[blindkid] kids away from home

[Andy & Sally Thomas]

At what age did you let your kids attend overnight activities that were not run by blindness or disability centered groups without you?  I'm sure it depends on the maturity of the child as well as the type of group.  I must say that I worry about my son either being babied or left behind somewhere.  I'm not sure if the "age appropriate behavior" idea applies or not since I would have to rely on others--not just my son's abilities.  He's pretty independent but sometimes I think he may be too independent to ask for appropriate help.  And it seems to me that most people are pretty clueless about blindness.  I know I could talk with them about it but I'm still a bit nervous.

He's attended several away from home activities at the school for the blind and the Louisiana Buddy Program but I'm not as comfortable sending him to church retreats.  Am I being too cautious?

Sally Thomas