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!