Last Full Day in the City

Tonight's blog is going to be a bit different. Some of this year's Youth Tour Participants are going to "guest blog" and let you know what they most enjoyed about Youth Tour.

"My favorite thing was the sunset parade, and U.S. Marine Memorial, it was so cool seeing a Marine band." "I also was excited to ride the metro for the 1st time in my life!"

-Hannah Meeks---Sponsored By Custer Public Power

"I have always had a sort of apathy towards our nation's government and I never took an active role in learning about it. This trip to Washington D.C. changed that all. Our nation's government is a complex system that has a sort of chaotic order to it that is fascinating. My favorite place for the week is hard to choose from all the AMAZING places we went and all the SPECTACULAR things we saw. I have decided on the Lincoln Memorial as my favorite place

for a few reasons. As a kid I always thought that he was a great person besides his presidency and being a general. He embodied everything that I was taught as a child as far as virtues and things like that. I am so glad I was able to take this amazing opportunity and make the most of it."--Marshall Dorr-- Ambassador for the NREA

Michael McCarthy--"This trip was a life changing expeirence.....going to the energy camp and getting to come back to Washington is one of the best choices I have made. Everything here was great....I would come back in a heartbeat. But my most favorite part is....... well there is no just one favorite part. Everything is amazing! I was sponsered by Stanton Public Power District."

"Coming to Washington D.C. has been the best learning experience that I could ever ask for. Seeing this city in full perspective is completely different than looking into the pages of a text book or on seeing pictures on the web. It would be impossible to narrow down one moment of this trip as my 'favorite' part. However, visiting the Holocaust Museum and walking through Pennsylvania Avenue was truly amazing for me. Also, I was impressed with the senators and congressmen that I met here; I was not aware that the opinions of teenagers was this important to them. I would encourage anyone to visit and one day hope to come back for a review."

--Nanette Heimes: Ambassador of NREA

"Being able to come to Washington D.C. has been a trip of a life time. You learn so much, and it is so much different in person other than seeing it in books or an the web. I can not make a choice of what is my favorite part. I would have to say that one of my highlights of the trip was the Arlington National Cemetarty. I would like to thank everyone for helping me get to come to Washington D.C."

--Linda Long : Sponsored by Southwest Public Power

"Washington D.C. is mind blowing. It's a once in a lifetime chance and I learned so much and saw so many things! This trip was one of the greatest experiences I have ever had and I hope that anyone who has this opportunity to go does. I really enjoyed going to the National Archives there was so much to learn! I would like to thank my sponsor South Central Public Power District for giving me this opportunity, Thank- you South Central Public Power District!"

--Dina Morales: Sponsored by South Central Public Power

"Though this is my third trip to Washington D.C., this was by far the best experience I have ever had. The chances I was given and the experience I had would only be possible on this trip with the two amazing tour guides I had! I enjoyed every minute of the trip. Even though it was my third trip, I still learned tons. With this program I competed in the YLC program, and will be representing the state of Nebraska at YLC this summer and spring. I would like to thank my sponsor Northwest Rural Public Power District, and Kristen and James for an unforgettable experience! "

--Tosha Skinner: Sponsored by Northwest Rural Public Power District

Thnak you to the guest bloggers. I will add more as they email me after we return home. Right now most of the kids are in their rooms packing and getting ready for bed. A few stragglers are hanging out in the suite with me watching the end of "Night at the Museum". The movie takes place at the Smithsonian so how could I say no!

Day 5--We are tired, but having a great time

Tonight's blog will be short and sweet. We meet at 6:45 am tomorrow morning, that would be 5:45 am central time and for our mountain timers that is 4:45 am! i hope you can feel our pain! Tomorrow night I will enlist guest bloggers--any of the kids that would like to post about their experience on Youth Tour.

I know I mentioned this before, but this group of kids is amazing. Everybody genuinely likes each other and they are acting like the young adults they are. Although, I did need to confiscate one cell phone...

Today we went to Mount Vernon...this is personally one of my favorite places to be. Congressman Smith gave me a great tip on saving time. Mt. Vernon will now let you pay a little extra to reserve a time to tour the mansion. It was worth every penny to save about a 45 minute wait in line. The kids put that extra time to good use touring the grounds and spending time in the museum.

We ate lunch in Old Town Alexandria at the Fish Market and, believe it or not, everyone tried something new. I think Calamari is a new favorite for many of the kids. Did you think your kid would ever actually eat squid? No one ordered a hamburger and everyone had some form of seafood. I was so proud! It was great fun watching them share the snow crab legs. Ali wins the award for being the most adept at breaking legs and getting every last bite out! Mmmm the crab cakes were so good.

We were able to visit Christ Church--A church built in 1773 that was George Washington's church. The kids were able to actually sit in George Washington's pew. This is a small church that looks much the way it did when George Washington worshipped there. Thankfully now it does have air conditioning.

We then headed to Arlington National Cemetery. This is where we parted ways with our shuttle driver "G". The kids absolutely had to have a picture with her and they all signed a card thanking her for making this an even better trip. Marshall and G are planning a future "cupcake date".

