Severe anxiety over Outdoor Ed

[Anonymous]

DD didn't attend in 6th grade. She has anxiety that was especially severe that year. We decided with her therapist that she just wasn't ready. She is now in 8th and in a much better place. I think we made the right decision. There were no negative repercussions on the part of the school for not attending. Her counselor was completely supportive when we told her of our decision.

[Anonymous]

We are in a similar situation. We volunteered to chaperone but it turns out that this particular middle school doesn't allow chaperones, even though they encouraged parents to volunteer at the information night. Very frustrating.

[Anonymous]

Whats outdoor ed?

[Anonymous]

MCPS program for 6th graders. They go away for two nights to a nature center.

[Anonymous]

I'm a middle school teacher with MCPS and have been on Outdoor ED many, many times. 99% of the kids love it, even though many are nervous about being away from home. One idea is to explain to the teacher in charge of outdoor Ed or to the administrator your concerns. Make an arrangement that he comes with all his stuff to sleepover, and that you will call after dinner time each night and talk with your son. At that time he can choose to stay or for you to pick up. He might be more willing to go if he knows that he has a way "out" each evening.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
I'm a middle school teacher with MCPS and have been on Outdoor ED many, many times. 99% of the kids love it, even though many are nervous about being away from home. One idea is to explain to the teacher in charge of outdoor Ed or to the administrator your concerns. Make an arrangement that he comes with all his stuff to sleepover, and that you will call after dinner time each night and talk with your son. At that time he can choose to stay or for you to pick up. He might be more willing to go if he knows that he has a way "out" each evening.

OP here. Thanks for all the comments. We recently tried a sleepover at grandparents with success and are having DS meet with our parent therapist soon to discuss coping strategies. We haven't heard DS mention Outdoor Ed in the last day or so, but are sure he will verbalize again soon enough. Interesting thought about speaking to him by phone each night, but knowing my DS if we give him the "out" option he will take it. That wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, but letting him cope/struggle through the experience may be more fulfilling for him in the long run.