Tuesday, July 08, 2008

July 6th

The last day started off early once again. Everyone ate breakfast and was on the bus by 7:30am. We were all ready for the long bus ride. Everyone was so tired and ready to get home to sleep in their own bed. Emily, Andrea, Ann, and Emily decided no to sleep any last night so they were very tired. We have all became amazing friends and are sad to be leaving but ready to get home.

Blogger: Amber

July 5th

Wow it's hard to believe that today was our last full day together as a group. Our day started bright and early as we had to load the bus at 7:30am. Everyone was weary after having only a few hours of sleep. Even our trusty PA had overslept. Jennifer had collected an interesting assortment of goodies that was collected during the final room check. It appeared like most of the items had been collected from the girls' rooms! We spent our time on the bus watching movies and catching up on some much needed sleep. We arrived in Indianapolis at 7:30pm and were treated to a pizza party. We had our final reflections with everyone sharing their favorite memories from our time together. It is going to be good to get home but I think it is safe to say that everyone is going to miss their new friends.

Blogger: Ayrn

Saturday, July 05, 2008

July 4th

On the last day in Washington D.C. we took an exciting metro ride to
L-Enfant Plaza. Where we then walked four blocks to get to the
Holocaust Museum. We were then shoved into a single file line to get
through security which, felt like we were being shoved onto box cars
just like the Jews were in World War II. Adam played a trick on Mary
and Marietta with the security at the Holocaust, Joe had said something
wrong and was taken to be detained.
To see the facts and pictures of the people who struggled will be hard
to describe to anyone. After we had went through the museum we decided
to split up into groups of four or more. We were told to be back at
5:30 p.m. When people split and went their own ways, Danielle was
almost left at the Holocaust Museum.
While we were out on our separate ways, Amber and Jessica said that the
4th of July parade was awesome. The drumline and bands were great, but
a lot of people were there. Hope said Jared tried to fly a plane and
that he needed to not be a pilot because he couldn't fly the plane.
Caitlin, Morgan, Lauren, and Catylin got lost in the National History
Museum. Amber reported that her, Emily, Meredith and Jessica had to
pay to get into a McDonalds bathroom. Molly happily said that she,
Susan, Lane, Elissa, Erika, Mariah, Heather and Aaron square danced in
the national mall. An embarrassed Jessica spilt hot tea all over Amber
at lunch. Aaron so got Mary Beth with his shocking gum, so don't ask
Aaron for gum. LOL. Shortly after that Lane got Mary Beth shocked with
his laser pen.
After everyone was done going to the museums and we walked in the rain
to the Jefferson Memorial it stopped raining and while we were sitting
and waiting JD fell asleep. They played the Star Spangled Banner twice
and a man got up and spoke to another group that was there, Lead
America. We all waited patiently in the rain, Joe bought ponchos for
the delegation. While waiting Aaron and Lane went to talk to Minnesota
friends a family from South Africa came and asked what 4-H was and what
it did, he told them. The delegation sang songs before the fireworks.
When the fireworks started they were fast and they came one after the
other. The whole thing lasted 20 minutes. Then we walked back to the
Plaza to get back on the metro. There was a long line so we had to
wait until it calmed down. We then rode the metro all the way back to
the bus stop. We then called Thomas to come pick us up and take us
back to the 4-H center.