At Arlington we were able to visit the Kennedy Family grave site as well as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We arrived in the middle of the changing of the guard so the group opted to stay a little longer so they could watch the ceremony in it's entirety. I'm so glad they did it is not something you want to miss!

We capped our evening at the US Marine Corps Memorial--Iwo Jima to watch the Sunset Parade. We watched the Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corp peform with extreme precision. We heard music from Sousa marches to songs from "Hair" the musical. The Marine Silent Drill Team gave an amazing demonstration of skill- Marching, twirling their guns and tossing them in the air...keep in mind these are military issue rifles with polished, sharp bayonets on the end of their guns!

Supreme Court Justice Sonya Sotomayor was an honored guest at tonight's Sunset Parade. Following the parade, the Marines stay around to pose for photographs with anyone that would like. We had many take advantage of that opportunity

After the parade we headed to the METRO. We gave the group the option of heading directly back to the hotel or going to see the Pentagon Memorial. While I would have preferred they all chose to go to the Memorial, I know some of the kids were just exhausted and needed a little break!

I think I said this would be short post...well so much for that. Too much to talk about. Do you realize tomorrow

is our last full day in Washington DC?

Monday on the Mall

Monday morning 1,500 young people from across Rural America filled the ballroom at the Crystal City Hyatt. After a the presentation of colors by members of all branches of the military the entire crowd recited the pledge of allegiance. Pretty cool to hear all those voices in unison. A highlight of the morning was when the state Youth Leadership Council representatives were introduced to the crowd. After reviewing essays and resumes, interviews and observing the candidates on Tour, James and I selected Tosha Skinner, sponsored by Northwest Rural Public Power District, as Nebraska's representative. We had three outstanding candidates apply which made the selection difficult. Thank you to all that applied. The youth were then treated to a presentation by US Senator George W. Norris--the father of public power and rural electrification. In reality it was Nebraska's own David Landis portraying this critically important figure who played a primary role in creating the rural public power system. Mike Shlappi was the keynote speaker for the morning and his message won't soon be forgotten. Mike was accidentally shot at the age of 14 and was left unable to walk. His inspirational presentation told the kids if "you can't stand up, stand out!"

After Youth Day we walked six blocks to take the METRO to the National Mall. After some education on how to use the subway system we traveled above and below ground into the District. We didn't lose anyone and I think they came away from their experience today feeling comfortable with the METRO, and should be able to get around easily on their next trip to Washington DC. Students visited the museums in small groups so they could focus on the things they wanted to see. What they learned is that there is no way to see it all. Each person experience the Smithsonian Museums in their own way. I'm sure they will have a lot to tell you when they get home.

We met back as a group at 4pm at the National Archives for a Tour. We were able to see the Constitution, the Delclaration of Independance and the Bill of Rights as well as other significant documents relating to the abolishment of slavery and giving women the right to vote. "Wow" was a phrase heard often.

Union Station was dinner location. Groups picked their own dining options and were able to relax in the air conditioning before getting back onthe METRO to head to the White House for an evening walk around. When we got off the METRO it was pouring buckets...Not wanting to miss an opportunity, the kids dug into their string bags and put on their emergency raincoats and we forged ahead in the rain. This group is always looking for an adventure! The rain didn't last long and we enjoyed a leisurely walk around the White House.

The groups received a nice surprise when Congressman Adrian Smith rode his bicycle across town to meet-up our group on the south side of the White House. You may not know this, but Congressman Smith served as a chaparone for Youth Tour when he was a state senator. He is still a big supporter of our Youth Tour program.

Day Three...Looks like we need more time!

It's obvious we need more that a week in DC to do it all! We started our Sunday morning at the National Cathedral. The National Cathedral may be a contemporary church, but when you enter the doors you feel as though you are transported through time hundreds of years. The gothic architechture implies that it is much older than it is. The cathedral construction began in 1907 when they laid the foundation block and it was completed when the last finial was put in place in 1990. We first visited the Bishop's garden before entering the cathedral for our 8:45 am service. Our service was held in the Bethlehem Chapel. One of the nine chapels found in the cathedral. Ask your kids about the choir. Goosebumps... Ask them about the Children's Chapel and the Good Shepherds Chapel...Did they enjoy it? Without a doubt.



I'm being accused of fattening them up...We ate a big brunch at the Cactus Cantina, just a quick walk from the Cathedral, then we were off to the National Holocaust Museum. While a very sobering experience I think your kids will tell you it was one they would not have missed for anything. We had two hours there and I think they could have easily used two more.



The day was warm and muggy. I believe the local weather lady said it was "air you could wear", but that didn't deter the enthusiam of the kids. After an ice cream from a street vendor we headed to Ford's Theatre and the Peterson House. We heard a ranger program describing the assasination of President Lincoln while we sat in the renovated theatre. Then we headed across the street (Peterson House)to see where the president was taken to die.



