Am I being overprotective about my DS going on camp with cubs?

[Nordicdaydream]

My DS (8) has been offered a place on a cub’s camp for two nights at the beginning of December, which he’s excited about.
The only thing I’m really struggling with is the journey. They’re going on a Friday evening, so it will be dark, and it’s around two hours away, including motorway driving. They’ll be travelling in a minibus with one of the camp leaders driving.
I keep worrying about the possibility of them having a motorway accident, and the thought of something happening to my little boy is really frightening me. Especially as it’ll be dark and potentially foggy/bad weather conditions.

I know accidents can happen anywhere and that motorway journeys are a normal part of life, but I can’t seem to stop thinking about the journey and all the things that could go wrong.
I don’t want my anxiety to stop him from having exciting experiences and becoming more independent, especially if it’s something he’ll really enjoy. But equally, I’m finding it hard to feel comfortable with him being so far away from me.

Am I being unreasonable and overprotective, or is this a reasonable thing to worry about? Would you let your 8 year old go (he’s only just turned 8) and is there anything you’d want to check with the camp beforehand?

I’m genuinely interested in hearing from other parents, particularly those whose children have been on similar camps. Please be kind, as I know some of this is probably my anxiety talking.

YABU. Both our DC (now 14 and 12) have been going on camps with the scouting organisation since they were in Cubs, the youngest actually camped out as Beaver too. They have a great time, learn new things and always come back having had a great time.

You can’t project your anxieties onto your children, you’ll cripple them, restrict their growth and ultimately hinder them.

I'm interested in different ways of assessing readiness for a DC to go on overnight trips. My only test was their enthusiasm for going, which seemed to me a sign we had raised a confident, independent child.

Is it just the journey you're worried about or is that a bit of a cover for you not wanting him to go away for two days? If it's the journey that has you so anxious then why not drive him yourself that way it'll ease your mind & he won't miss out.

I feel for you, it’s hard letting them go (at any age!) but it’s so
so good for them.

Could you maybe stay in a hotel nearby?

Are they going to be camping in December or staying indoors?