To make DS go on a scouts trip so DH and I can have a weekend to ourselves

I wouldn't do that for his first experience, especially if he's scared. Can't he have a sleepover with a friend or a babysitter in his own home? Start small

Yes I would talk him into it. Bloody hell, zero family support for 8 years?

Yes I think he might bail out early. Enjoy the first night and breakfast in bed at least. I would have a lovely time and there's a good chance he will too.

Another who disagrees with the snowflake comment.

as someone else who had little to zero family support when mine were little I can see why you would want to send him but when DS was 8 he hated sleepovers and would have hated something like this. It does get better and now he’s older he’s up for anything. 8 is still very young and I am sure there will be other opportunities when he’s a bit older.

Yes I think doing things outside of your comfort zone is really important, especially something like that. I’m really glad my parents pushed me to try things it made me say yes to so many important experiences in my life

I would encourage them to push themself out their comfort zone but definitely wouldn't make them go. I don't think anyone should be forced on overnights before they are ready.

Personally I wouldn't have a nice time knowing I had made them so something they weren't comfortable with/ready for. Also not fair on the staff either.

I have tried this with my child and on the last occasion we had to collect them early as they said they were ill. I am not sure they were ill and I think they just wanted to come home.
Editing to add: like you were don't get much child free time and had planned to go out while both kids were at camp, but we got called early in the afternoon to say child wasn't happy and they would keep an eye on them, so we cancelled dinner which was just as well as that is when they called to say they wanted us to collect them as they were still unsettled and complaining of feeling unwell.
So if you know your child might be unsettled and you do send them, I wouldn't go making any plans as you might end up in a similar position.

We also have another camp coming up and they don't want to go (but their sibling does) but as they don't want to go I am not going to make them this time as there are clearly reasons for not wanting to go and I don't think it's fair to force them into something they really don't want to do, especially as it's meant to be fun (I think it's the noise and lack of sleep they don't like).

Of course you won't end up with a 'snowflake" if you allow your 8 year old to miss one Scout camp. That's ridiculous.

Could you address his fear by suggesting things that could help him sleep this time? A lavender spray on his pillow or a new toy to take or something. I totally get you with the never having a child free night so personally I'd be doing my best to encourage him. I'm not sure how I'd feel about forcing an 8 year-old though. It's still pretty young and I'm not sure if enjoy the night if I knew he was miserable.

He’s 8. I wouldn’t send my 9 year old if she was scared/worried. I would however, spend time convincing her to push herself to go.

You should try to get him to go, for his sake not yours. You'll end up with a 'snowflake' if he can opt out of things that are a bit difficult.