Any one's child do the close up Wash DC trip?

[isla bonita]

Hi
just wondering if any one's child has done the close up Washington DC trip wiith their school? My son is setting a presedence at his school by being the first child from sped to go. I had a meeting at school. If any one has sent their child and has any info I would love it.
He can not read and has expressive issues so it will not be easy but he want to go. I took him in Nov. and he was so interested in all we did. I want him to get to experience it as best he can. Any info would be great. Thanks
Deb

 

[isla bonita]

bump please any one

 

[SueM in MN]

I don't have any information about this and haven't seen any postings about a trip like this. Maybe you will get more information if we know a little more.
What age group is going?
Would you be accompanying your son?
When is the trip and for how long?
Are there things you are concerned about that someone who has been to Washington DC, but not on that specific trip can help with?

I found a website about Close Up, Washington DC Foundation, is this what you are asking about?

 

[isla bonita]

My son is 16 and will be attenting a trip to Wash DC with children all over the US. Not sure exactly about the program per say. I attended a meeting and they gave some info and were concerned about him being with lots of strangers.
He would be in a group that had one other student from his school and the resat a mixture from other schools. He could end up with total strangers in his hotel room if all of the children in his school paired up. They are not unkind to my son they just are not his friend any way so Nick is very use to being by himself with strangers.
I talk with Nick all the time about things. He knows he is different and has a brain that works different from others. He really wants to go. I want him to go because he wants to go. I think he is so brave to want this.
He has been away with strangers before. He wanted to go on a nine day hiking trip last summer. He was fine but it was a small group maybe 10 all together.This group is very large. There is disscusion after a long day of touring. I don't think Nick would participate but he could listen. I am not sure why I put this on the board I was hoping to make it successfull for Nick and easier for me to let him go.

 

[3kidsmommy]

What an AWESOME mom you are for allowing your son to do what he is interested in, that is certainly age-appropriate! As the mom to a high functioning (thought NOT Asperger's) son with autism, I applaud you. Chandler is only 7, doesn't yet read, can't do math, and is mentally retarded. He knows already that he is differnet, but still doesn't understand why. Today, he did something amazing. It was so hard for me to let him do it, because I always want to protect him. He walked to his classroom all by himself, without me, his aide or anyone else. It is the first time he has EVER done that! It saddened me a bit, yet made me proud--and scared me too. Letting him go--even this little bit--is beyond scary. How will he cope in the world? Anyway...all that to say...feeling scared to let you ds go is so normal. I think you are just wonderful for even considering it. Although I don't anyone who has done that trip, I do have a few suggestions to maybe make it work more effectively. My first one: Would it be possible to have a college age student shadow your son during the trip? You might have to pay for him to go, but the peace of mind would be worth it I would think. I imagine the program director's would be THRILLED with the idea and would probally offer a discount as well. That would take care of the rooming problem and it would be a "friend" situation for your son rather than mom watching over him. I would suggest looking for someone at a local college that is majoring in education, family services, therapuetic recreation...etc. Another suggestion I would have is to get a copy of hte itinerary ahead of time and go over it with Nick many times prior to him going. That way, nothing will shock him. He will know what they are doing.
I don't have any other suggestions, but would love to hear how the whole thing pans out. Hang in there, mom! You are doing GREAT!

 

[isla bonita]

Thank you for the support. The trip itself is just for 8th graders and it is very specific. I have gone over how he will be with strangers and he wants to go and I want it for him. I am giving him a cell phone and it is pre programmed with my number. If he is having any problems I will fly out if I have to. I really in myu heart do not want him to go, but I also did not want him to go to the hiking trip and he went and did it with no problem.
As you know it is hard to let them go but it is for their own good we do it. My head always tells me what is best for me and my heart bleeds till he does it. I know it will be a good experience for him. It might even be a good time. It is hard dealing with the unknown. I think that is why the school dragged me to a meeting. I just want him to be excepted. They do not have to like him just respect him. I would love to give the details of the trip but it is not till April I think. I don't get many details from Nick but I am sure others will have stories. Thanks for listening it is not a story most of my friends fully understand. They all have a vested interest in Nick where the kids in his school do not. Thanks agasin Deb

 

[indigoxtreme]

It is absolutely a wonderful program and we had the best time. I was a chaperone on our trip in 2000 for the inauguration. We had a few Spec ed students with us. The kids in our group were juniors and seniors. One boy that I was assigned to had hearing problems and he had the implants for hearing. The children were all together with him and many from different schools. The children are put together in class type environment so they get to know many from different states. They do everything together. The close up program has they own adult chaperones for the students and were always there for them no matter what. It is an excellent program, and I felt blessed that my DS was fortunate enought to attend. They learn so much

 

[Cheshire Figment]

My view of Close Up was always as a spectator. For over ten years I worked in a building directly across the street from Union Staion, which has a very large food court (about 30 places) and many groups would use it. Over the years it seemed that the kids from Close Up and Future Farmers of America were the best behaved.

 

[isla bonita]

Thanks for all the great things about the program. I really like the best bahaved. I am hoping they are a gentle group for Nicks sake. Thanks again Deb

 

[Ana~n~Joseph]

I didn't do Close Up but I did Presidential Classroom which is almost the same thing. It's a great program and even though they are big groups, both times I went with PC everyone was so wonderful (and I'm really shy). He will have a great time, Close UP has a similar format to PC and I'm sure he will enjoy it. PC helped me alot; it helped me grow up as a person, helped me decide what I wanted to do with my life and also I met my best friend at PC. I'm sure he will do wonderful and believe me, the staff that works with these groups is amazing. They will do everything possible to make him comfortable.

 

[isla bonita]

Thank you for the information. You can never have enough of a heads up.