The Kennedy Center was our next stop. We listened to a wind symphony comprised of area music teachers. They played a series of medleys from well know musicals. Chicago, The Sound of Music, Music Man and My Fair Lady to name just a few. We ate dinner at the top of the Kennedy Center than then walked around the upper balcony admiring the scenery. I think we could have stayed there all night. It was beautiful. but we still had so much to do. We were able to visit the Lincoln, Korean and Vietnam Memorials all at night and gently illuminated. Our final stop before heading back to the Hotel was the Einstein Memorial. This oversized sculpture provided a great setting for a group photograph!

Take a look at some of our pictures on smugmug!

Day Two Was Amazing

Without exception all 14 of our kids were up early and arrived early to start our daylong adventure. After a a healthy breakfast, we hit the road with "G" our bus driver. Glenez Hilton has driven for us on and off for many years. This is my 11th Youth Tour and "G" was driving for us long before. The kids love her and she loves them!

Gettysburg really seemed to be a great experience for all the kids. We start the experience with a movie and then move on to a narration of the battle while viewing the cyclorama. Now...I don't want to tell you everything or the kids won't have anything to share, but in this day and age of high technology and special affects, the kids were most impressed by the program that focused in on a 32 foot tall, 377 foot long painting that is viewed in a circular theatre. You definately want to ask them about this one!

Miss Betty met us for lunch. Miss Betty is a southern woman who has been looking for her husband that was killed in the battle at Gettysburg. She has been looking for him for 147 years! The presentation is a unique look at history through they eyes of a ghost. Miss Betty was a real treat. You can view her website at http://www.missbettysghostsingettysburg.com/

Jim Martin, a licensed battlefield guide joined us for the afternoon as we drove through the battlefield. Mr. Martin explained the battles, the lives lost and the impact of the battle of Gettysburg on the outcome of the civil war. His enthusiasm made his presentation something the kids...and James and I, will remember. Based on the discussion at our late night meeting, today's road trip was certainly worthwhile! Oh be sure to ask about the "dog in the house"!

A note to all of you proud parents, both of our presenters today commented on the excellent behavior and maturity of our kids! Thank you for sending along such great kids!

We had a great dinner at Buca di Beppo in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Marshall Dorr can eat more food in one sitting that anyone I've ever met! The food was great, the company entertaining and enjoyable. Be sure to wish Marshall a happy birthday...okay it wasn't really Marshall's birthday, but that was part of the evening's entertainment! Another story to ask about when you talk to your kids!

When we returned to the District (Washington DC) We were able to do night viewings of the Jefferson Memorial--just beautiful as the sun was setting, The FDR Memorial--probably the group favorite, and the Air Force Memorial.

In summary, it was a great day.

NOTE: I apologize for spelling and grammar errors in my blog posts, but after a full day of touring I am lucky to form a complete sentence!

Youth Tour Day 1

We made it to Washington DC with no troubles. I was the only person selected to go through the new screening process and have the full body scan. It is obvious they are still learning how to use the system, because by the time I made it through the scan the rest of our group successfully made it through the traditional screening process and were waiting patiently for me! Our flight arrived at Reagan National Airport a few minutes and with no major turbulance. All the first time flyers did just fine! Tonight is one of the few opportunities for the kids to have some free time at the hotel and meet participants from other states. We will meet as a group at 10:30pm Eastern Time, and prepare for our trip to Pennsylvania tomorrow. Technically we haven't even been to Washington DC. Our Hotel is adjacent to the airport and is located in Crystal City, Virgina. Tomorrow morning we will cross over the Potomic River into the District and then drive through Maryland and into Pennsylvania. Sounds like we will be on the road a while, but in reality it will only take us an hour and a half to drive through three states on our way to Gettysburg. Not a lot of pictures to post...we haven't really started the full tour, but there are a few plane shots to view on smugmug.

I think we have a great group...the enthusiasm level is running high...Kristen

Two days to go!

Two days before the big trip! Here is a picture of the NREA office to help you find us. The office sits right on the northwest corner of 13th and K. There is a loading zone in front of the building on K street. We don't have a parking lot so you will most likely want to unload your luggage and then park at the Cornhusker Hotel parking garage about a block North of the office. We will be able to provide you with a one hour parking voucher for the Cornhusker.

James packed your string bags today and we are going back through our list and re-confirming all of our reservations. We have been planning this trip since the day we got back from last year's Youth Tour. It really does take that long to get all the details worked out. Makes me tired to think about it.

Things to think about...

We will be visiting the Vietnam War Memorial. Do you or your parents know anyone that was killed during the war? Perhaps you would like to make an etching of their name.

At the World War II memorial you can look up the names of family members or others that served during the war. The database provides you a brief history of their service. You can also view that registry from any computer at http://www.wwiimemorial.com/ You also have the opportunity to correct or add to the information. Many war records were destroyed and this may provide an opportunity to restore information.

Did you know that the "Smithsonian" is not just one museum? The Smithsonian Institute is actually 19 museums, 9 research centers and the National Zoo. The best part is, entry to the museums and the Zoo is free!

See you all in two days!