Is my child too young to go on a residential trip?

[feelgoodvibes]

My son is in year three and due to go on a 2 night trip with his school in two weeks. I agreed to this a couple of months back and paid for it - around £250. Me and his dad were not on talking terms back then so I told him about the trip and that DS would be going and he said he thought DS was too young and wasn't happy with it- we had no contact after that so I decided to proceed with trip as I think DS would enjoy and benefit from this trip. They will be doing adventure activities such as rafting and climbing, will have four teachers supervising.

I spoke to a friend who is also a father and he said he thought year 3 was too young also and that's made me question it, as I originally thought his dad said no out of spite and because he didn't want to pay towards the trip - he's managed to get out of paying maintenance for the last year.

DS is excited about the trip and having fun with some of his friends.

What's your verdict? Would you allow your 8 year old on a residential?

My 7 year old is going camping with Beavers for two nights on Friday 🤷🏼‍♀️

8 is fine

DD went for her first residential this year (yr3) next one through school will be year 5. She was a bit nervous and there were some tears on drop off but she had a fabulous time.

hm, I didn’t let my 7 year old go on brownie camp but I’d probably allow a school trip.

We let 7 year old dd do this but 3 nights. No issues, had a blast. Signed up again for the next one!

I bet

Of course he should go - could you imagine telling him that he is not going now that he is so excited?

Totally fine in my book and not too young

Wrong thread- soz

If your son is excited & happy, then he’s not too young. I imagine that spending time between you & Ex, will actually help him in this situation as he’s used to spending time away from you.

Trust your instincts!

I am sure he will have a great time, our school takes them away in Year 4 but DC went away age 6&7 with Beavers. They are kept so busy they don't have time to miss home.

My year 3 just got back from a 1 night residential and had a great time.

Presumably they do this trip knowing that children of this age enjoy it?

Surely the fact the school is running the trip for his age group would suggest he's not too young.

My seven year old year 2 son went on a one night residential last night, he has only ever slept at Grandma’s house before, but he was fine. Obviously came back in the same pants and hadn’t done a decent job of cleaning his teeth.

He loved it, had a great time and wants to go again. He isn’t a very confident child and has attachment difficulties, but he was okay.

They start them in year 2 in our school.

Your DC will have an amazing time.

The school and the activity centre are running this trip for that age group which surely shows a number of people who work with children on a regular basis think that year 3 isnt too young. Parents will have different opinions but you were obviously of the opinion it was ok and your DS seems happy to go so dont overthink it.

Mine started in Y2. They were absolutely fine.

Interesting!
I think Brownie Leaders are much more likely to be older and parents themselves,

My 7 year old has been to beavers camp and is going on a residential next week. He LOVES the camp, and they really looked after him.

Broadly speaking if it's a trip run by school for your child's year then they and the majority of parents sending their children must think it's age appropriate or it wouldn't be viable to run it.
Some children might not be ready for a residential trip in year three, that's your call, you know your child.
Mine started going on camp age seven.

ah she had only just started and I didn’t know them. I’d never met them and I just wasn’t comfortable with it.

I think it really depends on the child. I didn't cope well with a 2 night trip aged 9 but I'm autistic and struggle with anything outside my comfort zone. My niece isn't quite 6 yet and she'd be absolutely fine

Round here, kids go on residential trips from Year 2.

Mine all went from Year 3 - school, beavers and brownies.

How can he be too young if other kids his age are going and have done in previous years too I expect?

He's well supervised and excited so I'd ignore both of these risk-averse dads who would be raising wimpy kids afraid of adventure and excitement if it was down to them. I think covid is to blame for at least some of it. I've never known a school year like it for over-protective kids.

I’m 35…. It’s a while ago now!

in year 3 I went to Plas Nantglyn in wales for 4 nights.

year 4 I went to mill on the Brue in Somerset for 4 nights

year 5 was the Lake District for 4 nights (I know it was next to lake Windermere somewhere!

year 6 was the Isle of Wight. Again 4 nights. I remember vividly that on the ferry we found Martin the bus driver that took us to Wales in year 3. We were so excited 🤣🤣

we had an absolute blast! Still remember them all fondly now. Ah the good old Wheatley Primary days!

Your DS will have a blast!