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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

to let my daughter go camping this weekend?

65 replies

Stinklebell · 10/01/2014 14:00

My 12 year old daughter is going to Scout camp this weekend. It's a huge thing that hundreds of scout groups from all over the country go to, loads of activities are put on for them, horse riding, discos, all sorts. Daughter went last year and had an absolute blast and has been desperately excited about this years.

Had a PTA meeting at school this morning and we were all discussing weekend plans and I mentioned that DD was off camping and from the reaction anyone would think I'd proposed sending her into a warzone.

One mum was really forceful and said I should be ashamed of myself for allowing it

She's properly equipped, thermals coming out of her ears, 4 season sleeping bag, lord knows how many fleece items of clothing, proper boots and socks, waterproofs and massive coat. I'm not proposing sending her out in a t-shirt.

But no, it's disgraceful apparently

Now, I wouldn't go. I hate camping at the best of times, but they're well looked after by experienced leaders, she's been before and knows what to expect, so I was fine with it

I'm not unreasonable am I?

OP posts:
YellowDinosaur · 10/01/2014 14:03

Yanbu.

When my sons are older I'll be taking then camping at this time of year.

Your friend needs to shut the fuck up. What will her kids be doing, sitting inside in front of Facebook / a games console? Know what I'd prefer!

rookiemater · 10/01/2014 14:04

YANBU - I'll be delighted if DS is camping with scouts at that age. It's not like she is on her own, there will be leaders there.

MrsKCastle · 10/01/2014 14:05

No, you are definitely NBU. I was in the Guides at that age and did all sorts of camping/outdoor activities in all weathers. The camp sounds excellent. So long as she wants to go, and has all the right gear- and she obviously does- you shouldn't have any doubts.

LaGuardia · 10/01/2014 14:08

YABU. Unless you live in Florida.

bebumba · 10/01/2014 14:09

My Ds is going this weekend to Wintercamp with the scouts at Gilwell Park. Is that the same one as your Dd?
He went last year as well and has been looking forward to this years camp for months. We are not being thoughtless, it is just that the other parents don't realise what their children are missing!
Hope she has a fantastic time and comes back with some great memories:)

Fudgeface123 · 10/01/2014 14:10

I did it in the brownies and guides and loved it. God forbid kids should get any fresh air and outdoor related activities. They should be parked in front of the tellly all day

IloveJudgeJudy · 10/01/2014 14:10

Another here saying you are definitely NBU. What's the matter with the other mother. Does she helicopter her DC? Activities like the one your DD's doing are great for self-esteem, learning new skills, meeting new people...

These camps are well-organised and thought out. I bet your DD will have a blast.

Facebaffle · 10/01/2014 14:10

YANBU unless dd doesn't want to go. I don't see the problem if she's well equipped for the weather.

HesterShaw · 10/01/2014 14:11

If she's as well equipped as that, of course YANBU. Tell Mrs Judgypants to boil her own head.

We did DofE expeditions at this time of year in the Brecon Beacons in the snow 20 years ago. Teenagers can't be much different now

Farrowandbawl · 10/01/2014 14:11

YNBU

She's got all the stuff to keep warm and she'll be running about, eating hot food..heat pads for hands, hot water bottle etc..

She'll be fine.

superram · 10/01/2014 14:12

She will find it easier camping in the cold than in the rain in August. As long as he is prepared then I don't see a problem.

Stinklebell · 10/01/2014 14:14

Thanks, I was doubting myself. I mean, I personally don't think camping in January is one of the greatest ideas ever, but I left it up to her. It's going to be cold, and exceptionally muddy I expect, but she's equipped up to the eyeballs

bebumba. Yes! She went last year and had a great time and has desperately looking forward to this year

No, I don't live in Florida

OP posts:
bebumba · 10/01/2014 14:15

m.youtube.com/watch?v=K67Ej0RkA8I&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DK67Ej0RkA8I

Hope the link works.

LittleMissRedSparklyBaubles · 10/01/2014 14:18

YANBU. I went to guide camps at around that age. Both my ds' went to a camp when in P7 so only 10/11. There are adults there to look after them. They will be fine (if a little chilly and damp)

allmycats · 10/01/2014 14:20

YANBU stop doubting yourself - she will be fine

CaptainSweatPants · 10/01/2014 14:21

I don't think you're being unreasonable at all
But why are they camping in January?!! Is tithe only time of year they can hire the place or something? Is it because it's cheaper this time of year?

Maryz · 10/01/2014 14:22

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

fortifiedwithtea · 10/01/2014 14:25

YANBU my DD15 has done DofE bronze and practice silver and has always come back in one piece no matter how bad the weather.

As long as your DD is well prepared (which she is) no problem. Hope she has a fab time.

hallowisitmeyourelookingfor · 10/01/2014 14:26

YANBU, she will have a great time.

However, it is an odd time to go camping IMO. Especially with the recent floodings and huge deluges of water, I'm just amazed there's somewhere that big and green that isn't waterlogged!
And I would never do it either, camping isn't the life for me!!

But Yellow, why do you automatically jump to the conclusion that her DC will be sat in front of Facebook or a games console? Bit of an assumption there isn't there? My DC aren't going camping this weekend or ever but they don't spend their weekends in front of the tv!

TheProsAndConsOfHitchhiking · 10/01/2014 14:28

Yanbu. Sounds great! My ds started cubs the end of last year and he loves it! I can't wait for him to go on his first camp (regardless of the month ) :)

cashmiriana · 10/01/2014 14:35

My DD1 would go. She goes camping several times a year with Guides. The big meets have showers etc and are incredibly well organised. The smaller ones, in a tiny muddy field, one cold tap and no hot water, might be a bit more challenging at this time of year, but I think she'd still go.

So long as they have thermals, a hat to wear in bed, and plenty of layers, they'll be fine.

Ginocchio · 10/01/2014 14:40

What's that old saying - "there's no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing"...

Of course YANBU to let her go - no doubt she'll have a fantastic time.

TwoLeftSocks · 10/01/2014 14:42

YANBU, hope she has a fantastic time! (Quite jealous really)

MammaTJ · 10/01/2014 14:43

YANBU, our children do not break when faced with a bit of weather!

They are not made of paper and do not disintigrate because of a little rain.

They do not usually get blown away by a bit of wind.

insomniarules · 10/01/2014 14:44

Good for her! Our camp was in December but was indoors as the potential for flooding/adverse weather was quite high. She will be well prepared by her leaders with her kit list. The leaders wouldn't be going if they thought that it would be too cold or anything.

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