Day 12: Sunday, June 28, 2009

Today we woke up as the sun rose and had an excellent breakfast in our last hotel. Throughout the morning all of us were happy to sleep while others watched a movie Second Hand Lions.

After our first stop we all had a say on our most memorable experiences. Some things included the following:
...crazy Jessica wanting to be painted green and called a gummy
...Oklahoma musical
...Gettysburg
...Twilight tattoo
...eating pumpernickel bread
...and so much more.

We've all had memorable times and now have new friends. I think we're more like a family, though.

We did various things on the bus ride home and when we reached the border of Kansas, Marietta gave us her closing talk. She told us how proud she is of us from throughout the trip from leadership, the talent show, and just being GREAT kids.

Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened by Dr. Seuss was the thought of the day. All of us hate to say our good-byes, especially to our awesome bus driver, Mike. As we now head our separate ways, I will say the last and final goodbye, saying thanks to great friends in my mind and new found citizenship in my heart. I LOVE YOU EVERYONE!

Jessica Morgan

Day 11: Saturday, June 27, 2009

As the sun shined through the windows, we began our very hectic morning with saying our many goodbyes and scrambling to finish our packing. We all eventually filed onto the bus and found our seats for the long 13 hour ride to Indianapolis. Some fell asleep immediately after leaving the 4-H Center. Others took a few minutes but it didn't take long before the entire bus fell silent.

After our first break many of us worked to watch Failure to Launch, but we voted to make it fair. At lunch we stopped in Washington, PA. After lunch we all voted to watch another movie and we chose Flight Plan. After the movie we took a break to stretch our legs and fill up the bus with fuel. After our stop many began to play the game "I've never" and sing songs.

We all made the best out of our very long ride, but we were all glad to arrive in Indianapolis. We all enjoyed sitting outside playing cards, talking and swimming.

Many of us are sad that the trip will come to an end tomorrow, however, the memories and friendships will most assuredly last a lifetime and never be forgotten.

Lindsay Kallenbach

Day 10: Friday, June 26, 2009

“Beep, Beep, Beep, Beep” to everyone not on this trip. Those are just words, but to the Kansas CWF Delegation, that is the noise that forces us awake for the start of Day 10. Sleepy eyed and half awake, we all boarded the bus to head to the Pentagon, all armed with ID’s as Marietta often reminded us to do.

To start our journey we had to ride the Metro from Pentagon City to the Pentagon. Upon arrival we went through security and were sent to a waiting area. From there we proceeded to our tour destination. During our tour we saw 9/11 quilts that were donated to the Pentagon by people who lost loved ones in the terrorist attack.

After finishing our tour several of us went to the gift shop to purchase keepsakes and t-shirts. Soon we were on the Metro again and heading back to Pentagon City where our fantastic bus driver, Mike, was waiting for us.

Shortly after leaving Pentagon City we all headed to the Holocaust Museum where we saw the persecution that the Jews suffered and died from. I think everyone will agree with me when I say it was a mind blowing and shocking experience that we will not soon forget.

Upon finishing our tours at the Holocaust Museum we all set off in groups to explore D.C. Some went to the Museum of Natural History, others to the Air & Space Museum and some other museum.

At 2:30 we met up at the National Archives to view the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, The Constitution and several others. Soon after viewing these we met at the Old Post Office Museum and Pavilion to take the Metro and Metro Bus back to the 4-H Center.

At our delegation meeting Darielle had us fill out evaluations about CWF and Marietta talked about checking out in the morning.

Immediately following the meeting we had the 2009 CWF Talent Show. Kaitlyn Dewell sang “I Think About You”, Blake McAllister showed off his juggling skills, and Michelle Waymire sang “God Bless The U.S.A.” Soon after the Talent Show was over the Kansas Delegation gathered to hear the talents of Wes Gardener on someone else’s violin. Once he finished we all scattered to enjoy dancing, showers and packing.

