Citizenship Washington Focus
June 24, 2016
Delegates explored, in different groups, around the National Mall. Kansas delegates enjoyed visiting and touring the Smithsonians. Some of the highlights of the day included going up in the Washington Monument, feeding birds and squirrels bread and riding the metro. The dance was a good way to let loose after a long week. After a day full of touring the delegates watched the CWF talent show and attended the dance.
-Kylee
Saturday, June 25, 2016
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Citizenship Washington Focus
Thursday, June 23
Today was pretty laid back but definitely one for the books. We woke up and ate breakfast around 7:45 AM which was nice that we got to sleep in. After breakfast we decided to work on our Kansas Action plan before heading to the National Cathedral. The Cathedral was impressive, from all angles, inside and out. We met our first speaker at the church that gave us a quick run down of how the tour was going to work. While we waited outside for our turn, he showed us some fun facts about the church and gave us some brief history of the building. On the back side of the furthest North tower, there is a sculpture of Darth Vadar. He is there due to the design of a local resident six year old. The story is that in 200 years, it will be a fun fact to tell visitors that don't know who Darth Vadar even is. The inside of the Cathedral is one from the books, stained glass windows, stone arches, marble floors etc. The church holds four services every day and is host to nine separate (but all within the same building) chapels. Within the building are three very well known historians. Woodrow Wilson's tomb is on the main floor, while Helen Keller and her personal assistant/teacher Anne Sullivan are buried in the lower level. There is plaque on the wall outside Keller's tomb that has been replaced four times because the brail has been worn off over the years. We also got to see the 4-H Clover in the "Agricultural" stained glass window at the church. After lunch we jumped back into our congressional meeting and had the congressional debate that we've all been working on this week. There were a lot of Kansas Delegates playing very important roles and asking very deliberate questions to each bill committee. Supper was had at the Medievil Times in Hanover, MD. While we all were very skeptical of what was going to happen, we decided to listen to Jake and Elly and "geek out" and enjoy our experience. By the end of the dinner theater we were all screaming and cheering for our knight in shining Armour. A few of the girls in our delegation actually caught roses thrown tot he crowd following a kiss from the knight after his competitions. Good times were had by all.
-Payje
**Chaperone Commentary**
There were so many compliments today from hosts of tours, other state chaperones and others. During the tour of the Cathedral, the delegates behaved like perfect, professional and very respectful adults. Our tour guide, known as a docent, even gave Marietta a personal compliment on how well behaved and attentive our group was. Throughout their tour, their phones were put away (except for taking photos), they were listening and giving the docent their full attention and kept up with the tour. Without a doubt, they represented Kansas as they always do; with pride, honor and dignity. We apologize now for the overwhelming amount of "Hazaaah!!" that you will endure after our evening at Medievil Times once they return home. The stories are endless and always full of surprise, but your young men and women continue to make us proud.
Thursday, June 23
Today was pretty laid back but definitely one for the books. We woke up and ate breakfast around 7:45 AM which was nice that we got to sleep in. After breakfast we decided to work on our Kansas Action plan before heading to the National Cathedral. The Cathedral was impressive, from all angles, inside and out. We met our first speaker at the church that gave us a quick run down of how the tour was going to work. While we waited outside for our turn, he showed us some fun facts about the church and gave us some brief history of the building. On the back side of the furthest North tower, there is a sculpture of Darth Vadar. He is there due to the design of a local resident six year old. The story is that in 200 years, it will be a fun fact to tell visitors that don't know who Darth Vadar even is. The inside of the Cathedral is one from the books, stained glass windows, stone arches, marble floors etc. The church holds four services every day and is host to nine separate (but all within the same building) chapels. Within the building are three very well known historians. Woodrow Wilson's tomb is on the main floor, while Helen Keller and her personal assistant/teacher Anne Sullivan are buried in the lower level. There is plaque on the wall outside Keller's tomb that has been replaced four times because the brail has been worn off over the years. We also got to see the 4-H Clover in the "Agricultural" stained glass window at the church. After lunch we jumped back into our congressional meeting and had the congressional debate that we've all been working on this week. There were a lot of Kansas Delegates playing very important roles and asking very deliberate questions to each bill committee. Supper was had at the Medievil Times in Hanover, MD. While we all were very skeptical of what was going to happen, we decided to listen to Jake and Elly and "geek out" and enjoy our experience. By the end of the dinner theater we were all screaming and cheering for our knight in shining Armour. A few of the girls in our delegation actually caught roses thrown tot he crowd following a kiss from the knight after his competitions. Good times were had by all.
