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AIBU?

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Original poster

Kids and beaver overnight camps...

74 replies

H2fdqkg · 03/09/2024 20:46

My 6 year old is meant to be going away on a scout overnight camp. It's a big one with lots of kids from other groups/ages. Dh thinks it's totally fine but am feeling a bit uneasy. I know the leaders going with them but is 6 a bit too young for such things?

OP posts:
Springadorable · 03/09/2024 21:11

How long is the trip? Does your son want to go? Has he had sleepovers and been happy at friends?

MamaGarl85 · 03/09/2024 21:16

I have an almost 6 year old DD and I know she wouldn't be able to manage an overnight stay but I guess it depends on the child.

I am assuming there will be plenty of adults going to meet the needs of all ages?

budgiegirl · 03/09/2024 21:23

I'm a cub leader, and we have taken beavers with us on camp from age 6. Those that have been on camp have had a fantastic time - a few wobbles occasionally when tired, but soon the whole, they cope so well - I think they're amazing! So no, I don't think 6 is too young, but it might be too young for some 6 year olds - it all depends on the individual child.

Does your child want to go? Have they camped, or been for a sleepover with friends/family before?

The only thing I would say is to make sure that it's not your worries that are holding your child back. If you have concerns, speak to the leaders. I'm sure they will be able to give you reassurances. If you think your child won't cope, what is causing you to think that? Have they given any indication that they won't like it? Could they have a sleepover somewhere first, to see how they get on?

PotteringAlonggotkickedoutandhadtoreregister · 03/09/2024 21:24

My (now 7) DS went away with beavers overnight to camp when he was 6. He loved it!

MaryShelley1818 · 03/09/2024 21:25

DS6 started Beavers at the beginning of the year. There has so far been 2 opportunities for overnight trips and we all agreed (me, DH and DS) that he's too young atm. DS said he'll have a think about it next year.
Lots of the other Beavers have attended though - probably the majority tbh.

CaptainCrocs · 03/09/2024 21:25

My 7 year old did a 2 nighter and was ok. When he got back he wasn’t sure he wanted to go again though haha although I think he would do now, he was just tired. He was about 7 1/2, I don’t think he’d have coped at just turned 6 but probably ok at nearly 7. Every kid is different though. Does he want to go? And does he understand what it entails? Those are the questions. If it’s yes and yes I’d let him go.

ALovelyCupOfNameChange · 03/09/2024 21:27

Honestly they will have a ball.
the leaders have seen it all before, they will barely sleep for keeping an ear out. Any wobbles will be talked round or you contacted.

I do get your concerns, and I felt the same. It gives them such independence though. Before you know it they are packing off for the Duke of Edinburgh, pitching tents in record breaking time and not washing for a week.

KimKardashiansLostEarring · 03/09/2024 21:27

My 6 year old isn’t going on the Beavers sleepover. Wouldn’t be going on a camp either if there was one. Not at this age at least. I’d let him if I was there volunteering and supervising but that defeats the point and also I don’t want to supervise a bunch of annoying 6 year olds (honestly they’re awful, I don’t know how the leaders do it 😄). So that makes me think any other volunteers wouldn’t be that passionate about it either.

Then of course there was the recent ‘my son escaped the beavers sleepover and wandered through town’ thread 🙃🙃…

mindutopia · 03/09/2024 21:28

Does he feel confident going? I have a 6 year old in Beavers. I honestly don’t think he’d be comfortable doing an overnight camp. We have an older one who has done camps with cubs and now scouts, but probably from 8/9. But my 6 year old has never stayed anywhere without one of us (no family around, still too young for sleepovers). Realistically, quite a few 6-8 year olds are still in night nappies too, so that would also be a consideration.

DalloMallow · 03/09/2024 21:29

I helped out on a 1 night beavers sleepover in our scout hut when DS was 6, I think me being there helped him get through it, but we has a couple of beavers wake up crying at 11pm and needed to be picked up by their parents.
I think it does depend on the child, but I would be worried if the Beavers were sharing sleeping accommodation with older children, as I don't think that would work so well.

comedycentral · 03/09/2024 21:30

It's normal for beavers to camp and the get so much out of it. The leaders are amazing and look after them well. Have you thought about offering to volunteer to help with the camp and other activities? You would need a DBS but they arrange it and it means you could help with camping and other events if you think they are too young to go without you.

SockQueen · 03/09/2024 21:33

My DS did two overnights with Beavers last year when he was 6 and was totally fine. Went on a 2 night camp this year (aged 7) and was much more anxious, ended up very upset on the first night and coming home on the second day. I am not totally sure what changed that meant he wasn't ok when previously he had managed!