Reflections:
- The Pentagon tour was great!
- Our tour guide walked backwards, really fast
- The Holocaust Museum was shocking, moving, frightening
- The National Archives was fantastic
- Darielle was a great P.A.
- The Dance was totally spiffalicious
- Kansas rocked the Talent Show
- Mike is a great bus driver (he puts up with all of us “Krazy Kansans”

Courtesy of Mickie Waymire

Day 9: Thursday, June 25, 2009

It was a beautiful HOT day in D. C. We were all dressed for success as we toured Arlington National Cemetery. For most it was surreal, heart warming and breath taking all at once.

After touring the cemetery we took a drive to the Iwo Jima and WWII Memorials where we all had a great deal of respect.

After dinner we all went to the congressional session where we voted on our bills that we had previously made up earlier in the week.

This evening we went to a Dinner Theater for supper and a musical. We got to see “Oklahoma”. All of the Jessica’s thought Curly was the best looking of them all!!!!

Happy Trails


Reflections:
- Arlington was moving and humbling
- Arlington was larger than we expected
- We all liked the congressional session
- Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett
- The musical “Oklahoma” was amazing
- Most of the delegation hadn’t seen it
- Chris Sourk had to sing the song “Oklahoma” because he forgot his shoes on the bus
PS. Chris did a FABULOUS job!

Courtesy of Jessica Brauer

Day 8: Wednesday, June 24, 2009

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Okay, there was only one bad time and it really wasn’t that bad. As the Healthy Living Committee predicted the weather was very sultry and hot. Beads of sweat from Kansas 4-H'ers were flooding the streets.

Most of the day was devoted to Capitol Hill and visiting of our Senators and Rep- resentatives. The boys wore suit coats while the girls wore beautiful dresses and skirts. The group got a big head after receiving many compliments from other tourists and Capitol faculty. Basically, we were very fly and fresh.

The architecture and art in the Capitol was stupendous. Our southern tour guide explained that the marble within the Capitol came from 7 different countries. There were pictures in the dome that represented how our nation came about. The room with many statues echoed more than any other. An exciting event happened when some of us saw Nancy Pelosi walking by at a fast clip.

Next was talking to Senators Brownback and Roberts. They answered all of our questions and talked of their Kansas pride. Senator Brownback’s assistant said he will be running for Governor and is spending a lot of money. Senator Roberts does not like how our country is spending its money and its health care system.

It took a long time to be able to see Representatives Jerry Moran, Lynn Jenkins and Todd Tiahrt. They met us on the scorching steps of the Capitol and we took group pictures. The Supreme Court was fun, but hard to stay awake in. Mary Hoover fell asleep.

Later we went to a show called “Twilight Tattoo”. It was put on by the United States Army. It was so emotional that some of us shed tears. The soldiers, which included the United States Army Drill Team, were so very talented.


Reflections:
- We looked so professional that many of us were asked for directions by tourists
- Blake McAllister and Chris Sourk thought their suits were mixed up
- The Jonas Brothers were at the Capitol
- Larry Crouse met some folks from Ottawa, Kansas
- Jessica Brauer thought that being able to shake hands with members of the Army at the Twilight Tattoo ceremony was special.

Courtesy of Blake McAllister

Day 7: Tuesday, June 23, 2009

We awoke this early morning to the sun shining through our windows, unfortunately many of us did not welcome it with it’s joy as this is our seventh day with the lack of rest holding us back.

First thing this morning we pried open our eyes to attend the bill writing session. During this session each color group had the opportunity to come together and write a bill on a hot topic. Choices included gun control, ethanol use, file sharing, and government data mining. These bills then moved on to the government committee where they diligently worked to combine both sides for the Congressional session.

We then hurriedly loaded our coach only imagining how beautiful our National Cathedral could be. Once we arrived it was even more magnificent than any of us expected, leaving everyone speechless at the sight of the National Cathedral that our country comes to rely on in times of joy and even in times of trial and tribulation. The Cathedral made for the people and by the people expresses our country in many ways. As many generations have seen it rise into what it is today, they have contributed bits and pieces of their lives whether it is the bit of moon rock in the stained glass or the Darth Vader gargoyle placed on one of the spires atop the Cathedral.

