And we are ... HOME!

What a GREAT week!

Yesterday was our last day in DC. It started out with packing up and loading the bus - which getting everything back in the suitcase was a challenge for some! Then we headed directly to the Newseum where we watched a 4D movie and then explored the building for a few hours. This was one of the stops that intern-extraordinaire Dalton Schmit was most looking forward to, so I'm glad we didn't lose him here (if given the choice, he'd stay there all day!). Had a bit of a scare when one of the boys lost his wallet at the Newseum, but we all sprang into action and quickly found it - whew!

The next, and last stop for us was the Washington National Cathedral. What a BEAUTIFUL building. It is our nation's house of prayer and we were in awe of its beauty!

Off to the airport. Said our goodbyes to Dalton and bus driver Rob, and made it through security in good shape. Loaded the plane ... then ... uh ... wait! Bad weather south of DC. We sat on the tarmac for 2 hours. Once given the go ahead, we took off for Charlotte, hoping to make our connecting flight. We did. Added to our schedule was a run in Charlotte - well, a run in the airport that resulted in us getting to our next gate just in the nick of time. Pile on the next plane, and a short two hours later we were in Iowa! Happy to see our families, but sad to leave our new friends (who now feel like family).

I am so, so impressed with this group of kids. They are kind, funny, smart and they represent their cooperatives, communities and families well. Parents and cooperatives - you have a lot to be proud of!

And ... they lived happily ever after!

Shellly York

Exercise, Civic Engagement, and Conclusions – Youth Tour Day Four: June 18, 2014

One of the most incredible opportunities that Youth Tour students have – specifically Iowa Youth Tour students – is running with Senator Chuck Grassley one morning before going out for the day’s activities. Today was that day. 23 of the 34 students woke up around 3:30am to get ready and meet in the lobby so that we could meet Senator Grassley at 4:15am. Senator Grassley, the 80 year old ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, ran with the students for about three miles, and I’m not sure who was more prepared for the run.

Students started the day early by running with Sen. Grassley

Regardless – it was a phenomenal experience and we had a great turnout. The students seemed to thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to have some extra time talking to Senator Grassley about things that truly matter to them, and we certainly appreciate his willingness to allow us to run with him.

Sen. Grassley answers a
question from a student

After the run it was back to the hotel to get ready for a big day on the Hill. We had meetings scheduled with five Members of Congress – Reps. Braley, Latham, Loebsack, and King and Senators Harkin and Grassley. Each representative met with the students that were from their particular district, and both of our senators meet with the entire group of students, engaging in true open dialogue for quite some time. The students were really quite impressive in demonstrating their understanding of tough issues and posing meaningful questions. The day on the Hill truly allows Youth Tour to show the distinction of our group of students.

While at the capitol, the students also went on a regular tour and ate lunch in the cafeteria.

Students pose with Sen. Harkin inside the Hart Senate Office Building

Following the day on the hill, we visited the United States Holocaust Museum – a solemn reminder of one of the most shameful periods of time for political leadership.

The students then went to the all-states Farewell Dinner and Dance – where they currently are (supervision and security by NRECA) – while the chaperones enjoyed a dinner in DC after an exhausting week of chasing our sunshines all across the city.

We are all exhausted. Hopefully all of the students are too. For those who went on the run, we're looking at about 20,000 steps for the day and today marked a record high temperature for DC. Tomorrow is the last day! Fingers crossed for good weather, safe travels, and minimal delays. On schedule for tomorrow is the Newseum, National Cathedral, and Iowa!

Students were asked to vote on their favorite chaperone/intern
and unanimously agreed on Dalton Schmit - in this photo he
reacts to the vote

Check out the rest of our social media accounts for live updates and more pictures of Youth Tour!
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A Day Dedicated to our Men and Women in Uniform - Youth Tour Day Three: June 17, 2014

US Marines Marching Band Performance 

As you know from my last blog, I like to admit my mistakes outwardly. Last night I made one of those mistakes. As I sat in my room absolutely exhausted from a marathon day in the city, I ignorantly wrote:

“[W]e made it back to the hotel to call it a night at 10:00pm. A bit earlier than last night, but it seems that everyone is absolutely exhausted. We (hopefully including myself) are going to call it a night and be back up at 6:45am for another full day!  “

The reality of the situation is that the kids – even after walking ten miles in 90 plus degree heat – decided to stay up and have a hallway party. Never again should you wonder about your own child’s ability to perform long, strenuous tasks. As they displayed to all of us, they just keep going…

In coordination with this, all of the students seemed VERY tired this morning for our 6:45am wake up call. Today involved significantly less walking and was almost exclusively dedicated to honoring the men and women who serve this country.

