to let my daughter go camping this weekend?

[Stinklebell]

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?

Another one saying it will be great- which your daughter already knows as she did it last year. My DC's have been going to Gilwell winter camp for years, some much , much colder than this year. One year was a wet one and the talk all the way home was of who had managed to get the muddiest. I've never seen so much mud on clothes in all my life but they had had a fantastic time. It's sad that some children are deprived of such experiences because of their parents fears.

I remember my son camping with army cadets and it snowed overnight. He survived

Yanbu

My DD is going camping with her Cubs group next month & is already beside herself with excitement. We do a lot of camping, she has the right kit, what is there to be worried about??

I hope your DD has a fab weekend :)

I'm assuming it's WInter Camp at Gilwell - it's amazing and all the leaders are well aware of what to look for if the kids are getting too cold. BEst event in the scouting calendar according to my kids!

bucksmum yes it's, Wintercamp at Gilwell.

I haven't heard from anyone, but one of the leaders has posted pics on their FB group and they look like they're having fabulous fun.

Washing machine will be on double time when she gets back but, hey, that's what they're for right?

I am not sure what the hell these parents are going on about eejits glad you sent her the leaders are qualified if she gets hypothermia cold DD used to go to a camp with guides every november granted it was in a shed doodah but they had a ball,

YADNBU, it sounds very supervised and organised and your DD wants to go, it's not like you're forcing her! I think the other mother was out of order.

In fact I know it's PA but I'd be so tempted to take those photos of them having fun to the next PTA meeting and rub them in that woman's face.

Topaz - I think she'll see it on FB as she has a child in Beavers so will be a member of the FB group. No action required from me!

I've just spoken to her - she's been horse riding, white water rafting (even more shameful is that I signed the extra paperwork required for her to take part in that) and loads of other stuff that I would never, ever in a million years have expected her to do, so I think it's safe to say fun levels are equal to mud levels

Barring unforeseen arctic storms, camping in winter is not a problem as long as appropriate equipment is used.

Stinklebell

You may well have seen this already, but here is a Youtube movie from the Winter Camp, including white water rafting etc.

Just in case you might want to forward it to anyone ... can't think who though?

I'm quite jealous. I sleep so much better when camping, no matter what the weather. Hope she has fun.

If she wants to go that is all that matters. Our local Scout troop always does winter camping, it is hugely popular.

up one thigh
bugger

Some people are just barking. Your only BU bit is giving what the mad bat said any thought at all!

sounds brilliant, hope she enjoys it and if her scout training has been going well she'll be able to navigate her way to a phone box to call you to collect her if she's really not enjoying it!