Like most people, I sleep better at home than away. When I took my 6th graders to Outdoor School for the first time last year, I had an epic bed fail.
I had no idea what to expect, and having no sleeping bag, I brought a flat bottom sheet, a blanket, and a small sofa pillow. It was a total disaster. I hadn’t anticipated that the mattress wold have a hard, vinyl covering.
The mattress itself wasn’t uncomfortable. Because I brought a flat sheep, it slipped off as I tossed and turned through the night. That left me laying on the vinyl, which was surprisingly noisy. My small pillow slipped through head rail and my blanket wasn’t enough. I slept terribly all three nights we were away.
This year, when I learned we’d be attending the same camp, I started planning for a better sleep experience. I considered purchasing a sleeping bag, but decided against it because hate having my feet contained in that way. I decided to bring a full sized pillow, a fitted flannel sheet, and a comforter cover. As I made my bed on Tuesday afternoon, I knew my sleep would be better.
I had a great sleep the first night and the fitted sheet worked perfectly, even though it was for a full-sized mattress, not a twin. The second night, my sleep was more fitful. the bedding still worked perfectly. The problem was that my mind wouldn’t shut down after learning we’d have to leave early due to Oregon’s decision to cancel all extra-curricular activities.
Before we left, we joked with the camp director that last year was fire (you can read about that here), this year was pestilence, who knew what we’d bring to Trickle Creek next year. Regardless of where we are or what disaster awaits us, I have a solid plan for a good night’s sleep while I am away.
booksandbassets 
Thanks for sharing about your adventure in sleeping away from home. It’s too bad your trip was cut short. The humor shared as you prepared to leave lightened the mood.
Live and learn…there’s so little we can really control, my “Daily Stoic” blog post reminds me, except for our reactions. You’ve got that down!
Getting a good night’s sleep while away, especially overnight camping with a group of students, is essential. Glad you figured out what you need and now you are a pro.
Sleep is the final frontier – one so easy for children and one that I’ve pursued ever since having them!
Flannel for the win! My daughter tosses and turns all night at home. I recently made a sleeping bag for her regular bed by sewing together two pieces of fleece. Now she can roll and turn all night and still stay covered. She was waking up cold in the middle of the night, but not any more!
There is nothing worse than not getting a good night’s sleep. Glad you found a solution
Plagues will not stop you from at least one good night’s sleep! I admire your preparation from one year to the next, especially how it paid off brilliantly.