After breakfast at the Crystal City Sports Pub, we went on a bit of a driving tour of the city. We planned on showing the student the Washington National Cathedral – another stop that was missed due to our flight cancellation. This eventually turned into a longer driving tour of DC where the students saw Embassy Row – a famous cluster of foreign embassies in Washington – and the Naval Observatory – the official residence of the Vice President of the United States. Through it all, we were able to reschedule our tour of the National Cathedral in place of the Bureau of Printing and Engraving which Shelly insists “is a bunch of printing presses.”

Students who coordinated their outfits in the morning pose for
a photo at the US Navy Memorial 

After our drive, we stopped at the United States Navy Memorial for a while before continuing on with our afternoon.

We traveled to Quantico to visit the National Museum of the Marine Corps – a stunning display of the long, honorable history of our Marine Corps. The students enjoyed a meal in the mess hall and received their own custom engraved dog tags with their name and “Youth Tour 2014.” This was a first-time stop for Youth 

Tour and we loved it!

The Youth Tour group poses outside the National Museum of
the Marine Corps

Kiley and Megan pose in front of
Robert E. Lee's home

Afterwards, most of the group traveled to Arlington National Cemetery. This is an absolute must whenever you travel to Washington, but the students unfortunately missed it when our flight was cancelled. We were able to rearrange items on the itinerary to make it work and the students saw the Kennedy Gravesite, the Tomb of the Unknowns, the Changing of the Guard, and the home of General Robert E. Lee. While they did all this, Rob, bus driver extraordinaire, Pat, standard chaperone, and myself, intern extraordinaire, traveled to Georgetown to pick up DC Cupcakes and Five Guys for the students to eat for dinner. (Note: Pat is actually a good chaperone, but he gives the students a hard time, unlike myself)

A Marine explains his metals to Jasmine

Finally, we all traveled to the National Marine Corps Memorial to enjoy the Marine Corps sunset parade. It was an outstanding performance and gave the students the opportunity to talk with Marines and thank them for their service. We returned to the hotel quite early – about 9:00pm – though I expect students will stay up until final room checks at 10:30pm despite the fact that tomorrow we are running with Senator Chuck Grassley at 4:15am. Wish them luck! It will be a long, hot day at the US Capitol. 

Students pose with Marines outside the National Marine Memorial
after the sunset parade

Check out the rest of our social media accounts for live updates and more pictures of Youth Tour!
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Jumpers, Jo Ann and Miley, and 10 Miles - Youth Tour Day Two: June 16, 2014

Students - overcome with exhaustion - nap at a memorial

If yesterday was crazy – which it was – then today must could be described in no way other than absolutely insane. After final room checks last night at 11:00pm, the students were woken back up at 6:00am. Our trusty intern (aka me) stayed up a bit too late and decided it would be a smart idea to get up about a half hour before wake-up call to get some final work done before another busy day. All this resulted in alarms being turned off for a few more minutes of sleep – which then escalated to about an extra two hours. Whoops! For now, we’ll strip the “extraordinaire” from his title.

Having a good time at Youth Day!

During my extended snooze, the students grabbed breakfast at the hotel and then got seated in the convention room at the Hyatt. After I was finally ready to go for the day, I made my way downstairs and heard – quite loudly – the sound of Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the USA.” Hearing this immediately alerted my other senses and my eyes became fixed on the TV displaying the happenings of Youth Day. The first thing I saw this morning was, in fact, NRECA CEO and former Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson dancing on stage with more than 1,600 Youth Tour students to “Party in the USA.”

What a start to the morning!

The students listened to many speakers at Youth Day, and the keynote address was delivered by Mike Schlappi. His speech was moving, to say the least.

Iowa's YLC Representative
Susan Schwickerath 

After Youth Day, all of the students headed to the National Mall except for our phenomenal YLC representative – Susan Schwickerath. She had lunch with the rest of the YLC representatives. We are so extremely proud of Susan and excited to have her represent all of us on the Youth Leadership Council. Susan is from Hawkeye Rural Electric Cooperative. After her engagement with the YLC I took her on her first ever public transportation ride down the Yellow Line to meet the rest of the group at the National Mall.

