Worried about 2-night camping trip

[PastSellByDate]

Our dd brought home a letter from the school about a proposed 2-night trip at an outdoor adventure centre. The school said they'd have a meeting for parents - but this was in fact held in front of our children. The trip will cost £130 and involves 2 nights staying away from home.

The teacher organising this trip had prepared an extremely glossy video about the previous year's trip and got all the school children excited about the prospect of this camping trip next year. However, the school never approached us parents first about our support for such an expensive trip - nor did they seek our permission about offering a field trip which involves 2 nights staying away from home. The teacher said that the children would not be allowed contact with home during the 3 days they're away.

Our DD is very interested in going - but we're unsure. Although I'm sure the kids would have a great time, and we know they have done this trip at this centre before, I can't help feel that 8 is a bit young for 2 nights away from home.

Am I just being an old fuddy-duddy? Do other schools do this kind of thing in the first weeks of Y4?

[Acanthus]

I think we all worry when they go, but I also think all the risks you have mentioned are pretty minimal. My two have been away four times and I always worry, but I think you should let them go. You have to let them be independent. You have to start somewhere. One of mine was homesick on the first night but he slept ok and enjoyed the trip otherwise. The other struggles with lack of sleep. But on balance, it's better for them that they go.

[seeker]

I find it really hard to believe that if your child was taken to hospital you wouldn;t be called - are you sure about that?

[Cordova]

my experience is that this is normal fror primary schools - all three schools the DSs have been have done approximately the same, and I did when I was at school. Kids are resilient if you let them be

[Cordova]

OP if you're worried that they don't take care when children are injured, it's not the trip that's the problem - I wouldn't keep my child in the school!

[BadBagel]

It sounds to me like you are clutching straws in finding reasons why your DD shouldn't go on this trip. Ofcourse a school would contact you if your DD had to be taken to the hospital, or had fallen ill or was misbehaving. If you honestly think they wouldn't then I agree with Cordova and you should take your child out of that school!

Your DD wants to go, she is ready for it. You are not and that is what you have to address.