Would you let your 11 year old DD do this?

[Steffi]

In the mail today, my DD received an invitation to represent her school by attending the Junior National Young Leaders Conference in Washinton D.C. next spring. This is something for which her teacher nominated her and a couple of other students. It would be 6 days in Washington D.C. with her teacher and the other students.

I'm thrilled that DD's teacher nominated her for this opportunity, but I'm not sure about letting DD go. In fact, I can't imagine it, but DH says I'm way too overprotective and he doens't want to stand in the way of such a wonderful educational opportunity for our DD.

She's in fifth grade and has just turned 11. That seems young to me to be away from home in a big city for nearly a week with just a teacher and a couple of classmates. It's not like sending her to a summer camp, a controlled environment with tons of staff and other kids.

So, what do you think? Would you let your 11 year old DD go on this trip? TIA for your thoughts!

 

[lulugirl]

I think it's a wonderful opportunity for her! How well do you know her teacher? I would have a long talk w/ her about the trip and your concerns. How does your Dd feel about going, does she have any anxiety about being away from home for that long?
I would really try and find a way to make it work, sounds like real honor for her!

 

[6_Time_Momma]

Nope. Great opportunity, but no way I'd let my daughter go. Heck, it took me forever to let her walk home from school and we live in a rinky dink town where nothing ever happens. No way I'd be able to bring myself to let her go without me or her dad to Washington.

 

[mudnuri]

I'd let her go, but I'd chaparone........


Brandy

 

[tiggersmom2]

I'd let her go, but I'd chaparone........


Brandy

Exactly what I would do.

 

[doxdogy]

I'd let her go, but I'd chaparone........

Brandy

Exactly what I would do too.

 

[Stitchfans]

I'd let her go, but I'd chaparone........


Brandy

Me too. Ditto that is exactly what I was thinking

 

[mom2boys]

I'd have to have a long discussion with the teacher. I have an 11 yr old son (6th grade). We live within driving distance to DC so I'm trying to imagine him being invited to another city. My first reaction would be to tag along. However, if I really trusted the teacher and rationally felt my child was safe, I'd send him. Every city has it's good & bad areas. I would expect that the group wold always travel together.
I assume that you know which teacher nominated her & why. I ask this because my 11 yr old is on a mailing list which claims he was nominated by a teacher at his school. As an 11 yr old he was "nominated" to travel to Australia last summer Last month he recieved another "nomination" to travel in North America, the only destination I recall was Banff in Canada. These nomination hit the circular file without discussion. I do send him to boy scout camp without DH or I for a week each summer.

 

[TammiMcMan]

I found this website which I think is the organization that you're asking about, JN Young Leaders Conference. If this is correct, it might answer some of your questions. I did notice that there's tuition involved of $1695 plus the cost of airfare I would imagine. Not sure if your DD's school is going to supplement this cost or if you would be expected to pay or fundraise. They also have sample schedules on the site for your DD to look at and see if it's something that would even interest her. Looking at the FAQ section too, it sounds like the kids are supervised by staff members and that even though her teacher or a parent chaperone might be attending, she would still be kept in a more controlled environment with a staff ratio of 10:1 and many other kids.

 

[ChrisnSteph]

It's a great opportunity for your dd and I think you'd be doing her a disservice by not allowing her to go. But I agree with the others - if you're that worried, why not tag along? You can make a wonderful vacation out of it! This is a wonderful educational opportunity that she shouldn't have to miss out on.

 

[Brianne]

If I couldn't go along with my child, I wouldn't do it. It's definitely a great honor, but I personally wouldn't send my 11 year old that far away without me. It's not just a hop, skip & a jump over there from where you are, after all!

Editing to add: even after reading the FAQ on their website, I just wouldn't be comfortable, even with the amount of supervision they state to have. Even a couple more years can make a difference, unless your child is pretty mature already.

 

[DVC Jen]

I would.. but only if myself or my DH was going with her.

 

[shortbun]

I'd go along and do some things on my own while touching base often.

 

[PooohBear]

I'd let her go, but I'd chaparone........


Brandy

yep, same here ! otherwise, no way

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I went to DC in 5th grade with my Catholic school teachers. It was 1976, the bicenntial. I still have my TWA "wings" (plastic pin) that I got from being a "jr pilot". They used to do that in the old days.

I guess it depends on your dd and her level of maturity. I suppose it is pretty good in order for the teacher to nominate her. Also since she was "nominated" who is paying?

Now my older dd went to DC this past summer but she was 14. However, if she was the one nominated I would let her go because she likes to go go go!!!
My younger dd I don't know. Her level of maturity is just not the same. She is "more mature" but more of a "homebody" and probably would want me to come along.

 

[NeverEnufWDW]

I can't believe that you would deny your DD such a great educational opportunity/life experience because you are a worry wort.

If you are too clingy, then consider going with her.

 

[CheshireCat]

Go? No way! That's just me. Would not feel comfortable. Child entirely too young.

 

[MEG&MINNIE]

I'd let her go, but I'd chaparone........


Brandy

That's the only way I'd let her go....with me along.

 

[Sparx]

I would let her go in a heartbeat. Thats not something everyone gets to do, and I wouldn't stand in her way. jmo.

 

[Lil_Tink]

I did something simaler when I was 11. I went to Big Island with my teacher