How old is old enough,to have an overnight stay, without your family?

[zingara]

My daughter is 6 yrs old, and is a Rainbow guide member. The club are considering holding an overnight sleepover, and they are wanting to measure the level of interest before applying for their licence. At present I have no idea where they will be staying or who will be attending. My gut feeling is that my daughter is far too young, and I would not like her to participate on this occasion. I somehow feel okay about leaving her in the care of this club for 1 hour, once a week but not so keen overnight. How would fellow ABers feel about their child staying overnight with their club, without their family being there?

[baza]

seems a bit too young IMO would suggest 8 or 9 is a more suitable age.

[NOX]

Depends on the child. If your child is confident, outgoing and aware that they will sleep somwhere else overnight without you and fully understands that then I think it's fine subject to all the appropriate safeguards being in place. If on the other hand your child is a little timid and easily worried perhaps then wait until they have gained a bit more self confidence.

[MASS1961]

The equivalent to Rainbows on the boys side of Scouting is Beavers and i'm pretty sure they don't have overnights at that age. Normally starts when they move to Cubs aged 7 (Year 3 at school)

[Prudie]

My daughter and her club didn't do this sort of thing until she was a Brownie which was early enough in my opinion.

[MASS1961]

Am I right, Year 3 is 1st year Junior?. That's what I mean't

[sinderella]

go with your gut feeling.i know what it tells me.

[LoftyLottie]

Agree with Nox on this.

[sherrardk]

Boy #2 will go on a residential trip with school next year when he will be 9 which is ok (ish) with me. Would let girl (aged 6) stay with her best friend as they only live a couple of doors away (but would fret all night even though the mother is my good friend too). If in doubt, I would say no.

[zingara]

Thank you all for replying. As I'd mentioned in my post My daughter won't be going, I know when I mention this to her dad he will be of the same opinion, I was interested to know of other folk's opinions. She isn't timid, and is very confident. I would like her to remain confident so I will not put her in a position that could potentially jeopardize this. Unfortunately she is very keen to attend the sleepover, I'm sorry for the young lasses but I'm hoping the other parents say no too. My daughter has only stayed away from home twice, one over nighter 2 weeks ago, with family friends, and last year whilst visiting family abroad, she stayed with her auntie who she had met for the first time during the holiday. The letter that I received from the club, stated that they had never held such an event before, and they were gathering info re interest.

[Brinjal]

Just a little too young definitely

[NOX]

I can understand you not wanting your own child to participate if you think she's not ready, although I personally feel it's a shame if she's very keen and would allow my daughters to attend if they were of a mind to in similar circumstances, but why wish for the whole event to be cancelled just because you don't like the idea of it?

[Mamyalynne]

By all means give your input and concerns but if enough agree and the stopover takes place, as long as you are happy with the leaders I would give her the chance to go.

[annie0000]

Beavers do do overnights but that is closer to age 8, when they move to Cubs so they would be mature 7 year olds.....and they will camp out in tents whereas I am sure the Rainbows will probably sleep as a group in a hall or something. I used to go away for a week at a time when I was in Brownies - is that 7 and up? Can't really remember - I know I left when I was 11 and went to at least 3 of these week long camps. I would think that a group of 6 year olds would probably be a bit of a disaster, as you say probably not many have stayed away before and there will be a lot of homesick wee ones having to be picked up late at night I would imagine :o). My boys are in Scouts now - age 10 and a half upwards and there are still times where a boy or two has to be collected from camp........not mine fortunately!!

[B00]

Mine was 6 or possibly younger at 5 when she had her first Rainbow sleepover.

No way no how was she going to miss it, she was going and that was that, as far as she was concerned anyway.

And she had a blast :-)

What does your daughter want to do?

[B00]

ooo just read your later reply zingara, and I must say, that it's quite mean of you to deny her something that is so much fun for them just because you don't think she's ready for it.

The girls really do have a fantastic time of it. Not fair to place your insecurities on your daughter.

[murraymints]

too too young....10+ better !

[zingara]

Thank you all for your replies, it's very interesting seeing the difference of opinions. Boo, re my insecurities, I think that's why I posted the thread, I needed to check out whether I am being unreasonable with my decision. For some it would seem that I am but for others, not. Every ones point is valid and I appreciate every comment. Nox, I have also given your point some thought, and came to the conclusion, that I'm sure it wouldn't be my decision alone that would prevent the event from going ahead. Thank you all again.

[B00]

Glad you didn't think my reply too harsh zinara, on reflection perhaps I was a bit too blunt, apologies.

But please, if this does go ahead, listen to your daughter, if she really wants to go- let her! Afterall, im sure if she gets weepy and wants to come home, you'll only be a phone call away.

The sleepover Mini Boo went to while in Rainbows was help in the local school gym with other Rainbows packs from the area, they had a film night, with popcorn, and she and the rest had a fantastic night.

She's now in Brownies and is going for a weekend away in June, and ot say she's excited about it is an understatement.

[starone]

I would let her go but would lie awake all night worrying about whether she is all right or not. This is really about you and not her.

[fairycakes69]

Our youngest son was in Beavers age 6 went on a weekend camp, but each had to have an adult with them. I'm pretty sure there would have to be so many children per adult, why don't you volunteer to be a parent helper for the sleepover, that way your daughter isn't missing out and you are there to help out. Problem solved.