Gen x camping with Gen Z

Joining this hashtag seemed almost impossible for me since I usually camp alone or with just a few adult friends. But I got lucky. Sometime in 2025, on a whim, I sent a text to my childhood friends' WhatsApp group suggesting a camping trip. To my surprise, they were excited and immediately set a date to meet at a mamak restaurant to discuss it.
​To give you a little background, we were school buddies and very active in scouting and camping back in the day. Now that we all have families and adult commitments, our camping days have dwindled to near zero. After navigating everyone's busy schedules, we finally agreed to a trip in January 2026 at Rainforest Park, Genting Sempah.

​At the last minute, one of my friends brought along his two sons. I could only imagine how it felt for them to come out and stay in a tent for a night, but I knew their father wanted them to experience the outdoors as much as possible.

​When the Gen Z boys arrived, both had their phones practically glued to their hands. I showed them how to use the gas stove, they showed some interest, as boys and fire always seem to have an attraction, but that was about it. They went right back to their phones. Despite that, the boys were very well behaved. They stayed outdoors and experienced their first night sleeping in a tent. The next morning, I asked them how it was. One of them told me he had a backache. Haha! Good for them.

​I took a photo of the family and forwarded it to their mother. She replied with a big love emoji. I guess she must be proud of them. A true "Boys' Outing."



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