We found out that she hadn't told us the complete truth about the camp and that it's not as bad as she made it out to be, so in Lois style (from Malcom in the middle) she's going! Hopefully she will check her atittude at the door. She doesn't like the idea of giving up all her creature comforts for 2 days. I think this camp will open eyes and make her relise just how privileged she is. It's not the first time she's done this and I guess it's not gonna be the last. Thanks for your thoughts.

Cheers Raven

we camped in high school but not primary school what if some of them get scared

hey nicks going on camp in november and they have proper chefs and get breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, tea then supper its costing me $40.70 for 3 days two nights thats with school card concession. Kurtis is going in two weeks thats costing me $60, both have cabins and seperate toilets as they are camps throught the education department. Camps meant to be FUN ,nicks camp actually have teachers that work at the camp and his teacher gets time off. Sometimes public schools are better, ask her if she wants to go give her the choice

Oh I have to add one more thing...

The camp is two days and only one night (Basically a sleep over), so it is not like the kids are going to starve or suffer any bad effects after eating rice for one night.

The kids will have a heck of a lot of fun, and eating rice for one main meal and a few minor meals will certainly help them to understand just how lucky they are to live where they do. Personally I wouldn't be too worried about the camp, it is not something that will harm your daughter at all.

The school won't be doing this camp if it was something that was potentially dangerous. Schools have to take into mind every possible outcome, so their insurance carrier will allow the expedition to happen. The only thing that would make the kids not want to go is the whole idea of eating rice for every meal.....But in reality they will be only having one breakfast, two lunches (if you don't supply the first lunch) and one evening meal. They are not going to be "starved" by this set up.

My advice, don't stop your daughter going, as I bet she will end up having a blast! If you allow her to go, please can you give us an update as to how it all went?

If the camp is properly run, it should be a real eye opener for the kids. I personally would have jumped at the chance for this style of camp, both for the challenge and the experience.

I'm sure if you contact the school and explain your daughters period situation, they will reassure you that allowances will be made. After all in 3rd world countries women have their periods and have to learn to do what it takes to deal with it. I'm sure the camp will be fine and that your daughter will have an awesome time.

Again, if you are concerned about the hygiene aspect, chat with the school and see what provisions they have in place....I'm sure it will work out fine, if not brilliant!

I'll be honest with you and say if this camp happened while I was at school I'd be doing it... But I personally like doing that kind of camping (with a little more food though)...

It sounds like the school needs to give you a bit more information though....  I have not heard of something like this for a school camp before...

I would (if they don't give me more information then that), ask my kids if they wanted to go.. If not then fine with me... If yes, then I'd be getting a heck of a lot more information from the teachers before I let them go...

But like I said, I enjoy that kind of camping... So my opinion would be totally different.. I don't think my hubby would like it very much though, and then he would leave the choice up to the kids depending on the information we got from the teachers..

I just checked out the organisation that runs it (TEARaustralia) it is like the forty hour famine only that you live the slum life. You don't raise money for it but pay for the experience. The camp is Slum Survivor . It's a great idea but I don't think it's aproppiate as a class camp. My daughters concern is that she may get her period during the camp and that the toilets are inaproppiate for her needs as they are shared by both genders. Our concerns are the lack of consultation with parents, lack of location (we have no idea where its being held) and the food (rice for 2 days is in my opinion is too much and reminds me of Survivor the show, I don't want my daughter put off rice as it's one of our families staples). Am I being ridiculous in thinking that a camp should be fun and not be lesson orientated,this is her last year in primary school?

Hmmm I've never heard of this style of camp. Back when I was at school we used to do the 40 hour famine where we would sleep in the class room and suck on barley sugars. I guess my first question would be where the 30 dollars is going? Is it going towards the cost of the trip or being raised for a famine charity? If it is for a famine charity how much of your dollar is actually going there would be my next question. If this isn't for your daughter you could always allow her to camp in the backyard with a besty, some marshmellows and hot choccy and get her to pick a sponsor child for the month for the same price LOL

 That sounds like fun!, but yeah I dunno if the school should be doing it (school tips are basicly like that anyway lol) It sounds more like something you would do in scouts. Im not the parent of a 13 year old but I would be questioning it. Although you did say its only for a night so its not like its a week long and by the time they get there they would be coming home again and I dont think you would have to many issues in that short time.

But if not many want to go then you should bring it up with the teachers as they could then organise something else :)