-Payje
**Chaperone Commentary**
There were so many compliments today from hosts of tours, other state chaperones and others. During the tour of the Cathedral, the delegates behaved like perfect, professional and very respectful adults. Our tour guide, known as a docent, even gave Marietta a personal compliment on how well behaved and attentive our group was. Throughout their tour, their phones were put away (except for taking photos), they were listening and giving the docent their full attention and kept up with the tour. Without a doubt, they represented Kansas as they always do; with pride, honor and dignity. We apologize now for the overwhelming amount of "Hazaaah!!" that you will endure after our evening at Medievil Times once they return home. The stories are endless and always full of surprise, but your young men and women continue to make us proud.
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| Chapel #4 |
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| Helen Keller plaque with brail |
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| East side of church with buttresses |
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| Washington National Cathedral |
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| Agricultural Window with 4-H Clover |
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| Kingsman/MC |
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| Medievil Times |
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Citizenship Washington Focus
We left in professional attire at 7:30 AM from the center for the capital. We arrived and watched a film about the history of the Capitol and the nation called "E pluribus unum" or "out of many, one." We then got a tour of the Capitol building starting with the crypt and then the dome (covered in scaffolding sadly.) After our tour we walked underground to the library of congress. After our tour we walked underground tot he library of congress. We then met senator Jerry Moran in the Capitol visitors center where we got to meet him and as him questions about his role and what he does on a day to day basis. We ate lunch in the Longworth Food Court which is also a representative office building. After lunch we separated into the four Kansas districts and met with our representatives. Thirteen people met with District one, Tim Huelscamp, five delegates from District two, Lynn Jenkins, three delegates from District three, Kevin Yoder and eleven delegates from District four, Mike Pompeo. After meeting with our representatives we walked to the Supreme Court building to see the chambers where they discuss cases (but they weren't in session), which allowed us to see it. At that point it was time for dinner and we walked to Union Station to eat in the food court and shop. Also, while in Union Station we changed into our green Citizenship Washington Focus polo and khakis or jeans to match the rest of the delegations. We then hopped on the bus to Twilight Tattoo, a military performance. At twilight we were able to witness an excellent performance of members of the third "old guard" infantry of the US Army at Fort Myers. We got o see replicas of historic army uniforms and gun firings. The drill team also performed routines with sharp bayonets. Overall twilight tattoo was amazing and is an unforgettable memory from CWF that I and hopefully most of the Kansas delegation will never forget. After the performance we bused to the Iwo Jima Memorial with the six boys raising the US flag. Our PA, Ariana, told us a sad, but true story of the six boys and their lives before the battle. After the Iwo Jima Memorial, we traveled to the Pentagon Memorial. This was my favorite and least favorite for specific reasons. It was my favorite because it was extremely touching to me to see that I was born the same year as the youngest victim; 1998. It was my least favorite because I hate knowing how many people died and I can't do anything to change that. Overall today was amazing and emotional. But the Kansas delegation had experiences today they will never forget.
Wednesday, June 22
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| Delegates on the steps of the Capitol Building |
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| Delegates interacting with Senator Jerry Moran. |
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| Congressional Library |
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| Soldiers lined and ready during Twilight Tattoo. This particular set of soldiers was the band. |
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| Iwo Jima |
We left in professional attire at 7:30 AM from the center for the capital. We arrived and watched a film about the history of the Capitol and the nation called "E pluribus unum" or "out of many, one." We then got a tour of the Capitol building starting with the crypt and then the dome (covered in scaffolding sadly.) After our tour we walked underground to the library of congress. After our tour we walked underground tot he library of congress. We then met senator Jerry Moran in the Capitol visitors center where we got to meet him and as him questions about his role and what he does on a day to day basis. We ate lunch in the Longworth Food Court which is also a representative office building. After lunch we separated into the four Kansas districts and met with our representatives. Thirteen people met with District one, Tim Huelscamp, five delegates from District two, Lynn Jenkins, three delegates from District three, Kevin Yoder and eleven delegates from District four, Mike Pompeo. After meeting with our representatives we walked to the Supreme Court building to see the chambers where they discuss cases (but they weren't in session), which allowed us to see it. At that point it was time for dinner and we walked to Union Station to eat in the food court and shop. Also, while in Union Station we changed into our green Citizenship Washington Focus polo and khakis or jeans to match the rest of the delegations. We then hopped on the bus to Twilight Tattoo, a military performance. At twilight we were able to witness an excellent performance of members of the third "old guard" infantry of the US Army at Fort Myers. We got o see replicas of historic army uniforms and gun firings. The drill team also performed routines with sharp bayonets. Overall twilight tattoo was amazing and is an unforgettable memory from CWF that I and hopefully most of the Kansas delegation will never forget. After the performance we bused to the Iwo Jima Memorial with the six boys raising the US flag. Our PA, Ariana, told us a sad, but true story of the six boys and their lives before the battle. After the Iwo Jima Memorial, we traveled to the Pentagon Memorial. This was my favorite and least favorite for specific reasons. It was my favorite because it was extremely touching to me to see that I was born the same year as the youngest victim; 1998. It was my least favorite because I hate knowing how many people died and I can't do anything to change that. Overall today was amazing and emotional. But the Kansas delegation had experiences today they will never forget.
