Why Every Kid Needs Their Own Camera on an Overlanding Trip

Overlanding is about more than just getting from point A to point B. It’s about the little moments you notice along the way—sunlight cutting through the pines, the splash of water at a creek crossing, or the first set of moose tracks spotted in the mud. But here’s the thing: sometimes the best moments aren’t the ones we see as adults. They’re the ones our kids notice.

That’s why we always hand our boys their own cameras when we hit the trail.

Seeing the World Through Their Eyes

Kids don’t care about “perfect composition” or golden-hour lighting. They care about the bug crawling across a picnic table, the shadow their toy Jeep makes in the dirt, or the way the campfire sparks jump into the night sky. Giving them a camera turns the trip into their story—not just ours.

The Best Souvenirs Money Can’t Buy

We’ve brought home thousands of our own trip photos, but the ones we treasure most are often from the kids. Blurry shots of the dog asleep by the tire. Ten photos in a row of the fridge opening. A surprisingly artistic angle of the Tetons at sunset. These little snapshots are souvenirs of how they experienced the journey.

Building Confidence and Creativity

Handing them a camera gives them responsibility. They’re not just along for the ride—they’re storytellers, explorers, and memory-keepers. Plus, when we get home, they love showing off their “gallery” of trip photos, which keeps them engaged in planning the next adventure.

Practical Tips

• Go simple: a kid-friendly point-and-shoot or even an old smartphone works great.

• Set expectations: explain that it’s their job to capture what stands out to them.

• Make it fun: create a little “photo challenge” like “find three things shaped like circles” or “your favorite part of camp.”

The Big Picture

Overlanding with kids isn’t always smooth, but it’s always memorable. Letting them carry their own camera ensures you see the trip through their eyes—and that’s a view worth keeping forever.