I'm a Brownie leader and have taken 7 year olds away loads of times. Having a little wobble is very normal, but I've only once actually had to call a parent to pick them up because of homesickness (couple of others due to illness/injury). I know a few girls haven't come on pack holiday because they/parents haven't felt they are ready, but the vast majority of those who do go manage just fine. So if he wants to go I'd let him give it a try, but if he's not sure, there's no harm in waiting.

TickingAlongNicely · 03/09/2024 21:33

I think about 50-75% of Beavers go.
Whereas Cubs (8-10yos) we had 95% at our last camp!

They need to do one camp/sleepover to get their Chief Scout Bronze... but its not a compulsory activity. Its just there if they (and their parents) want it.

Bouliegirl · 03/09/2024 21:34

I wouldn’t let my son go to beavers camp. This is awful, but I fear him getting bullied or abused l, or just scared.

SarahAndQuack · 03/09/2024 21:37

It's neither reasonable nor unreasonable, but FWIW DD has been going since she was 6 and loves them; her best mate hasn't been to any on his own. There's no right or wrong.

LanaParits · 03/09/2024 21:38

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ChocHotolate · 03/09/2024 21:38

Our Beaver leader only ever takes her group for 1 night away, partly because they are so young but partly because she doesn't sleep while away with them. She stays awake all night listening incase of problems (there are plenty of adults around for the day "cover")

Ablondiebutagoody · 03/09/2024 21:41

Does your son want to go? If so, I would do it and see how it goes. Mine has always loved that stuff. Being anxious as a parent is understandable but that's your issue, not your son's.

LlynTegid · 03/09/2024 21:41

I think it depends on if he has ever had a night away from you, say at a grandparent.

I shall never forget my mum's expression when beavers were introduced, and as for squirrels!!!

NoNameNoPlace · 03/09/2024 21:45

It was too young for my DS, and even if he’d wanted to go I would never send a 6 year old to an overnight trip with adults I don’t know. I was only comfortable with sleepovers with grandparents at that age.

Dreamerinme · 03/09/2024 21:45

DS is now in Cubs but he’s been doing the camps since Beavers age 6. In our group they do 1 night in Beavers, 2 nights in Cubs, and from a week in Scouts upwards.

He absolutely loves it and I used to be a parent volunteer and virtually the whole group goes to the camps. A couple of kids will stay until around 9pm then go home and then come back the next morning for the next day’s activities and meals - check if this is an option if you really don’t want him to go, but he’s still not totally missing out. I do think that it can give kids confidence to attend camps if they want to go, and good prep for y6 residentials.

To the poster who is worried about abuse taking place - our group is very, very hot on safeguarding and you can ask your group for their procedures. Among the rules, an adult must never be alone with a child at any time for any reason. Adult tents are situated far enough away from the kids tents to be a clear demarcation but still in earshot of any upset kids in the night etc. Kids are 4 to a tent, boys/girls kept separate

Pipersouth · 03/09/2024 21:47

I was a Beaver leader and only ever did one night indoor camping as they are still so young. Some kids felt a bit sad about being away from home over night (often for the first time) but only just before they went to sleep - before that they have a fabulous time. Distraction and fun works for most kids - some need a phone call home and some just need the encouragement- I’ve only had one go home who was actually sick. We had the option for non- campers to join on the 2nd day activities so they could see what the set up was and had running up sessions to see the tents- it’s a big deal but well trained Leaders really help. Maybe they will let your child join for part of the fun this time

Zanatdy · 03/09/2024 21:49

My son went age 6 and was fine. DD wouldn’t have been, depends on the child really

Timeforaglassofwine · 03/09/2024 21:52

Mine was fine. He had an absolute ball, but his supervising leader hardly slept. They develop confidence, self reliance, survival skills and teamwork, all under very safe conditions.
Leaders deserve a medal BTW, so thank you past an present leaders for giving up your time to give kids such a fantastic opportunity. Mine have outgrown Scouting now, but loved it right through to Explorers.

Flangeosaurus · 03/09/2024 21:56

Mine loved it at 6! Very very clear safeguarding rules (I have volunteered for a couple now). No adults alone with a child ever, no adults go in the children’s tents unless door is open and they are accompanied by another adult. Nobody sleeps to be honest! Most of the kids were awake for what seemed like forever and all the adults were sleeping with both ears open to respond to anyone who was upset or when we felt like individual tents were crossing the line with silliness. They have such a brilliant time, so many activities as well if it’s a proper camp. DS has done a sleepover at a theme park as well!