-Janae
**Chaperones Commentary**
Today was a VERY long day for us all. Parents/Guardians should all be extremely proud of the work your young adults are doing here in our Nations Capitol. They presented themselves with such poise and professionalism during their interactions with our senator and each district representatives. We as chaperones have been given multiple compliments on how well our delegates have behaved, dressed and interacted with others. They are all exhausted, (so are we) but enthusiastic to see what Thursday has to offer as we head into the final stages of congressional discussions among the CWF participants.
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Citizenship Washington Focus
Tuesday, June 21
We departed the 4-H Center at about 8:00 AM and wen to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. It was very beautiful architecture very similar to the Roman Pantheon. There were symbols on his back that represent different important aspects of his presidency. From the front of the Memorial, you can see the White House and the Martin Luther King Memorial. From there we went to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. This particular memorial is very interesting because it is separated into four parts,each representing one of his four terms in office as president. It was very interesting to see all of the history and symbolism in the architecture. When we finished the tour, we went to Arlington National Cemetary. We took a special trolly with a tour guide who told us about different things on the way up to see the Changing of the Guards. While we were there we got to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, JFK's eternal flame, and the Changing of the Guard. It was very beautiful and moving to see the cemetery and learn about some of the people buried there. After observing the Changing of the Guard, we witnessed a Navy funeral procession, it was very moving. after finishing up our tour we left to go back to the 4-H Center for lunch, talent show auditions, committee meetings, and the CWF Derby. At the CWF Derby we had to play games in doors because it rained. we played capture the flag, musical chairs, freeze tag, toilet tag, and hide and seek in the dark. It was tons of fun! After dinner, we went over to the Town Hall Meeting. This is where we discussed different topics that are affecting us today and what we might be able to do about it. we had some very good discussions that helped us to share ideas and find resolutions. From there we split into color groups for a strategy workshop where we discussed the three C's of congressional voting which are: Commitment, Conscience, and Constituents. We talked about what these mean and what we think about how we would vote in different situations. We talked about how we are going to convince people to vote for our side. After talking and having a good time, we broke into our delegations and were briefed on what we will do tomorrow. We reflected on what we did today and learned about leadership and citizenship. Finally after a long day, we got our polos and headed off to bed to rest up for Capitol Hill Day tomorrow!
-Rachel F.
**Chaperone Commentary**
There are a lot of great things happening here at CWF. Delegates are definitely coming out of their shells and making a lot of new friends. Tomorrow is a big day and they all seem enthusiastic to meet and discuss congressional topics with their appropriate representative. All is well here in D.C. and good times are being had.