July 3rd




Everyone, well all most everyone, woke up bright and early for the early bird activities this morning. While some people had the misfortunate opportunity to wake up to Lane's pounding on doors, others slept in. Participants enjoyed Ships and Sailors, Kickball, and basketball. Once everyone worked up their hunger, they ate a wonderful breakfast.
Then the delegates attended committees meetings where they had a wrap-up session of their activities. Next, the Kansas delegation traveled to the beautiful National Cathedral. This tourist attraction amazed everyone with articulate Gothic architecture and the awesome fact that Bob Dole was married there.
After touring the cathedral, the group trekked back to the 4-H Center to eat lunch in the Clover Cafe. The CWF delegates broke into discussion groups to comment on various issues in today's world. Then the Kansas 4-Hers gathered in their delegation room to formulate action plans for a community issue. Jeff, the PA, made the comment that Kansas has had the best action plans yet.
Once dismissed from delegation discussion, everyone changed and primped for cultural heritage night. This year the KS delegation dined at Toby's Dinner Theater, where they enjoyed delicious food and the production of "All Shook Up." The entertainment was filled with bight costumes, amazing voices and humor. While at the theater, Marshall was said to have been a gentleman, pulling out chairs and standing up for the ladies when they left the table. Before leaving for Toby's, there was a lint rolling party in Jared's room with Michael B. in charge and Gabriel, Marshall, and JD present.
Of course, there were a few moments to remember...Surprise Surprise, they involved Hope. Molly and Jared got her to believe the torch on the top of the Library of Congress was a spare for the one the Statue of Liberty holds. Also, during delegation action plan discussion, Hope thought Gabriel could really write in Japanese.
While our days in Washington DC are coming to an ed, the bonds of friendship everyone has made have just begun. The memories in this trip will last a lifetime and I know the friendships will too!

July 3rd

We just learned that the bus driver for the state Citizenship Washington Focus trip apparently died of natural causes sometime during the night. He was found in bed in his room this morning. Marietta Slater, our CWF Coordinator, says that he had been feeling badly yesterday, but didn’t request any treatment. We will not be releasing his name until we are sure his family has been properly notified.

The National 4-H Center arranged for another bus and driver to transport our delegation today. This morning they are at the National Cathedral as part of their planned itinerary.

Many of our young people had grown very fond of our driver on their cross country adventure during the past week. We understand it is an emotional time for them which means they are dealing with the issue in a healthy manner.

Kinkaid Motorcoach is arranging for another driver from Maryland to drive the coach. This driver will be taking the delegation on their scheduled itinerary tomorrow, bringing them home starting on Saturday and arriving in Kansas on Sunday.

Please keep our former driver and his family in your prayers as well as our youth, chaperones, and the subsitute bus driver who will be joining the group.

Justin

Thursday, July 03, 2008

July 2nd



The 8th day of our adventure started bright and early when Hope set off the fire alarm, then she and her roommates proceeded to get locked out of their room. The day was started off with a big breakfast and we listened to a congressional session, where Kansans took 4 of the 7 spots. Unfortunately, we had to leave early for a tour at Capitol Hill. After walking many miles, we arrived at our destination and toured the Capitol. We were told we looked snazzy and like the interns who worked there and received special treatment. We went and saw Senator Roberts' and Senator Brownback's Offices and got to take pictures sitting in their desks. Each delegate received the opportunity to visit with their district representative office as well. Jessica B got lost in one of the offices and walk out of a door that said "private." After eating dinner at Union Station, we went to Twilight Tattoo. The US Army did drills and played instruments and sang. The girls were excited to take pictures with the soldiers. While at the show, Mary Beth was serenaded and later got a picture with the soldier. As we were driving back to the center, Jennifer reminded us to make sure we take our clothes off due to changing on the bus earlier. What she meant to say was make sure you take your clothes off the bus! A talent show was held and again Kansas was represented well having 5 of the 12 spots. We are so talented!!

July 1st




Our third day at the National 4-H Center began with an early breakfast. Then, it was off to the Arlington National Cemetery. Our first stop there was the Women in Military Service Memorial and Museum. Then we boarded a tram to take the tour of the Cemetery, which included the Kennedy's grave sites. Marietta also gave our tour guide, Norman, a Kansas 4-H pin! Another fascinating experience was viewing the changing of the guards ceremony. After agreeing it was a moving experience for all. We headed to Iwo Jima Memorial. On the way Jeff, our PA, read us a true story about the memorial and the men in it. Next came the WWII Memorial, with only about ten minutes there. Some people rushed to take pictures while others looked up family members on the kiosk. Cassadie thought a quick dip in the pool there would be refreshing, but decided against it instead. Then it was back to the center for workshops and committee meetings. The late afternoon was spent at the Derby playing various games where some got wet.
Dinner was eaten at the Clover Cafe and then the Delegation Think Tank and Reflections were held.
Some of today's excitements told at Reflections included learning the Squirrel and Lemmy Songs, taught to us by our PA, Jeff. Also Meredith and Emily B were told our 4-H Group was very respectful. Genna also found and photographed a stone with her family name on it at Arlington National Cemetery. It was also shared that several of our delegates are holding congressional spots and offices!
Today was also Garrett's birthday!! Hope you had a great day Garrett!
It is safe to say an amazing time was had by all Kansas CWF Delegates and Sponsors today!

