My grandsons were much the same way- tied to the little screens. Gramma & I invested in some shock therapy treatment. And— it worked. Now, understand that the pair of brothers are Navy kids. Been more places all over the Pacific/N. America stage than most people only dream of. Stateside for them at 11&13 was, at the least, boring. Hence, shock therapy was in order. Total immersion, no cell service, complete silence. We took them down the Shafer Trail, then 3 nights on the White Rim. Then down to Horsehoof Campsite in the Needles. The boys put their phones down, as we descended Shafer Trail, Never to pick them up again for over 6 nights. They didn’t care about anything except being in the moment, in the wilderness ( albeit a controlled wilderness experience ). How many times did we hear, whoa- this is dope? I cannot say, but because of the shock thereapy that took place as we decended Shafer Trail, they each became engaged, very engaged. With us, with their mom and dad, with one another and with Canyonlands. Their transformation completed, we now have very close, personal relationships with them. Being in wilderness left an indelible impression on their young minds and they yearn for more time there.
how did this happen? Their mom & dad, me and gramma and nature, did not give them a choice. They had to participate. Sulking was made fun of and laughed at, until the offender, would actually crack a smile. By the second campsite, they were actually playing, with sticks & rocks and making up little games for themselves, the way a child does when they are free. So, after this long winded little story, my advice would be to put your girls in a camping situation that gives them zero choices to make except whether to participate or not. Most kids will choose to participate in the experience. Shock therapy gets their attention. They will figure out the rest. ( BTW, it’s obvious that one’s spouse must support the idea ) speaking of spouses? I am one lucky man. I’m 68 by gal 65, and yes, our camp has some nice things specifically for her, admittedly, I enjoy them as well. Hot shower, tap water for kitchen, roof top tent, lots of pillows. Luxury beyound belief compared to 25 years ago when we started 4x4camping. That’s basecamp, we back pack occasionally which entails sleeping on a small mat on the ground. Then, there are those gals like my sister whom replied when invited to Arches NP to camp with us, “ are there hotels & casinos nearby?” Ha! I’ve never asked her again. Good luck man! Wow, I got through that without mentioning my first wife that absolutely hated the back country. LOL
