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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

PGL

43 replies

Notagoodtime · 10/05/2021 12:47

DS has the opportunity to go on PGL in a few weeks time. We were unsure if it was going ahead until today so I have tried to put it to the back of my mind. Ds wants to go but I have reservations but not sure if I am being unreasonable. DS has food allergies and it worries me I will be 3 hours away if he becomes poorly. Secondly I still feel a bit anxious about everything opening up too quickly. Ds would like to go. I know I can be overprotective so would like others opinions please.

OP posts:
Macaroni46 · 15/05/2021 17:52

That's understandable @Coffeealways but PGL is very safe and it's so beneficial for the kids to go away and experience these things. And just to be away from home tbh

Coffeealways · 15/05/2021 18:00

@Macaroni46

That's understandable *@Coffeealways* but PGL is very safe and it's so beneficial for the kids to go away and experience these things. And just to be away from home tbh
I hope so! Are all PGLs safe? Or are they different in terms of risk/activity (adventure, etc)? I am not very familiar with the concept so am quite worried same as OP: firstly in terms of allergy, and secondly the activities seem too adventurous or I may be overthinking!
Dobbyisahouseelf · 15/05/2021 18:33

I understand your reservations but it is so important for our children to grow emotionally.

My DD went to PGL in year 5 and a couple of her classmates had severe allergies. The teachers were experienced and the whole year had a great time, although there might have been a few tears first night.

Perhaps have a chat with the lead teacher and go through protocol if your DS was to become unwell. If your DS has food allergies make sure that he practises checking every time that the food is suitable for him before eating and if in doubt check with his teacher.

Dobbyisahouseelf · 15/05/2021 18:40

@Coffeealways The staff at PGL were lovely and my DD's teachers encouraged the children to give some thing a go, however, they never forced them.

Several children were a little concerned about some of activities but they were so happy if they completed the challenge. Or just even attempted it, lots of encouragement.

My DD is year 13 and has fond memories of PGL from year 5.

MadeOfStarStuff · 15/05/2021 18:47

I’ve been to 2 different PGL sites as a scout leader (one huge and one small). I didn’t have any kids with major allergies but both sites seemed really well set up for dietary needs and the staff were keen to make sure every child had something they would eat even if the only restriction was homesickness induced fussiness.

The activities are all run incredibly safely as well. We’ve never had any injuries at PGL (but have at scout camp or normal evening activities, to put it into perspective)

sweeneytoddsrazor · 15/05/2021 18:52

All the activities at PGL are as safe as they could possibly be. Everyone is encouraged not forced to do the various activities. Safety is absolutely paramount and whilst you obviously can't 100%guarantee accident free, there is very very little likelihood of any major accidents
The most likely cause of an accident is almost always a child not doing as instructed. In all the years I have been going the worst accident was someone shutting their fingers in the door.

Coffeealways · 15/05/2021 18:54

[quote Dobbyisahouseelf]@Coffeealways The staff at PGL were lovely and my DD's teachers encouraged the children to give some thing a go, however, they never forced them.

Several children were a little concerned about some of activities but they were so happy if they completed the challenge. Or just even attempted it, lots of encouragement.

My DD is year 13 and has fond memories of PGL from year 5.[/quote]
That’s great to hear! I may tell my DC to try out some things but stay and wait for things they are not so sure about..

MadeOfStarStuff · 16/05/2021 09:58

@Coffeealways

The way the scarier activities are run usually means they only have a few DC at a time going up, so if your child is unsure they can wait til a few of their friends have done it first. There’s always a few who are very keen to go first anyway.

But I would always suggest you tell them to try everything but nobody will force them to do anything they really don’t want to.

JackANackAnoreeee · 16/05/2021 10:03

I would let him go OP an use the time between now and then to amke sure he's absolutely confident dealing with his allergies and knows how to react to possible issues.

Itsanothernamechange · 16/05/2021 10:08

Ex staff here, though a fair few year ago.
If it still runs the same your group will have what's known as a group leader who's only job is to look after your group. They will have a list of all children in the group and any dietary/medical/sen needs. The food is very good there compared to some of the companies I worked at. They are very used to dealing with allergies and religious requirements.

NoSquirrels · 16/05/2021 10:13

If you’re worried about PGL activities then I’d say your DC absolutely will benefit from it a lot because it’s not the type of thing they’ll experience with you, if you’re not into taking them to high ropes, kayaking etc. My DC loved it, and my DN who was most timid and reluctant to go had the best time ever - really out if their comfort zone but thrilled with themselves when they got back. It’s such a big bonding experience- do encourage them to go and try to overcome your overprotective instincts.

Coffeealways · 16/05/2021 21:11

I have read PGL are very safe etc, but also read about the case where children fell from trapeze etc. can’t stop thinking about the risks!

sweeneytoddsrazor · 16/05/2021 21:20

They won't fall because they wear a harness. Seriously there is very little risk of them having an accident. Far less risk of being in an accident at PGL than on the drive to school.

NoSquirrels · 16/05/2021 21:52

@Coffeealways

I have read PGL are very safe etc, but also read about the case where children fell from trapeze etc. can’t stop thinking about the risks!
There’s risk in everything in life.

A planned activity that schools run year in year out, run by a company set up to facilitate this type of activity day in day out, is a really REALLY safe bet.

If you pack your children in cotton wool they’ll grow up risk averse. It’s great you recognise it’s your issue that you’re anxious. Don’t you want your children to be free of anxious thoughts? This is a step in making sure you encourage them to be free.

Coffeealways · 16/05/2021 22:11

That’s true, I am probably just a person who overthinks stuff with extreme maternal instincts.
By the way I sorry for stealing the stage OP!

MoiraNotRuby · 16/05/2021 22:16

PGL is brilliant. They are experts in giving children safe adventures- its the whole point of what they do. Both my DC had wonderful school trips with them, and we had a family holiday at a PGL centre which was also incredible. They have a system for everything. I loved it. Everyone is kept occupied and fed, I didn't have to look after anyone!

pipsqueakbollock · 16/05/2021 22:27

My DS is going in July

He has migraine and on strong drugs morning and evening.

Please let your DC demonstrate their maturity - have that chat that growing up and having fun means taking responsibility for your own health and how proud it makes you etc etc

Of course I totally get your fear.
Consider this the practise run for secondary.

Come on! Big girl pants required Thanks

Iloveitall · 16/05/2021 22:32

I think he should go. I will have the same soon with my year 5 child who has type 1 diabetes and I can understand your worry but I’m sure he will be fine. It’s important their medical needs don’t hold them back and make them resentful - even though it will be a week if he’ll for us parents.

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