Posing for one of many group photos
This one is at the Jefferson Memorial

After spending a few hours on the National Mall we all headed over to the Tidal Basin to do a long, interesting tour of the Martin Luther King, Jr., Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson, and World War II Memorials along with the Washington Monument. Talk about a LOT of walking!

The students then got to see the National Air Force Memorial and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial – a missed stop from Saturday.

Students discover - and I learn how to capture - the jumping shot
Here at the National Air Force Memorial

Afterwards, we all relaxed a bit and grabbed dinner at Union Station. We then walked up to the US Capitol to listen to a wonderful performance by the US Navy Band before heading to the White House for a group photo.

And the officially patented "Youth Tour Jump Shot" at the US Capitol 

Finally – after logging over ten miles of walking – we made it back to the hotel to call it a night at 10:00pm. A bit earlier than last night, but it seems that everyone is absolutely exhausted. We (hopefully including myself) are going to call it a night and be back up at 6:45am for another full day!  

Check out the rest of our social media accounts for live updates and more pictures of Youth Tour!
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16,000 Steps, 6 Miles, 16 Hours, 8 Stops – First Full Day of Youth Tour: Sunday, June 15

Breakfast at Crystal City Sports Pub

Crazy is a very safe way to describe today. It all started with a 6:30am wake-up call to bring all 34 of the little sunshines out of bed. We departed the hotel at 7:30 and grabbed breakfast at the Crystal City Sports Pub where we all enjoyed fruit, scrambled eggs, potatoes, bacon, sausage, and French toast! 

Visiting the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial

From there, we departed to the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial – a stop that we had missed on Saturday due to the flight cancellation on Friday. It was a somber reminder of all of the pain that our country experienced on 9/11, and an even greater reminder of just how strong we are.

Then we traveled to Constitution Avenue to pose with the statue of Albert Einstein at the National Academy of the Sciences. This photo-op is a Youth Tour classic!

All students with the statue of Albert Einstein

Laying a rose at the Vietnam Veteran's
Memorial for Father's Day

Afterwards, we all crossed over to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The students first walked along the wall and then caught the keynote speaker – General James. T Conway, former Commandant of the United States Marine Corps – of a memorial service honoring all of the lives lost in war, reflecting on the Vietnam conflict and remembering all of those more recently lost in Iraq and Afghanistan. Afterwards, the students got the opportunity to participate in the rose-laying ceremony for Father’s Day.

We then all traveled to Ben’s Chili Bowl – a first time for Youth Tour. We received an incredible presentation from Harold about the history of Ben’s Chili Bowl and enjoyed some delicious chili and burgers, hot dogs, and fries.

Youth Tour takes on Ben's Chili Bowl for the first time ever! Yum!

Inside the Mount Vernon Entrance

From there, we made the trip to Mount Vernon – the home of George Washington. First we went on a walking tour of General Washington’s Mansion. We then spent some time exploring the grounds on our own before receiving another guided tour that was a mix of Hollywood and history. The tour was about the filming of the movie “National Treasure” which was set in Mount Vernon for various scenes. We saw the locations of the actual filming sights and learned about the tunnels and basement as we walked through.

We then traveled back into DC to go to the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to see the Hall of Nations and grab a quick dinner of either pulled pork or spaghetti.

Finally, we went on the annual Youth Tour cruise! This year, we were paired with Indiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Texas, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware. 

Students pose with our bus driver, Rob Taylor, ahead of the
Youth Tour cruise.

In total, each student logged about 16,000 steps which would be about 6 miles on their feet over a 16 hour day that we made eight different stops during. Tomorrow will be another full day around the city as we continue to work to make-up for lost time. We should all be worn out in no time!

Check out the rest of our social media accounts for live updates and more pictures of Youth Tour!
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Day-in Recap: Saturday, June 14

Students visiting the Korean War Memorial

Students passing time at the airport

We’ve all made it to Washington, DC! After a hectic first night with a flight cancellation, the students spent the day in Des Moines. They visited the Farmers Market, sculpture garden, and had a picnic at Grey's Lake. After an improvised day, they headed over to the Des Moines Airport and flew out to DC hassle-free.

