Befuddled yet again

[BigBear57]

Friends, I wonder if you'd mind helping me with a situation. My son called me this afternoon to tell me he'd gotten a letter of recognition from some kind of leadership foundation. One of his teachers nominated him and he's be asked to join a rather large group of kids from around the country to Washington for a week long tour and activities thing. Really cool stuff! BUT... it's like $3000 plus to go. I've thought of asking if maybe one of the local civic clubs might pitch in but I'm not sure if that's necessary. Have any of you ever had a child attend one of these things? Besides the thrill of going to our nation's capitol, is there a real purpose to this trip? I guess I sound skeptical but I know a lot of things are tossed at kids in the guise of being "good for them" but that's a lot of money to toss at a parent just so some crowd to make a profit. I'm hoping some of our teachers can enlighten me about it. I know I can't afford it but I might could get something worked out if it's for a beneficial purpose.

[Lilith]

Hate to tell you this but these types of trips while good experiences seem to be very pricey $$$ makers primarily. There are a large number of these types of trip groups, I have a friend whose son was offerred this Autralia one and she struggled to figure out how she could possibly gather the $$. My kiddo has gotten a few of the offers as well but for $3000 we could take one hell of a family vacation.

Organizations like these appeal to a parents sense of pride by making you feel so proud that your child was nominated to go. It's like Who's Who, yeah they will stick your kids name in a book but in the end it isn't a book anyone looks at except the parents. I got my invitation to be in Who's who Among America's Teachers yesterday...1) They did not even have my name right and 2) I'm not a teacher yet :spin: They are a $$ making scheme.

If you decide to raise the $$ and send him, will he have a wonderful experience???? YES!!!!!

If you don't send him will it affect him negatively??? Nope!

* In highschool I wanted to attend a small state-wide government trip of this sort and I went to the county commisioners and other government peeps and had them sponsor me. It was a good experience but there is no way my single mom could have afforded to send me.

[BigBear57]

Thanks (((((((((Lil))))))))) I sort of figured as much. I so want him to get some of the good things he's got coming to him but I'm going to be a bit particular about large sums of money even if someone else sponsers him. He's just a 5th grader and I told him lots of other things will come along. He's kept sterling grades and is in the gifted program. I surely want to promote his eagerness to learn every way I can. Both my kids have done well but he's been quite the academic surprise. He was in the hospitol for 8 days in February and still took a test in class to claim the high score. The teacher offered to exempt him and he still went for it. He makes me proud, I want to do the same for him.

[Lilith]

(((((((BigBear57)))))))

Sounds like your boy is going to be getting a lot of these types of honors/opportunities. You are a great parent. It's ok to be selective in which opportunities will be the most bang for your buck. You know most of DC is free entrance...I have been looking at hotels etc. in the area. You could take all your kiddos for way less than $3000 and let him have a chance to see the things that stimulate his interests. (I'm dying to see the new Native American Museum that is affiliated with the Smithsonian)

[BigBear57]

Thank You Lil Darlin.... I had similar thoughts. I know I could take the family for less than that...and we always have a great time together. Being called a great parent means more than almost anything I can think of. All I can say is I had a great example to follow. It kinda helps I love my kids to bits too... makes it easier.

[maddy]

Excellent opportunity for your son BigBear! I have to agree the price tag is a wee bit extreme. I took a school trip my junior year of high school that was by bus and we went to the various sites in DC, Maryland, Virginia, and NYC. I was 16 at the time. I know we all mature at differing rates, but even at 16 I don't think I was mature enough to appreciate the magnificence of the sites and sounds. I remember giggling past the Vietnam Memorial, and it wasn't until years later that I was able to understand how disrespectful I had been.

The reason I throw that tidbit out there is that I think there is a level of maturity that is appropriate for visiting the historical sites and being able to truly appreciate the experience rather than just being able to say, yes, I was there.

[BigBear57]

Maddy, thanks for you input too. I know he'd enjoy the trip but I think your point of a point of maturity to get the full enjoyment out of the trip. We'll wait and see what else avails itself and too I'm planning some trips for us together. Always good to see your comments too btw... such a sweetheart!

[cherrypie7788]

Whew!! For $3,000 you could take him for longer than a week! I think it's a big money deal as well. He might be disappointed if he doesn't get to go, but you could always take him later and you could enjoy the sights together.

I think Maddy made a very valid point about maturity, too. At 10 there are a lot of things you cant quite grasp, no matter how intelligent you are (and he's obviously very intelligent and dedicated to his school work!).

[maddy]

I came back to add a second thought on the academically blessed child of BigBear :D ... For me school was not a challenge and I typically did well with little effort. It became an expectation of me rather than a praised accomplishment. Make sure to take the time to reward him. I look at school for a child as a stepping stone to working as an adult. We receive rewards for a job done well by means of raises, bonuses, promotions. Children deserve the same praises for doing their job well. I had to explain this to my parents when I was in high school.

i know pixie parents are bright parents but I wanted to throw that out there (not just for BigBear).

Carry on... don't mind my slight hijack ;)

[osuche]

BigBear...I'd vote for a family vacation if you can swing it. You might even be able to drive....It'll be long, but if you want bonding time that's it. :D

Take them to the Smithsonians (Air and Space is always a fave witht he boys). I also recommend the Holocaust Museum -- although your boy might be a bit short on one end for that. Take them to the Vietnam Memorial......one place that you too will want to go if you haven't been. Go to the Jefferson Memorial at sunset.....the sunset over the Potomac is becautiful. And let's not forget the Lincoln Memorial.

All this stuff is FREE if you can get there! And I **do** think he will rememmber -- these such trips were the highlight of my childhood.

You know...if you go when congress is in session....you can call your local senator and s/he can arrange to get you admission into the legislature. That is an experience of a lifetime IMHO

[BigBear57]

Cherry Darlin, thanks for the thoughts

Maddy, thanks again... oh and feel free to hj me anytime :lust:

Osuche, once again you have made comments that validate my own thoughts. I appreciate the tips too on where to go when we get there. I'm hoping to get something together before my daughter is off doing her own thing. Oh damn they grow up too fast.

[Loulabelle]

Although I'm this side of the pond, I'd have to agree with you and Lilith, that seems an extortionate amount of money to pay for one person for a week in their own country.

I'm flying to the other side of the world on Sunday to stay in 5 luxury for a fortnight and it's costing about the same amount of money for all three of us as this trip is going to cost you.

I think it would be wise to see how far $3000 could take you and your son on vacation separately, and work from there.

Oh and I couldn't agree more with Maddy about reward and praise for high achievers.....been there, done it, bought the t-shirt.

[Cjack]

I have a 12 yo granddaughter that took a trip like this to DC last September and it cost about the same. Some of the family chipped in to help make it possiable. She had a lot of fun and saw many things and said she was glad she went.
Personally from what I found out someone made a mint from it. After she got back I found out that her and 2 other girls flew there by themslves and met their leaders there. Who knows what could have happened to these little girls. Personally I think there should be laws ageist it.

[LixyChick]

(((((((Bear))))))))

I've nothing to add...all good advice above, as you well know!

I just wanted to give you a hug for showing us, yet again, how wonderful a parent you are! You are an inspiration to many!