Junior High/Middle School Seminar

Each program day begins with charter bus transportation in and around Washington for on-site visits to places such as the United States Supreme Court, the Smithsonian Institution museums, Arlington National Cemetery, and other memorials and government buildings. As a cornerstone to our programs, students travel to Capitol Hill for scheduled appointments with Members of Congress and their staffs. Time is also provided for attending debates in the House and Senate and visiting Congressional committee sessions. Scheduled Capitol and White House tours are often planned ahead and arranged through congressional offices. Throughout the week, tours and visits will be made to such places as Mount Vernon (George Washington’s ancestral home), the National Air and Space Museum, the Natural History Museum, and Washington National Cathedral. Program counseling staff accompany the students at all times during the week.

Featured evening speakers include special agents of the FBI and US Secret Service or U.S. Marshals Service and other officials of the Executive departments. One evening, called Geography Exchange, will be dedicated to a cultural exchange between student groups to share in the unique and diverse backgrounds of their respective hometowns. The night consists of an interactive activity and a memento exchange. Some schools may even present traditional dances! Another evening, students enjoy a chartered bus tour of the lighted memorials of official Washington. The final evening features a voyage aboard a Washington boat charter on the Potomac River with a buffet dinner and student dance and evening program.