I've named changed for this, but I'm a long time, if not always so regular (these days) poster.
We've organised a big birthday treat for our DD who will be 15 soon. Several reasons why we've been unable to do much for her over the last several Birthdays, so we wanted to make this one special for her, which on her choosing is a camping trip with a small group of her friends.
We already know these kids, like most around here at this age have been dabbling with drink & drugs, cannabis been easier for them to get their hands on than beer. We do tend to take a more liberal approach with DD & believe keeping communication open with her & educating her about drugs, rather than denial, if that makes sense. As a result we've accepted her owning up to smoking a small amount of weed on rare occasions such as end of term parties etc, without a huge fuss, but strict rules that we always know when, where & who with, even having some control over where it comes from so we know it's as safe as can be .
This approach has worked well so far, as when her best friend got into trouble & took ill after smoking what must have been rocket fuel version of weed (at bloody youth club😖) DD felt able to call us for help. Which given the very vulnerable situation the girls were in, (hassled by older more predatory teens to smoke strong drugs) we are really glad about. DD has also listened to advice & didn't smoke any herself.
BUT, I've had a bad feeling this last few days, turned out that's not unfounded. It's come to my attention that DDs friends are planning bringing MDMA/Ecstasy to DDs camping trip with view to getting off their nuts whilst in our care. Having had a nosey on a SM account, DD was at least the voice of reason, given that we've already taught her the downside of this drug & others, emphasising that she is very high risk to dangerous side effects due to a health problem. Thankfully she has listened & was saying no she wouldn't, but was then talked into a "tiny amount" after 2 of the kids talked her into it describing when they've taken it before (one is only just turned 14😦)
I feel pretty bloody angry if I'm honest, this is going to be a big expense & major stress for us minding a small gang of teens who I had thought up until this point were fairly sensible. We had promised DD we would stay in the background & allow them to feel that they were camping alone, but be there with food & back up when needed. (& of course keeping a close eye, but from a distance)
I don't have parents contacts yet, bar one, we don't even know who they are, though I have insisted that we get permission & it must come directly from all parents or the teen who doesn't get that won't come. So far we haven't heard from parents, though all teens say they are coming.
I'm really not sure how to handle this. Part of me wants to insist that DD adds me to the group chat where this is discussed & I will tell them all myself in no uncertain terms that this will not be tolerated, we will spot it easily if they do take drugs & we will haul their backsides to the police & contact parents if anyone put us in that situation. It's dangerous given poor network/no wifi coverage where we stay.
Or just text DD that we know & nobody comes along who thinks that sort of behaviour is okay & we will cancel if theres even a sniff of it & I will be watching more closely from now on & hack her accounts if necessary. Considering contacting the school too, though we've had enough drugs info from them that I suspect they know. Though I can now name the 13 y/o dealer 😧
WTAF, did we let ourselves in for, I'm not naive, or didn't think I was, but bloody hell 😐
Ideas on how best to handle this appreciate