I just chaperoned on a weekend retreat with about 130 6th through 8th graders with our youth group at church. It's my 7th grade daughter's group and it was a great trip to a beautiful camp in S. Carolina. I actually went there when I was a teenager.
I usually try to go on these trips-- they are a great opportunity to observe. My kids don't seem to mind, since I respect their space there and let them come find me if they need me-- I chaperone everyone else but them! There are plenty of other parents to keep them in line! We have kids from about 15 different public and private schools in the area, and it's hard for them to break out of their groups and make new friends. I find that it hard for me too, and these trips are a great way to meet new people. (You bond with other women who are willing to sleep in a sleeping bag on a bunk bed, and share 1 bathroom with 15 middle school girls!)
I feel awkward sometimes because I seem to be the only divorced parent in the church crowd, but my main goal is to be as involved as possible in my kids lives-- so I'm learning to get over that. And I would hate to miss such a great weekend over not wanting to answer people's questions!