After returning from the Cathedral our delegation started Action Plan Part 1. This was a time for our delegation to come up with action plans to make our communities a better place to live. During this time we split up into groups to make an action plan with issues including a first date, a prom, and giving a dog to every person in Kansas. This was a great time for all of us to brain storm and have fun with our fellow Kansans.

During the second part of the session it was time to get to work. While the adults backed away we took the reins and came up with incredible ideas that can make our community a better place to live. Feeling passionately about our chosen topics, each group presented a goal of what they wanted to accomplish. Our topics included mentoring, respect/discrimination, healthy living, under age drinking and parent involvement in fair projects. Steve McAllister said it was one of the best classroom environments he had seen.

Later on that day we all got into our very casual attire to have a fun filled hour of games and activities. During the Derby we split into color groups to compete in activities such as tug of war, sand volleyball and ultimate frisbee. Overall everyone really enjoyed the Derby.

Another great part of the day was the Town Hall that was put on by the Youth in Governance Committee where we split up into different groups and discussed current topics such as abortion, gay marriage, and off shore drilling. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed this, seeing the many different views on these topics and having healthy debate on each topic.

We ended the day with a briefing about tomorrow’s adventurous day on Capitol Hill and free time. Overall it was a wonderful day in D. C.


Reflections:
* Mike - Drivers in this city can’t drive unless their horn works.
* Wes making the kissing face during action planning
* Alex Spence is going to name his daughter “Dixie May”
* Wade wiping out twice during the Derby
* Austin tripped & spilled water all over the other team
* Chris - Room will be destroyed by the end of the trip
* Grumpy ladies at the Cathedral “Move your feet, come on, come on”
* Blake didn’t know who Helen Keller was
* During committees a guy asked Rachael & Kristen if they were from Ohio, and after thinking a minute said “Wait, I’m from Ohio”

Courtesy of Rachael Mayhill

Day 6: Monday, June 22, 2009

Today we opened our droopy eyes to find ourselves in our home away from home. We dressed in our best for today we went to Mount Vernon. Not very many of us have been to George Washington’s home until today. Just knowing we walked up the same flight of stairs and touched the same hand rail would make us open our minds to every single detail. In the house we all passed by the room where Washington took his last breaths, then we continued on to his final resting place which is also located on the estate. Along with Martha and 20 other family members. Unfortunately this great tour had to come to an end. On our way back from Mount Vernon we passed by several embassy’s such as Japan, Germany and Sweden. After we relaxed back into our casual attire we listened to Angela Wasko speak about challenging ourselves to get involved. Following Angela was Jake Johnson who told us to find our passion and choose how it will impact our lives.




A few hours later we hopped back on to our coach where Mike drove us safely through terrible city traffic. We arrived at the Jefferson Memorial first with a beautiful river front view of the Potomac. We eagerly jumped back on to the bus to visit the FDR Memorial. The memorial was a very calm and serene place because of all the waterfalls that were included in the memorial.

Onward we went to the Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial and the Vietnam War Memorial. As we walked around to these memorials our hearts never felt so warmed until we took our first steps down the long wall of names of men who died for us. As we returned back to our home away from home we all said good bye to one of our own. Today was Daniel Martin's last day with us.


Reflections:
All the memorials were fantastic!
We met some people from Kansas.
Chelsea Gerber said, “The memorials made everything more real”.

Courtesy of Jessica Grisier

Day 5: Sunday, June 21, 2009

The white glossy pages coated with unending historic remarks slowly turn into a blur. Dates, names and events engulf each line as the text struggles to bring the past back to life. The pictures we have tried to create in our minds have finally become a reality. Text can not depict the things we have encountered.