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

June 30th

Our first full day at the 4-H center began at 7am where we enjoyed breakfast in the Clover Cafe. Immediately following breakfast, we boarded the coach on our quest for Mount Vernon. Along the way our trustee PA, Jeff, pointed out various landmarks and sites he thought suitable for our viewing pleasure. Upon arriving to Mount Vernon, we made a mad dash for the Washington Mansion. Following the mansion tour we were allowed to wander about and explore George Washington's estate. The view of the Potomac was absolutely breath taking from the mansion. Some other highlights were: the 16-sided barn, the slave quarters, the interactive movie and George Washington's dentures. Emily B also touched one of Martha's dresses and sounded an alarm at the museum. It gave us all a good laugh. Then we returned to the center for lunch and attended our assigned workshops and various committees. The entire CWF delegation gathered in the auditorium to listen and gain knowledge of citizenship and service from Chad Jeremy. Jeremy works for a national community service organization called, Americorps. Jeremy directs, plans, and carries out training for the Americorps volunteers. After enjoying a delectable feast, we once again boarded the coach for our night view of our nation's capital. Of course our educated and knowledgeable PA shared his vast knowledge with us at each monument. Our first stop was the Lincoln Memorial where we found a misspelled word on the wall. Next were the Korean and Vietnam war Memorials. Respectively many of us were astonished by the causality counts in those wars. When we got to the Jefferson Memorial a light shower fell upon us, but that didn't stop us from catching some breath taking views. The rain didn't detour us from our final destination, the FDR Memorial. Many have said the night view is the best part thus far.
On our way back to the center, we spotted gas for an unbelievable $4.33 per gallon. It's times like these when we truly think there's no place like home!

Monday, June 30, 2008

June 29th


We woke up refreshed today due to a much needed extra hour of sleep. Marshall started the day off with a bang when his cereal exploded all over the breakfast table. Although the explosion was exciting, the best thing about the morning was the return of our fearless driver, JACK. YAHOO!!! After loading the bus, we headed to Yorktown to learn about the amazing history of the town. At exactly 3:31, we pulled into the National 4-H Center. We made it the whole way with zero bus breakdowns.
Upon arriving, we met our awesome PA (Program Assistant), Jeff. After dinner we began an exciting evening of workshops, committee meetings, talent show auditions, and the legendary pin trade.
The following are some memorable moments of the day:
Hope was "punked" by Jared...twice. Once when he told her he killed a grizzly bear, and once when he convinced her that the movie, "The Perfect Man," was his own biography.
JD hit his head so hard he was sent to his knees.
Lauren got locked in the bathroom at the rest stop and nobody rescued her.
Gabe revealed his secret identity as a bird whisperer.
Jessica mistook the Buckeyes for Cow Pies.
Devon and Jared were elected into the delegate House of Representatives.
Tomorrow begins our first day in Washington DC. Everyone is super excited and we can't wait to continue on our adventure.

Saturday, June 28, 2008

June 28th


On the road again...we started our trip bright and early this morning. Our first stop today was Williamsburg. Williamsburg was the capitol of Virginia during the 1700s. While there we shopped, learned and laughed. Many of our laughs involved the re-inactors. For example, a group of girls were talking to the soldiers and they told us that when they came over to America on the Porpoise, Andera said, "like a whale, right?" The soldiers also told her she would make a good wife "because she can't read or write." Then some of us tried to teach the soldiers the "Soulja Boy" dance.
We had many other blond moments as well. Shannon saw the wooden barricades and asked if they were old school bike racks. Hope listened to Jared when he told her to sample the 1600s ketchup which was actually hot sauce. Hope also said she would give Lane to the British soldiers in exchange for a picture with her.
After we left Williamsburg, we headed toward what we thought was the motel. Little did we know, Marietta had something different in mind...a surprise! WE WENT TO VIRGINIA BEACH!! Many people jumped into the ocean fully clothed. Some took pictures with the lifeguard. :)
Tonight we stayed in a 2 day old hotel in Gloucester. Jennifer, one of our sponsors, almost burned it down when she put her laptop on the bed. The feathers got a little too hot!! Each day on the road is getting better and better. We can't wait to see what comes next.
Blogger: Ann

