a few of my friends are trying to get me to read the whole thing and while I admit Paris sewer systems are cool, 100 pages on them is a bit much :)

I've only read an abridged version, but it's cool you're reading the whole thing! 

and i thought i had seen bad exposition. that sounds horrible XD 

Exactly. I read as much of the part about the Battle of Waterloo as I had the patience for, then skipped the rest. 

I do a little bit of Python and Java but I'm not super experienced. What about you?

i totally get how nerve-racking sleeping away from your parents can be. in fact, the first time i ever really slept away from my parents (aside from at a relative's house) was on a school overnight trip as well! i'm not sure how much advice i have, though :/ you might end up having so much fun on your trip that you don't even think about it that much? that's kind of how it was for me. 

and some stuff you might want to bring, just off the top of my head: i'd recommend bringing a sleeping bag instead of bedsheets and stuff, if you can. it's just easier to pack and unpack. if you're going to be sleeping around a bunch of other kids, you might want to bring ear plugs--i personally can't stand to sleep with them in, but it might be helpful if you're trying to get to sleep and other kids are being noisy. a deck of cards is also always a good thing to bring. and i don't know if you've been given a packing list, but if you're going to be doing outdoor activities, definitely bring another pair of shoes and more socks than you think you'll need (if you have room)--wet feet are not fun.

i hope you have fun on your overnight trip! :D

Omg yes I totally understand how you're feeling!! *summons all memories of my first time at sleep away camp last summer* So first, I would say (like pangolin said) odds are you'll enjoy yourself enough that you'll forget about being homesick. Just distract yourself! Books can be really helpful for this -- when there's a quiet moment (especially before bed) it can really help to have a way to unwind and just turn off your brain.

Also, just don't overthink it! I know this can be hard, but when I went on my first overnight trip with my Girl Scout troop, I anxiety-ed (yes, it's a verb now) it a lot beforehand, and that made it really hard to leave. But once I was actually on the trip, it was super fun! Just remind yourself that you'll be okay, and even if you're not, you'll be stronger and have more strategies for the next time :)