<p>^ That entirely depends on the trip. I don’t think that’s what Haiti is about.</p>
<p>My friend’s 15 yo S and his minister father were on a mission trip to Haiti just a few months ago. There were a number of young people on this trip and they all returned safely and healthy. The S loved it so much he is already saving for his next trip there. He worked mostly with the little kids, working with them in education, but he also helped with some rebuilding. </p>
<p>This was with an organization with many years experience in such trips, and the father has made many trips there as well as to other needy countries. So, there were people who really understood the area. That’s probably key-experience and understanding.</p>
<p>I do think there’s plenty of need here in the US for those unwilling to let their kids travel to distant lands with the possibility of crime, health and safety issues. But there are also organizations with good track records even in places like Haiti. </p>
<p>My D is a few years off from doing something like this, but a good friend from church went to Africa at 16. D already has that on her bucket list. I’m already worried, but I’ll evaluate things when the time comes.</p>