Dalton lays a wreath at the Tomb of the
Unknown in lieu of the students 

Dalton, our intern-extraordinaire who will be coordinating most of our social media activity made it to DC yesterday after flying out of Chicago directly from school. One of the most disappointing things about yesterday’s flight cancellation was that the students were unable to make it to the wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider. In their place, Dalton gathered some friends and laid the wreath on behalf of the students this afternoon. After the wreath laying ceremony he took the Metro to the airport to meet up with the rest of the group.

Students visit the Lincoln Memorial 

Once the students landed in DC they loaded their luggage onto the bus and headed to the hotel where they quickly checked-in to their rooms and had dinner before heading out into the city. The group made stops at the Lincoln Memorial and Korean War Memorial before doing a driving tour of DC and stopping at a grocery store.

Around 11:00 pm all of the students were back at the hotel – it was a long day for them. As you may know, the schedule for Youth Tour is pretty packed. The students spend all day going around the city – typically waking up around 6:30am and having a final room check by 11:00pm – with yesterday’s flight cancellation, we’ll be trying to reschedule missed events for the time that we do have in DC, so the students will be even busier than expected!



Check out the rest of our social media accounts for live updates and more pictures of Youth Tour!
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Dalton Schmit

Finally here!

We had a bit of a slow start to Youth Tour, but things are back on track now! Yesterday started out with the student orientation, then we checked in for our flight (that got delayed twice ... that should have been our first clue). And then they announced it: flight cancelled. *insert my heart sinking here*

Rebooking 38 tickets proved to be a challenge, but not one that we couldn't overcome.

We stayed in Des Moines last night. Got up this morning and spent time at the Des Moines Farmer's Market, visited the Pappajohn Sculpture Garden and picnicked at Gray's Lake. Then it was time to head for the airport.

As I write this we are about to touch down in DC. I am so excited for all the things the students will get to see and experience in the next few days. The kids on this trip have been GREAT. They were fast friends and just rolled with our travel issues. Parents/cooperatives: you have a lot to be proud of!!

If you thought our schedule was packed ... it's turbo packed now. We've got some time to make up!!

Parting thought: There is something very, very special about Youth Tour, and it's moments like this (right before we land in our nation's capital), that I pause and really appreciate it.

Shelly York

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Youth Tour starts TODAY!!

In addition to checking this blog often, we invite you to follow our adventures on these social media platforms:

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Making the Most of your Time in Washington: The Non-Cliché Advice from my Experiences

Youth Tour 2012 outside the US Capitol

To: Youth Tour Students of 2014 (and beyond)
By: Dalton Schmit 

Tomorrow you will get an incredible opportunity. As you get ready to embark on this trip, there are a few things that I want to tell you. I hope you see this advice as something far from cliché or symbolic, but as a serious guide to maximizing the time that you are going to get to spend in Washington. I have nothing to tell you about packing or sleeping – in fact, I’m one of the worst packers in the world and typically I choose to sleep very little, if at all, so my counsel for either would be ill-advised.

Embrace where you are at every stop. I do believe that you already understand this, but what is often misrepresented is the depth and importance of doing embracing Youth Tour. Everywhere we go in DC holds some sort of historical, educational, or entertaining value. Inevitably you’re be very tired about midway through the trip – wake yourself up! Youth Tour is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and each individual stop represents one incredible component of that opportunity. There are many things that you don’t want to miss. Be engaged, enthusiastic, and excited. Nobody ever wishes that they had slept more on Youth Tour.

Do not limit Youth Tour to one week in DC. While officially the trip is only one week, this is an experience that will last you a lifetime. Take this opportunity to meet the incredible people that will be around you on the trip. You can really cultivate friendships that last a lifetime. Secondly, get to know the chaperones and other Youth Tour staff. Speaking from experience, I can tell you how much the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives and the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Associations values the students they send on Youth Tour. A plethora of incredible opportunities will be presented to you in your post-Youth Tour life, and to make the most of Youth Tour, you should take advantage of them. It’s impossible for me to say just how many doors have been opened by the IAEC and Youth Tour because they have supported me from the beginning. While Youth Tour is an incredible time to meet new friends, it is also a great time to do some networking and engage with students and staff from all across the United States.

