Tips for child's 1st school trip.

[tablep]

Eldest dc is going on a school trip next week for a few days. It's their first one, any essentials I should pack (have a basic school list), they are a little anxious about it.

Primary?
Are they doing 'letters from home'? Our primary we were asked to write letters which the teachers kept until night 3.
Cuddly toy.
Pack with them so they know where things are.

yes primary.

They haven't asked for letters, but I was going to put a note in.

Good idea to pack with them, didn't think of that. Thank you!

whatever they take make sure everything is named and that they pack with you so they know what they've got and what's in their bag!

Bin bag to put all their dirty/wet clothes in.

If dc is a dd aged 10 and up some sanitary towels just in case, even if they have not had their first period.

good tips

Pack in outfits (tshirt, trousers, socks, pants jumper) in separate bags inside main bag, plus spares

Teddy bear and maybe a blanket if you have space

Name everything and still be prepared to get other peoples stuff home.

Torch.
Book.
Simple game - Uno or similar.
Watch?

Bag with wheels they can shift themselves.

Do you mean a residential trip?

Honestly - do NOT pack a note (lovingly advised from me)

I worked a few years on these kinds of camps, and any kid with a note got immediately homesick and cried when they got the note. It completely flattened any nervous excitement they had and just made them sad.

Pack with them.
Pack in outfits.
Big bin bag for all washing.
Name everything.
Teddy
Book
Whatever else is on the list.
In a bag they can move themselves!

Also, if they have to take a sleeping bag, teach them how to stuff the bag back into the little sack it comes in - do not attempt a roll.

Put PJs in last so they're easy to find.

Also, don't knot anything to the outside of their bags/cases. If it doesn't fit inside the bag, leave it loose for them to carry (basically sleeping bag I'm thinking) as when they put all the luggage in the coach, it's a knotted mess by the time it arrives and Bob's boots are wrapped around Jennys suitcase handle and Fred's sleeping bag chord has magically attached itself to Peters rucksack

Send them with stuff they already have and know how to use.

We used to get so many children with new torches with no batteries that they didn't know how to turn on. Or uncomfortable new pyjamas (kids gets sent with button up ones when they have never learnt to do the little fiddly buttons)

If your kid has long hair, try and put it in 2 french plaits before they go. Otherwise make sure they know how to put their own hair in a ponytail and to brush it.

More pants than you think they will need- change of routine and long coach journey- there is usually at least one child who wets themselves even if that never happens at home.

Also, don't knot anything to the outside of their bags/cases. If it doesn't fit inside the bag, leave it loose for them to carry (basically sleeping bag I'm thinking)

And in that case, put a label on the outside where it's easily seen. One or more children will forget that they should have an extra thing to carry and there will be unclaimed sleeping bags/wellies/whatever.

against the grain here, don’t pack outfits
pack lots of items that (sort of) match - some kids won’t get changed the whole time, or will keep the same shirt, but change trousers / leggings
packing cubes are your friends (or big sandwich bags) - one of underwear, one for tops, one for leggings/ shorts
label everything! And I mean everything! I’ve volunteered at scout camps and the amount of lone socks, pj bottoms and shoes found after the kids pack and “check” to make sure they have not left anything is unreal
pack clothes they like and you don’t mind if they go missing, get covered in mud, etc
make sure they know how to use any equipment
do a list and get them to help you pack, yes you can pack, but they have to know what you’re packing, what goes where
leave space on the suitcase / bag, there’s no way they will re pack as tidy as an adult, so give them tolerance
be prepared for a tired and smelly kid on the way back
hair, if long, make sure they either now how to do a simple pony or provide ways to keep off the face (hats, headbands)
keep a copy of the list, your kid will come home with other kids items and their items will end up with other kid, knowing exactly what they took makes it easier to get back their belongings (back at socks, if they go with 5 pairs and they come back with 4, chances are the camp organisers have the other pair, but unless you know to look for it it won’t make it’s way back)
keep toiletries to the minimum, depending on how long they are away they probably won’t shower and you’ll be lucky if they brush their teeth

Nothing to say about what to take but just to say remain upbeat and positive about the trip and what a wonderful time they will have. Don't let them see that you you are worried or upset because they will pick up on it and make any anxiety worse.

I was going to say exactly the same.