Tuesday, June 21
We departed the 4-H Center at about 8:00 AM and wen to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. It was very beautiful architecture very similar to the Roman Pantheon. There were symbols on his back that represent different important aspects of his presidency. From the front of the Memorial, you can see the White House and the Martin Luther King Memorial. From there we went to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. This particular memorial is very interesting because it is separated into four parts,each representing one of his four terms in office as president. It was very interesting to see all of the history and symbolism in the architecture. When we finished the tour, we went to Arlington National Cemetary. We took a special trolly with a tour guide who told us about different things on the way up to see the Changing of the Guards. While we were there we got to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, JFK's eternal flame, and the Changing of the Guard. It was very beautiful and moving to see the cemetery and learn about some of the people buried there. After observing the Changing of the Guard, we witnessed a Navy funeral procession, it was very moving. after finishing up our tour we left to go back to the 4-H Center for lunch, talent show auditions, committee meetings, and the CWF Derby. At the CWF Derby we had to play games in doors because it rained. we played capture the flag, musical chairs, freeze tag, toilet tag, and hide and seek in the dark. It was tons of fun! After dinner, we went over to the Town Hall Meeting. This is where we discussed different topics that are affecting us today and what we might be able to do about it. we had some very good discussions that helped us to share ideas and find resolutions. From there we split into color groups for a strategy workshop where we discussed the three C's of congressional voting which are: Commitment, Conscience, and Constituents. We talked about what these mean and what we think about how we would vote in different situations. We talked about how we are going to convince people to vote for our side. After talking and having a good time, we broke into our delegations and were briefed on what we will do tomorrow. We reflected on what we did today and learned about leadership and citizenship. Finally after a long day, we got our polos and headed off to bed to rest up for Capitol Hill Day tomorrow!
-Rachel F.
**Chaperone Commentary**
There are a lot of great things happening here at CWF. Delegates are definitely coming out of their shells and making a lot of new friends. Tomorrow is a big day and they all seem enthusiastic to meet and discuss congressional topics with their appropriate representative. All is well here in D.C. and good times are being had.
Citizenship Washington Focus
Monday, June 20
We go on the bus at 7:40 AM and left for Mount Vernon. It was very amazing, the house was beautiful. There were a lot of antiques and old buildings. inside the main house there were a lot of colorful rooms. Over at the estate farm, there is a 16 sided barn which was very cool to see. later on in the day, we went to the National Mall and saw a lot of memorials. one of our group members said they enjoyed this experience because we were able to see the work of our fallen brothers. The first memorial we saw was the World War 2 Memorial. it was very beautiful and full of symbolism. afterward we went to the Vietnam Memorial. It was very emotional to see all of the flowers from Fathers Day. Ariana, our Program Assistant, help me to take a rubbing of the name of a family member. We then went to the Lincoln Memorial. we go to see a lot of beautiful scenery looking out on the Notional Mall. We took a short break and went to the Korean War Memorial. This one was interesting because instead of seeing names on the wall you could see the actual faces of men who fought. beacause the Korean War was the first to use service dogs, we were all searching and taking pictures of the only dog in the memorial. It was starting to get dark so we went over tot eh Martin Luther King Memorial. It was very beautiful and interesting. The quotes were very inspirational. Ariana was very smart and told us about a lot of history. We all enjoyed the history she told us about each Memorial. When we finished at the Memorials we headed back to the 4-H Center for a good night of sleep.
-Rachel F.
**Chaperone Commentary**
The kids are doing a very good job staying involved and enthusiastic about their tours. A lot of hard work is being done within their committees and some very important conversations are being had. Watching and listening to our Kansas delegates has been a joy. Everyone is doing well!
Monday, June 20
We go on the bus at 7:40 AM and left for Mount Vernon. It was very amazing, the house was beautiful. There were a lot of antiques and old buildings. inside the main house there were a lot of colorful rooms. Over at the estate farm, there is a 16 sided barn which was very cool to see. later on in the day, we went to the National Mall and saw a lot of memorials. one of our group members said they enjoyed this experience because we were able to see the work of our fallen brothers. The first memorial we saw was the World War 2 Memorial. it was very beautiful and full of symbolism. afterward we went to the Vietnam Memorial. It was very emotional to see all of the flowers from Fathers Day. Ariana, our Program Assistant, help me to take a rubbing of the name of a family member. We then went to the Lincoln Memorial. we go to see a lot of beautiful scenery looking out on the Notional Mall. We took a short break and went to the Korean War Memorial. This one was interesting because instead of seeing names on the wall you could see the actual faces of men who fought. beacause the Korean War was the first to use service dogs, we were all searching and taking pictures of the only dog in the memorial. It was starting to get dark so we went over tot eh Martin Luther King Memorial. It was very beautiful and interesting. The quotes were very inspirational. Ariana was very smart and told us about a lot of history. We all enjoyed the history she told us about each Memorial. When we finished at the Memorials we headed back to the 4-H Center for a good night of sleep.
-Rachel F.
**Chaperone Commentary**
The kids are doing a very good job staying involved and enthusiastic about their tours. A lot of hard work is being done within their committees and some very important conversations are being had. Watching and listening to our Kansas delegates has been a joy. Everyone is doing well!
