To think it's a big mingling to wear the same t shirt all week?

[AlexanderHamilton]

Dd just got back from a residential performing arts summer school. She took plenty of appropriate kit as per directions. The cost included a free t shirt.

On the first day all the kids (aged 15 & 16) were told they must wear their branded t shirt. Dd & some of the others were a bit . She uses plenty of deodorant & showers regularly but active teens get sweaty.

One girl had been the year before & had last year's t shirt with her. She wore it one day & was told to put the proper one on. She some travel wash however & had hand washed her tshirt so it was still wet so she couldn't wear it.
Not the most pressing issue in the world I know but that combined with a lack of food (one option only, no snacks, no seconds) made me think what on earth have I just paid £500 for.

Dd has been on many, many similar residentials in previous years & not encountered this before.

I don't imagine the £500 was primarily to pay for T shirts but yes, wearing any garment for a week is minging. I'd at least put on another T shirt (changed daily) underneath and try not to dribble baked beans on the official one.

Eww. No that's not nice.

No the £500 was accommodation, (basic) food (limited Dd was hungry) & tuition. (Dd learnt very little during the week.

She wore sports bras underneath - changed daily.

All sounds a bit crap really you need to feedback to the people running at and review online wherever possible so others don't get duped too. Did she enjoy it?

she wore sports bras underneath-changed daily
Even so wearing the same T shirt for a week is gross.

She didn't have a bad time but felt it wasn't value for money.

She & a friend had gone there to see what the place was like with a view to applying full time. Neither were impressed. The t shirt thing just seemed odd on top of lots of other things.

Yeah that is crap - I reckon if they provided two it might be ok, but one is gross.

Seems really dd!

A hoody - yeah. Tshirt - no.

That is gross and crap of them.

Can you make a complaint? Do the other parents know that the kids were TOLD to wear the same t-shirt the whole week?

Ewww, YANBU! Very shortsighted of them. Has anyone raised the issue?

I would say that not changing your clothes is the best way to stink.

It's not fair to put her in a situation where she has no alternative but to smell. Not feeding them enough is just as unacceptable.

i would imagine looking after hungry, smelly children isn't a nice choice for anyone.

Yanbu

I go to Scout/Guide camps where an official camp t-short is provided but you wear it for one day and then wear your own clothes the rest of the time.

They could've said everyone wear the official t-shirt on the first day, done whatever photos etc needed doing then.

Or included the same number of t-shirts as days at camp.

Beyond grim.

Understand if they want everyone in the branded tops, but, they either need to provide adequate wash facilities or alternatively supply enough tops for the week and include that within the cost.
Assuming performing arts involves dance etc which would make most people sweaty and sticky that's even worse.

The one thing Dd was very impressed with was the student helpers (who are on the full time course she was interested in). Their level of knowledge & ability was outstanding which is why she's still interested in the full time course.

I'd make a complaint and speak to other parents to get their views.

Chips - there was a lot less dance than we'd been led to believe. One jazz class on the first day then one workshop given by an ex student who is in a west end show (Dd said the workshop was brilliant & challenging) apart from that just simple choreography to the songs they learnt.

And with regards to the food. The confirmation details said participants were strictly not allowed to take their own "tuck" due to allergies. All meals & snacks would be provided. Meals were tiny portions, one option only e.g. If you didn't like lasagne there was no other option one night. Veggie option only if you had previously told them you were veggie. They were told not allOwed to ask for seconds. The snacks consisted of one biscuit & a drink mid afternoon (they called it afternoon tea). Afte the evening meal there was nothing available until the morning, not even a piece of fruit.

I won't be putting in a complaint. Dd & I have laughed about it, especially considering the fact this school is supposed to be much better than her current school, & moved on.