<p>I've been noticing that a lot of people say certain programs aren't prestigious, arrive in their mailboxes as junk mail, etc. A lot of them I've seen end with "youth leadership" or "leadership conference". Most of them have come across to me as programs that are good experiences, as long as you can pay for them. Are all of these programs that have that type of ending like that?</p>
<p>I think that many of these programs offer a good experience to kids who haven't travelled alot and who might benefit from some time immersed with other kids who are interested in the subject and articulate. They get to meet kids who have had different experiences and live in different areas.</p>
<p>My son has been to several of these types of programs and will attend more. He isn't going to them as resume padding nor to get into prestigious colleges, but to expand his view of the world. For that, the program can be excellent depending on the opportunities available to the individual.</p>
<p>Our family has very little money, so we don't take long vacations in interesting places (we don't vacation at all). To my son, spending time in Washington DC, NYC and other interesting places opens his eyes to new possibilities and gives him new experiences. When he comes back, he has made new friends and contacts, learned new things and is generally charged up about something. They have really benefited him.</p>
<p>As far as costs -- my son has always applied for scholarships and receive full tuition scholarships for the most part, so money wasn't that much of an issue. He works part-time to pay for his plane ticket and expenses and he watches his spending very carefully when he goes.</p>