The best way to take advantage of my previous advice is to be yourself. What will be most appealing to others is you. The true you that defines your passions, personality, and perspectives will be unique and other people will naturally want to get to know you. Don’t worry about being like anyone else. In fact, think about the most interesting people that you know – are they like you or are they different? Most often what we find interesting in others is something that we don’t have in ourselves. It is distinctive and that is why it is interesting.

To do any of these things – or to do all of them – comes my final piece of advice on making the most of your time in DC. Step outside of your own comfort zone. From the moment you get to orientation – when you become nervous or shy – go out and meet people. Introduce yourself to your peers who are going on the trip with you. A week is a short period of time, and that’s the only time that you are guaranteed an opportunity to get to know the rest of the student traveling with you, so take advantage of every moment of it.

I very much look forward to meeting all of you tomorrow! We’re going to have an amazing time in DC!

Iowa’s Electric Cooperatives Sending 34 Students to Washington, D.C. for the 50th Electric Cooperative Youth Tour

Thirty four high school students from across Iowa will travel to Washington, D.C. on June 13-19 to join more than 1,600 other students from around the nation for the 2014 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour.  The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.  

“The Youth Tour is the highlight of the summer for many students from Iowa, and we’re proud to send 34 of our best and brightest to Washington, DC this year to participate,” said Shelly York, Iowa Youth Tour director.  “These students will gain a first-hand understanding of the legislative process and make connections with others from across the country that will last a lifetime.  Our youth are our future, and we can give them the tools to succeed.  We look forward to this year’s trip, and continuing the Youth Tour tradition for another 50 years.”

Students on Youth Tour will take in all the sights and sounds of Washington, engage in one-on-one conversations with elected officials and jump start their national peer network. New for this year is a partnership with Points of Light and generationOn to launch a student service project grant program.  One winner from each state will be selected and will receive a $500 grant to fund an existing service project or to start a new one.

The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour has brought high school students to Washington, D.C. for the past 50 years. Students apply and are selected for this program by their local electric cooperative. Nearly 50,000 students have participated in this program. For more information, visit www.youthtour.coop.

Little known facts about our nation’s monuments and memorials!

With Youth Tour just days away, here are a few facts about some of our stops.

When it was completed in 1884, the Washington Monument was the tallest structure in the world. It was soon passed by the Eiffel Tower, and numerous other buildings have eclipsed it since then. At 555 feet, the obelisk remains the tallest object in DC.

The World War II Memorial is one of DC’s newer ones, having opened in 2004. It contains a large fountain, columns with the names of each state and territory, and 4,048 gold stars, each one representing 100 American military deaths during the war.

The Korean War Veterans Memorial is one of the most unique, because it actually depicts 19 soldiers, seven feet tall and made of stainless steel. Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines are represented in their regular gear, while surrounded by bushes meant to recreate the terrain of Korea.

Though today most people view the Vietnam Memorial as one of the most powerful monuments because of its simplicity – a solid black wall with names of those killed in action inscribed in white – many people hated the design when it was first released, with some calling the design “a scar” and “a garish wall of shame.”

A Lincoln Monument Association was created by Congress just two years after Abe was assassinated, but construction of the Lincoln Memorial did not begin until 1914. The 36 columns represent each of the states in the Union at the time of the Lincoln’s death.

The remains of unknown soldiers from various conflicts are found at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery. The unknown Vietnam soldier is no longer unknown. In 1998, DNA testing confirmed the remains as those of Air Force member Michael Joseph Blassie, who was shot down in 1972. He was transferred to his family in St. Louis, and the unknown Vietnam tomb was left empty and re-inscribed in honor of all of America’s missing servicemen and women.

The original statue of Thomas Jefferson in the Jefferson Memorial was made of plaster. Poor guy! That’s because metal was rationed during World War II. After the war, it was replaced with the 19-foot-tall bronze statue that stands today.

The Martin Luther King Memorial, dedicated in 2011, is just the fourth memorial in the National Mall area dedicated to a non-president. In addition to the 30-foot-high granite likeness of Dr. King, the site includes a 450-foot granite wall inscribed with 14 of his famous quotes.

The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial contains 21 of the president’s most famous quotes, including “I have seen war… I hate war,” “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself,” and “No country, however rich, can afford the waste of its human resources.”

