TLCH-My son is also a PTP student ambassador. He went on a trip after his 5th grade year (last summer) to Paris and France. He saw more famous and historical places than an average person will see in their lifetime!
CrewChief is right though. It is very expensive. We stayed away from the "fundraising" since we do so much of that for school, scouts, etc. We did send out sponsor letters to dozens of area businesses, though. Most sent in donations for his trip. They can send money straight to PTP to go into your child's account.
The monthly meetings that go on for a year prior to their trip help them to get to know each other and make friends. My son didn't know anyone in his group prior to the meetings. He did get homesick (was gone for 2 weeks) but they stay SO busy!! Calling home from a foreign country was tricky for him so I had international calls added to my phone service and called him at night. You'll get a schedule of their days and a hotel list with contact info.
He also came back a new child. Very mature and more responsible. I missed him terribly though! I did a lot of crying! I do think it's a great experience for anyone who can afford it. It's definately an opportunity of a lifetime. We would love to send him again in a few years. He really wants to go to Australia. Once you are a Student Ambassador, you can sign up to go on trips that you choose. It's also a great reference to go on college applications. Not everyone gets invited to be an ambassador. Most kids are honor roll students who are involved in numerous after-school activities.
Believe me, we are no rich family by any means. 3 kids and 1 parent working, but it was worth it! He has some great memories. He saw the Eiffle Tower, Tower of London, met a member of British Parliament, went to the beaches of Normandy, saw the Mona Lisa, rode the London Eye....so much stuff I can't remember it all at once.
Congrats to your daughter for being invited. I hope it works out for her. I'm sure she'll have the time of her life.
Let me know if you have any more questions about it.

Lucella--listen carefully--you must

PUT DOWN THE HOT GLUE GUN AND MOVE TO THE SHOWER...

I remember how very proud I was as I attended my first "event" after my first baby. I had done everything according to plan and stood at the door of the Colonel's wife with the baby in his carryer and me in my best civilian girlie, new mom attire. Just as I put my hand up to knock...I ran my tongue over my teeth only to realize that I hadn't brushed my teeth all day....I mean all day....

oh well...chalk it up to mommy hood and I stayed away from everyone.... [img]smile.gif[/img] d

My son is a People to People Ambassador. He went on the trip last summer (2005) between his 5th and 6th grade years. It's terribly expensive but they do offer fundraising suggestions. It's also a year long process so kids (and parents) have time to save.

My son went on the Wonders of the Canadian West trip and it was a good experience. He was so horribly home sick for the last 12 of the 14 days he was there. But it was good for him. Does that sound mean? I don't mean it to. I was sad for him but it was a huge growing experience for him. The leaders said there was just one other boy as home sick as mine so they paired them up and kept them busy. The other 38 children seemed to enjoy all of it.

My husband billed it as a 'vacation program for rich kids' and was very cynical. But after the fact he believes it was a good program. Still too pricy for most families though...

Be wary though. You will get a different child back than the one you sent. I was so proud to see the young man who came home to me but mourned the little boy I sent.

Hey all,

CC - didn't do so great. But will have to buckle down for the next one!

I have a question for all of you out there: has anyone ever heard of or participated in the "People to People Student Ambassador Programs"? I'm trying to find any first hand experiences on it possible. My daughter was offered a spot in it, and Im checking it out!

T

Hubby home & plane amazingly on time!

Here's my day:
5yr. old on school bus - check
Cookies w/pink frosting in the shape of an "R" for adorable redheaded kindergartener that is moving away - check
homemade book for same redhead colored, stickered, laminated & bound - check (this also is trip #1 to school for today)
2yr. old fed - check
Yummy pink cookie treat & book delivered to school - check (trip #2)
Fall Fundraiser Catalogs sorted according to classroom & ready for delivery - check
TRIP #3!!! to deliver said catalogs - almost check
Shower - Not check
Laundry - ummm... also not check
Kids packed for a sleep-over w/Nannie & Popoe- SOOOOO check!

Hope everyone is having a good day!

Thanks, mykids, for saying what you've been busy with rather than something like. "Hey, CC, some of us have a life and don't have all day to hang around the PTOtoday boards..." I appreciate your sensitivity. And I'm glad to see it isn't a secret alliance. When we finally do get our own tv show I don't want to have to be up against any of you. I'd be the first one voted out!!!

ScottMom - you're probably right. It's both care giver and control and just a little bit narcicism. If he's tired, we're all tired. If he's hungry (or not hungry) then we all are.

Lucella, I hope your hubby got home ok and not too late.

T? How was the algebra test?