the mainstay of most trip offerings. SingleDivers.com caters to a market segment that is NOT the mainstay of dive trips i.e. the single, solo, individual traveler.

Our mission to make the 3rd wheel and 5th wheel *PRIMETIME* will never change. That being said we limit our membership to those 18 and over so we are not limited to 'family friendly' conversations either on a trip or on our site. That goes for adult behavior on our trips/outings.

Having said that...having a specific trip that is *kid friendly* has been requested before but I am no longer sure if people still want one or if we have enough interest, hence this thread.

Thank you for your input. I hope to receive more.

[Landlocked Dive Nut]

Regarding a kid-friendly trip, it would depend on the age of the kids in question and if the parent(s) have a modicum of control over them.

I wouldn't have any problem with kids on a trip I'm on, if they're old enough to dive with us and they buddy-team with their parent(s). And at that age, they've probably heard worse than me on the playground.

If there were enough members with kids, and they all wanted to go to the same place at the same time, a kid-friendly or family-oriented trip may work. I wonder if we have enough active members who fall in that category to make a separate trip do-able? It would certainly have to be one of the more affordable trips, as a family would be looking at a large expense for all of them to go.

[Diver Ed]

I agree with basically all of what has been posted here. My thoughts on someone bringing their child on a regular trip is that it may then become common practice. It is then a matter of time before an issue arises. Some people will adjust their actions and behavior due to a minor being present, while others may not. Eventually, something inappropriate will happen, and the potential for issues are there. If there are numerous people that want to do a family trip, that is something that Kamala can consider. I would suggest something such as the Keys, for a cost issue, as most people will be paying for multiple people. If there is not enough interest in that, as was written, this site was designed for the diver that was buddyless. There are pleanty of options for a family to take a trip outside this group. It may not be as much fun, but the presence of the family will make up for that. Just my thoughts. Ed

[ScubaTex]

While I personally would not be attracted to such a trip, I understand the desire of SingleDiver single parents to share the experience, with others who maybe so inclined. [I have to bite my tongue, sometimes, when my adult 'spawn' goes on a dive trip with me.] Certainly the goal here would be to have sufficient number of parents with diving children, to 'fill' a trip. Care should be taken when non-diving children are left at a resort when the parent/s leave to dive.

My 2 psi

Bill

[scubajunkie6]

Kamala:

I would draw your attention to the Happy Hour done in 2005(?) when two young boys were present, and their father did NOT think that some of the behavior was appropriate and the subsequent huggamugga on the boards for weeks afterward.

You run that risk on any 'kid-friendly' trip, IMO.

PPM

I obviously wasn't a member during this time, but you bring up a good point. If there was a family SD trip, you might not know the parents, the child, nor know the maturity, respect, and behaviors. But anyone can get offended over the behavior of someone else, regardless if children are involved or not.

A HH is different from a dive trip, but even if something got wild during the trip and the parent got concerned, then be a responsible parent, and remove the child from that environment! You can't do this very well with a live-a-board, but at a location where there are other options is applicable. Rules/policies can be agreed upon prior to attending the trip.

I've been on other dive trips where people brought their kids (and oddly enough my son was not with me on a couple of them), and it worked out fine. I guess it was an unwritten rule not to get totally wasted, no cursing like a sailor, and be on good behavior when the children were at the dinner table. (So of course the reverse happened AFTER dinner, lol).

Several dive places have kid friendly events, where the parents dive with the adults and the kids get together with staff and other kids to do Jr. diving, go visit the island, etc. There is typically one night where the staff takes the children for the night for night dives and evening dinner with all the adults.

Of course I'm in favor of a kid friendly trip, and recognize that it would be a "special trip" not a standard one. I SD having membership of 18+. If a family trip with singledivers.com doesn't happen, that's OK, as I can always request WW's assistance with family trips separately, as well as make sure that on his 18th bday, there is a new singledivers.com member, right???

-Margaret