Along with two statues of Roosevelt himself, the FDR Memorial includes a bronze statue of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and even one with his dog, Fala. Lucky pooch – how many other dogs can boast that they were given an official U.S. government statue?

Electric cooperatives give back to their community – Youth Tour is proof positive!

Electric cooperatives distinguish themselves from other utilities through the seven cooperative principles. These principles serve as the guiding business philosophies for cooperatives across the country. It’s how we do business!

Rural Electric Cooperatives were created in the 1930s when President Franklin D. Roosevelt founded the Rural Electrification Administration. Thanks to the Rural Electrification Act, those farmers and ranchers took it upon themselves to create their own member-owned utilities called cooperatives. This can-do spirit combined with their concern for community (see the seventh Cooperative Principle) is why electric cooperatives sponsor high school juniors and seniors on a weeklong, all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C.

Sen. Lyndon Johnson inspired the Youth Tour when he addressed the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Annual Meeting in Chicago in 1957. He declared, “If one thing goes out of this meeting, it will be sending youngsters to the national capital where they can actually see what the flag stands for and represents.”

Consequently, some Texas electric cooperatives sent groups of young people to Washington, D.C., to work during the summer in Sen. Johnson’s office. In 1958, electric cooperatives in Iowa sponsored the first group of 34 young people on a week-long study tour of the nation’s capital. Later that same year, another bus load came from Illinois. The idea grew and other states sent busloads of young people throughout the summer. By 1959, the “Youth Tour” had grown to 130 delegates.

In 1964, NRECA began to coordinate joint activities among the state delegations and suggested that co-op representatives from each state arrange to be in Washington, D.C., during Youth Tour week. The first year of the coordinated tour included approximately 400 young people from 12 states. Word of the program has continued to spread and today, more than 1,500 young people and their chaperones from 45 states participate in the Youth Tour every year.

The Youth Tour exists to:

• Educate youth on all aspects of rural electrification to promote a better understanding of the value of rural electric cooperatives.
• Provide an opportunity for youth to visit monuments, government buildings and cooperative-related organizations in order to become familiar with the historical and the political environment of the nation’s capital.
• Allow youth to meet elected officials to better understand how federal government operates. 

Listen up Youth Tour 2014! This is for you ...

We’ve collected advice from students that went on Youth Tour the last few years. Check out their words of wisdom! You’ll notice a theme: it’s an awesome trip, enjoy every minute; wear comfortable shoes; don’t worry about sleep – sleep when you get home!