Friday, June 27, 2008

June 27th

We started out the day leaving our hotel in Huntington, West Virginia two minutes early! Yeah us!!
Four hours into our morning drive, our bus suddenly coasted to the side of the road. There we sat for two hours while we waited for a mechanic to come fix the problem. However, before the mechanic showed up, flashing lights from a police car & firemen joined us on the shoulder. The policeman came and yelled at a select few for "waving" and Flagging them down from the top of the coach.
Finally we were rescued and we stopped for lunch in the nearest town in Virginia (Lexington). But to our surprise, about 15 minutes outside of town, the coach once again broke down. This time we waited for a new coach to come for nearly 3 hours!
While waiting on the sticky, hot bus we really had the chance to get to know each other. Unfortunately we could not visit Monticello though. Instead we experienced many funny moments bonding together. For example, Molly blowing bubbles, JD teaching Emily B how to throw punches, and Aaron showing his "evil squirrel" face. When Marietta told Joe the girls brought "27 Dresses" he thought she was talking about actual clothes while in fact she was talking about the movie. Joe's facial expression was priceless.
After the new coach and driver arrived we finished our drive to Richmond, Virginia where we enjoyed a short swim in our hotel pool. Hope found out that playing chicken doesn't mean jumping in while flapping your arms.
Although, we really miss our original bus driver, Jack, our third day on the trip turned out pretty awesome!
Blogger: Jessica Bauerle

Thursday, June 26, 2008

June 26th




Our second day on the CWF trip began with a big buffet breakfast at the Drury Inn. Then we walked down the street to the St. Louis Arch. When we got there, we were able to wander around a little before riding to the top. We took the "egg-shaped" tram to the top and were able to get a birds-eye view of the flooded Mississippi. Reflecting on the arch: Mary got in trouble for taking a picture while loading the tram and many stated, "It was tall."
Then we met on the steps for a group picture. While we were on the steps, a news guy from Channel 4, was reporting on the flooding. JD, Marietta, Jared and Susan were interviewed by the news man. Check out http://www.kmov.com/ for their interviews.
We all loaded the bus for our long bus trip. Once aboard the two birthday delegates were sang to and given crowns to wear. "Happy Birthday Susan and Jared!" Later in the day the amazing Hope bought a birthday cake for them and shared with everyone on the bus.
Activities on the bus today included movie watching: Invincible, National Treasure, and What a Girl Wants as well as countless games of Pitch, Apples to Apples and Uno. Songs such as "Friends in Low Places" were sung as well.
Some of our stops included lunch at Arbys where we got to ring the bell and a bathroom break where a quick game of Reaction Ball was played.
We arrived at in Hunington, West Virginia around 8:00pm eastern time.
P.S. Jared was said to have taken full advantage of it being his birthday.
Blogger: Susan Todd

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Wednesday, June 25th




Today we left on our 12 day adventure. On the bus ride we were able to meet other delegates through a process like speed dating. As we approached St. Louis, we watched a video on how the St. Louis Arch was made. Finally, we arrived in St. Louis.
After checking in at the motel, Drury Inn, the group left for a night at Union Station. One highlight of the evening was visiting the Fudgery. The fudge makers would sing and make fudge at the same time. The man said he was surprised white people have rhythm. Also, there was the whispering arch which was whisperiffic according to Jared Marcuson. When we got back to the hotel and were getting ready to get on an elevator, we kindly let a women take the first elevator. She told us that her mother was a 4-H sewing leader for 10 years and would be very proud of us.
Everyone is looking forward to the exciting week ahead!!
Blogger: Hope James

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Getting Ready to Go!


I hope everyone has started packing their bags! It's just a few days until you hit the road for the most memorable road trip of your life!