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?

[ChocolatChip]

Hi Zingara,
I'm actually a Rainbows Guide Leader (in training) and my guide group has decided not too take part in the rainbows sleepover. I think maybe they are a bit too young, and my mentor doesn't think it's worth the stress to attempt it ;)
They will normally stay in the place where the rainbows meet or if it's related to 'the big sleepover' then they'll be with a large amount of girls from other rainbow groups, brownies and guides in a larger guides centre.
From what I've heard though (never been part of one myself, yet!) it's an absolute blast and they absolutely love it.
The brownies often actually go away for a few days at a time too, so I think it's getting the younger ones used to it.
It's entirely up to you as a parent, but I would think if your daughter wants to go and you think she would be okay then I can't see a problem. It might be more of a case of separation anxiety for you?
We are all very nice people at Guides and care about the welfare of the children very much. And these sleepovers would not be done if they hadn't continued to be successful. :)

[friedgreentomato]

Agree with Boo, do you want some more cotton wool?

[erin-x]

My mum was a Rainbow Leader but I can't remember any sleepovers, in rainbows or brownies.

If I had a daughter I would definitely let her go. I would obviously let her make her own mind up though. If she was to get scared or upset I'm sure the rainbow leader would contact you straight away. Would you let her stay at a friend's house?

[michelle29]

According to me I would allow my child to stay over night at the age of 18 or above. Because i don't wanted to see him in a bad situation in future.