• Take time to enjoy every second of this awesome trip, it’s a trip of a lifetime! Don’t be afraid to talk to everyone on this trip I guarantee they are all cool (they are from Iowa how could they not be?), and last but not least bring a small purse/satchel because you will be taking it on and off at almost every building you go in! 
• Although it's awkward the first day, don't be shy! Step out of your comfort zone and get to know everyone!
• Be on time...
• You might have the cutest new pair of shoes, but don't wear them! Wear the most comfortable shoes you have because you will be doing a lot of walking!
• Dive in and get involved! Everyone is just as nervous as you. Also don't shy away from further opportunities offered due to this incredible experience YOU earned 
• Bring a camera, and interact with people from other states! Get to know your roomie, because they're pretty awesome also. Never miss an opportunity to see something new, because when you get back you'll be kicking yourself that you didn't go. Ladies make sure to hit up Charming Charlie's!
• When you get the schedule you will think, "I have to get up at what time?" but sacrificing a few hours of sleep is completely worth it. Besides, you can sleep when you get home!
• Be social! The friends you make on this trip are the best! :)
• Pictures, pictures pictures! You'll never forget the trip and memories. Socialize with everyone! Have fun!
• Take as many pictures as possible!! Make as many friends as possible! Learn about your fellow youth tourers from Iowa and other states some will be your lifelong friends! And stop worrying this will be the best trip ever!
• Don't be stressed out that you won't know where to go or what time to be there. This is a very well organized trip and you always have a schedule, a great group leader and chaperones, and of course your group of new friends that you can ask questions. Also, don't forget to pack the little things like sun screen, sunglasses, Chapstick, and possibly a rain poncho if it even gets rainy 😊
• Be somewhat familiar with the Smithsonians. That way you can be sure to make it to your favorite!
• Get comfortable being uncomfortable, Ask people from other states questions, learn how to run off adrenaline
• Bring good shoes; you will want them for the long days walking!! Be social & make the best of every minute! You will make friends for life :)
• This is experience is going to be one of the greatest in your life. Embrace every moment of it and take the time to get to know everyone you meet on a personal level. You'll meet some of the best friends you'll ever have in life and will see some of the coolest things.
• You are going to love the experience. As tiring as it gets just keep up the effort and take advantage of every opportunity that you can get. If you play your cards right this event could be a strong kick start to your future career, either inside or outside of the cooperatives.
• Don't worry about sleep and make as many friends as you can! You can sleep on your way home; you'll be having too much fun
• Take time to talk to everyone in your group! They are all great and you will probably have something in common with each of them (beyond the sharing the same state thing).
• Arrive well rested.
• Make as many friends as you can and don't be nervous! Enjoy every moment of it because it goes by fast.
• And like everyone said, be open minded, meet as many people as possible, and enjoy all the little things :)
• Take a moment at each place and truly absorb what it represents. There is a lot to see and pictures to take but make a memory of each monument or historic place. Also write down your thoughts.
• Enjoy every minute of it because this is one of those important once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. If you're not a social type, now is the perfect time to get out there and make some new friends. If you are a social butterfly, you should be in your element. The people you meet here are the kind of people you want to keep in touch with because they are going places
• Take note of this rich advice: the Alaska rep never brings enough pins...so find him/her before they start doing crazy stuff like selling them or trading 3 for 1.
• Take lots of pictures. Don't be shy to ask someone to take your picture for you. Be nice, polite, outgoing and friendly. INCLUDE EVERYONE!!!! NO CLICKS!!!! Be yourself. Have fun. Fill your head with knowledge. Remember names. Absorb everything our nation’s capital has to offer. Ask questions at Capitol Hill. DRINK LOTS OF WATER!!! Spend money wisely.
• Enjoy every experience because you never know when you will be able to go back to DC and meet so many new people. Also the Youth Tour Staff is some really cool people!
• Get plenty of sleep, be nice to your roommates, get to know everyone you meet, and make the most out of every amazing opportunity you get!
• Coordinate shower schedules in your room.
• Find a friend who looks at things in museums at the same pace you do. If you take time to look at EVERYTHING, find a friend who also takes time to look at EVERYTHING.
• Wear a watch that doesn't beep.
• Participate in every activity. You won't regret it.
• Figure out what stuff you need to put in bins for metal detectors. Save yourself time, pack according to the security.
• Don't be afraid to meet people from the other states, it is great to compare accents and find common ground. Spend your time wisely especially at the Smithsonian. Decide ahead of time which museum you are most interested in seeing. Never go anywhere alone. Enjoy our nation’s capital and all the wonderful treasures you'll see and take lots of pictures to share back home and to look back on in the future.
• Don't underestimate the friendships you'll make, even if somebody lives far away. Two of my closest friends from YLC live half way across the country and we've stayed close. In fact, it's been three years since my youth tour trip and a fellow youth tour member and I are about to embark on a trip to South America together!
• To add to the comment above, I totally agree don't underestimate the friendships you make because I met a friend of mine who lives 5 minutes from my house and I had no idea, and we became great friends on the Youth Tour, and now we are going to room together at Morningside College and be teammates. It’s just so cool how the Youth tour brings people so close together. I still keep in close contact with all my Youth Tour buds and I'd recommend making lifelong friendships on this tour.
• Take as much in as you can. The experience is absolutely amazing. Meet others from across the country, because it is so interesting learning about different parts of the country. Lastly, take tons of pictures, because you will cherish them forever. My experience on Youth Tour and the YLC was nothing short of amazing.

One month from TODAY the Iowa Youth Tour will begin!

More than 1,600 students from all across America take part in this year's Youth Tour! 

Thirty-four students, sponsored by their local electric cooperative, along with five chaperones from Iowa will travel to Washington, D.C., and meet their U.S. Representatives and Senators. This unique trip will also give them the opportunity to watch history come alive as they explore the museums, memorials and monuments. They will meet student leaders from nearly every state and hear dynamic leaders on Youth Day. 

Bottom line, they will make friendships that will last a lifetime and be part of a group that has more than 50,000 alumni in every walk of life including U.S. Senators and CEOs.

Be sure and watch our blog for updates!