complicated question

[ebtbmom]

I am considering sending DS 12 to Sea World camp this summer. He really wants to go, isn't nervous at all, and would love to try flying alone; I am the nervous wreck! We live in NC and the thought of sending my kid alone all the way to FL to stay a week with people I don't know kinda freaks me out!

What would you do? I don't want to hold him back because of my fears, but I'm really nervous about letting him do this.

I am considering driving him down there and spending the week at Disney, however I have never been to Disney in June because I don't like crowds or heat. Is it possible to have fun at Disney in June? Would it be easier since I'd be solo and could go at my own pace?

So, a two part ?, would you send your kid to another state alone to go to camp or go with them and stay in the same town? Is Disney miserable in June or could it be tolerable if done at a slow pace?

 

[DISNEYFOS]

My kids are a lot younger so Its really hard to say what I would do at 11/12..but I think I would opt to go down there for the week...Allow them the independence for the week but still be within close driving distance. and a week at Disney isn't too shabby..sit by the pool, relax. I say its a win win

 

[mjkacmom]

In a heartbeat! I used to go to camp several states away when I was a kid (my parents never even saw it). Dd13 has flown alone the last couple of years to my SIL, and they go camping for 2 weeks, without cell service (rustic - no running water or electricity!). Ds11 is going to Cooperstown for a week in June without us (well, DH will go up for a night).

 

[Hannathy]

Yes I would send him to camp alone and have sent my kids! Heck at 14 my DD went to Italy with band for almost 3 weeks. She went to horseback camp in second grade and I didn't go stay in the town.

Thousands of 12 yr olds go to camp alone!!! Let him go he'll have a blast and they have to grow up whether we like it or not.

 

[ebtbmom]

I don't think it's the idea of him being at camp that bothers me, it's more the idea of flying alone. I know I'm probably paranoid and being pessimistic, but what if???

If something were going on on board I would want to be there with him. The thought of him having to deal with some terrifying situation alone totally freaks me out.

Any ideas about June weather and crowds. I mean, I know it's hot and crowded, but is it managable? Any done it and thought it wasn't that bad?

I should add that he has been to 4-H camp the past 4 years and that's a few hours away from our home by car. Me and DH stayed home and had a mini vacay ourselves !

 

[Hannathy]

If it helps my DD has flown alone since first grade and when she was 12 we didn't even pay for the unaccompanied minor fee, she did it on her own. The flight you are talking about would be a very short one.

Like I said they have to grow up sometime and in high school you can really tell the kids that have been entrusted with some independence as they were growing up vs the ones who never had that opportunity.