From Iowa to D.C. a summary of days 1-3

Hello, Iowa!

It's been a while, but the kids are loving it! It has been great watching the 34 students interact with each other, and watch them grow out of their shells!

We arrived in Atlanta on Friday night, and the kids were able to enjoy dinner on the bus from Subway! The kids met our bus driver, Rob Taylor and were able to see a driving tour of D.C and all it has to offer! Later on that night, we saw The White House, and American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial. We took the kids to the grocery store, so they could get their snacks for the week, and we checked into our hotel!

We are on the sixth floor, and it has been great seeing the kids anywhere from sitting in the hallway to playing games with other states! On Saturday, we had breakfast at the Crystal City Sports Pub, and visited Quantico - The National Museum of the Marine Corp. Lunch was served there and we got a little caught up in traffic... But that didn't stop the kids from paddle boating on the Tidal Basin! After paddle boats we went to the Washington Monument, National World War II Memorial, and The United States Navy Memorial. For dinner the students had some free time at Union Station. They were able to explore the food court and shop, too! Our last stop of the day was at the United States Air Force Memorial before heading back to our hotel for Youth Leadership Council interviews. The students had 3 hours of free time and were able to hang out in the hotel, play games with other students in Youth Tour, and exchange pins with other states.

On Sunday, we were up early! Duncan was in the lead this morning with 14 pins! We had breakfast at Crystal City Sports Pub, and attended a service at the National Cathedral. Then, we were off on our day of touring! We visited the Martin Luther King Memorial, FDR Memorial, and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. For lunch the students had free time at the National Mall, where they were able to visit a variety of Smithsonian's and the National Archives. For dinner we were off to the D.C famous, Ben's Chili Bowl! The students learned about the famous diner, and were able to try their famous half-smoke! We took lots of pictures! :) We just finished up at the National Law Officer's Memorial, and our boat cruise on the Potomac aboard the Spirit of Mount Vernon! They danced and enjoyed the cruise on the Potomac with other students from Indiana and Texas!

Until Tomorrow,

Britta Becker
2016 Youth Tour Intern