Sunday, June 19, 2016
Citizenship Washington Focus 2016
Sunday, June 19th
Williamsburg, Virginia to National 4-H Conference Center
We left Williamsburg at 8:20 AM and headed to Yorktown where we had an amazing time. Everyone decided that we enjoyed it more than Jamestown. Yorktown was settled in 1682 and was the site of the surrender of General Cornwallis to General George Washington and the French on October 19, 1781. After all that, we had a long drive up to Washington, D.C. where we arrived at the National 4-H Conference Center. There were so many new people here that we were a little overwhelmed. We decided on and met with committees and made tons of new friends! we got to interact with a lot of people from other states and trade stock with them. We all had loads of fun and learned a lot. We can't wait for what comes next!
-Rachel F.
**Chaperones Commentary**
A very important comment was made by one of the actors during our experience at Yorktown. After speaking with and interacting with all 32 of our delegates, she had a few short but powerful comments. To paraphrase the employee, "You are lucky chaperones to be working with such a great group of young adults. I've have seen a more intelligent, appreciated and well behaved group of this size in a very long time." All four of us are very proud of this group of young men and women that have allowed us to spend this time with them. The week has just begun but we are excited to see what these powerful delegates have to offer this program. Stay Tuned!
#4-HGrowsHere #TrueLeaders #4HCWF
**Chaperones Commentary**
A very important comment was made by one of the actors during our experience at Yorktown. After speaking with and interacting with all 32 of our delegates, she had a few short but powerful comments. To paraphrase the employee, "You are lucky chaperones to be working with such a great group of young adults. I've have seen a more intelligent, appreciated and well behaved group of this size in a very long time." All four of us are very proud of this group of young men and women that have allowed us to spend this time with them. The week has just begun but we are excited to see what these powerful delegates have to offer this program. Stay Tuned!
#4-HGrowsHere #TrueLeaders #4HCWF
Saturday, June 18, 2016
Citizen Washington Focus 2016
Saturday, June 18
Charleston, West Virginia to Williamsburg, Virginia
I
So we left Charleston, West Virginia at 7:30 AM. JaelAnn had an inspirational message including a $20 dollar bill about how we all have value. We stopped at 9:30 AM at a truck stop along the way. We all st at either Hardee's or at Taco Bell for lucj in Charlottesville, Virginia around 12:00 PM. We toured Jamestown. The tour guides showed us how the Indians from the area lived, how the governor lived, and got to tour one of the English ships. There was a mishap with our original
Hotel reservations, however the agents found a replacement, thankfully. We arrived at our hotel around 6:00 PM. We split up into two groups and ate at Carrabas or Olive Garden. We all crossed the street together as there wasn't an obvious crosswalk. After we got across we realized we had jay walked right in front of a sheriff! We did find a crosswalk when we headed back. It was a totally different type of crosswalk, so we learned how it worked. Three of the chaperones and three of the girls toured through Yankee Candle, there are only two flag store locations like this store in the world.The girls dipped their own candles. Half of the store looked like you walked into a Christmas town. When we got back to the hotel, it looked like most everybody had jumped into the pool and were catching a ball being thrown. Jarrodd was up and fell right on the floor.
-Rayanne
Saturday, June 18
Charleston, West Virginia to Williamsburg, Virginia
I
So we left Charleston, West Virginia at 7:30 AM. JaelAnn had an inspirational message including a $20 dollar bill about how we all have value. We stopped at 9:30 AM at a truck stop along the way. We all st at either Hardee's or at Taco Bell for lucj in Charlottesville, Virginia around 12:00 PM. We toured Jamestown. The tour guides showed us how the Indians from the area lived, how the governor lived, and got to tour one of the English ships. There was a mishap with our original
Hotel reservations, however the agents found a replacement, thankfully. We arrived at our hotel around 6:00 PM. We split up into two groups and ate at Carrabas or Olive Garden. We all crossed the street together as there wasn't an obvious crosswalk. After we got across we realized we had jay walked right in front of a sheriff! We did find a crosswalk when we headed back. It was a totally different type of crosswalk, so we learned how it worked. Three of the chaperones and three of the girls toured through Yankee Candle, there are only two flag store locations like this store in the world.The girls dipped their own candles. Half of the store looked like you walked into a Christmas town. When we got back to the hotel, it looked like most everybody had jumped into the pool and were catching a ball being thrown. Jarrodd was up and fell right on the floor.
-Rayanne
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