I started programming in GWBasic and I think that's what drew me into programming.

I have long argued that the best language to start programming is one that has minimal setup and has very immediate feedback.

Compare the classic hello word C program, compiling and linking then running to the simplicity of a GW Basic session:

gwbasic.exe 10 Print "Hello Word" Ok (F2)Run "Hello Word" Ok

Of course back in the day all we had was text interfaces so my exceptions when writing my first program where low. Now a days usually kids want to start programming the same kind of 3D games they play, which is not something that you will be able to do in a couple of hours.