As we peeked out of the covers this dreary morning, so did the sun. Our first adventure of the day was to tour Independence Hall. Our guide not only spoke words of truth, but spoke words from the heart that showed her passion. We then saw the Liberty Bell that demonstrated all the things our teachers have tried to teach us. Later we went to the Betsy Ross house where actors brought to life characters of the 1800’s. Next, we got to witness the Christ Church, where they were having Sunday worship services at the time.

For lunch many of us ventured out to have a well known “Philly Cheese Steak”. I still think my mom’s were better.

After loading the bus we drove through Delaware, while experiencing driving through tunnels (which were new to some). On the ride to Washington D.C. we practiced our State chants –

1) Bang bang, choo choo train,
come on Kansas do your thing,
wave the wheat, wave wave the wheat

2) Can I get a --- What, what,
can I get a --- who, who,
we’re going to keep our nation from rocking you!
We are --- So loud,
We are --- So proud,
Just sit back we’ll show you how.
Kansas 4-H --- HUH!!!



After checking into the conference center and having dinner, Kansas definitely rocked the house at the opening assembly with our cheers. We then were divided into color groups to attend work shop groups. Here we got to know each other and then discussed citizenship and what it meant to us. These meetings were then followed by committee meetings where we learned our duties as a delegate and began our planning. Our night still wasn’t over. Next we attended a pin trading “Meet & Greet” where we collected items from the other states and got to know each other. The evening was officially ended by a review of the day and covered tomorrow’s schedule.

Today was a day when the text books finally came to life. The past affects the future, and future learns from the past. We are the future experiencing the past.

The days reflections:
-Nice to meet new people since we’ve been stuck with the same people for 4 days.
-Government committee vows the congressional session will be “legit”.
-Talent show committee made “legit” posters
-Excited about Everything!!!

by Michelle Hill

Day 4: Saturday, June 20, 2009

Question: What began with a fantastic tour of a famous civil war battlefield, moved on to the most famous chocolate factory in the world and ended with an interactive show highlighting the "City of Brotherly Love" and a time for daily reflections? If you answered Day 4 of the annual Citizenship Washington Focus 4-H Trip, then congratulations, you are exactly right!

Though dreary, the fourth day of CWF did not disappoint, exceeding the previous days in both excitement and charm. 4-H'ers arose early to enjoy an excellent (and free!!!) Breakfast at our Gettysburg motel. Next, it was off to the Gettysburg Battle Museum where we watched a fascinating documentary on the Battle of Gettysburg and viewed a stunning cyclorama painting and light show summarizing the famous battle. Afterwards we were fascinated by a two hour tour of the Gettysburg battlefields that involved views from the bus and interactive off-road exploration by all.

After a short bus ride (that is, relative to what we’re used to), we arrived at a place most of had only dreamed of - Hershey, Pennsylvania. While there, we enjoyed a tasty lunch at the Kit Kat Café, attended a lesson on chocolate tasting, and received an excellent explanation of the chocolate making process. While earning our Masters Degree in chocolate tasting, our very own Chris Kartman was named a Professor of Tongue-ology, and fulfilled his duties by showing everyone where the different taste buds are located on the tongue. While loading the bus, Scott City 4-Hers were amazed to see a resident of their town, proving how small this world truly is.

Next, 4-H'ers traveled via coach to Cherry Hill, New Jersey, a suburb of Philadelphia, and got a small taste of traffic on the East coast. After supper we got to experience a phenomenal walk-through of the events leading up to the American Revolution through the “Lights of Liberty” show. Sites on the tour included Independence Hall, Franklin Court, and the Liberty Bell. All in all, the presentation primed us well for the Washington D.C. portion of our trip, and won’t soon be forgotten by anyone.


Reflections:

Many thoughts were expressed about the superb day. Among those mentioned most frequently were that the Civil War film was an amazing documentary, that the cyclorama exhibit was emotionally captivating and the statistics in it were staggering, and that the battlefield tour enabled visitors to picture the war visually.

Reactions to the Hershey’s tour included that the chocolate tasting was hilarious, that getting to “froth” our chocolate milk was grand, and that the singing cows on the tour had been well received. Also, chaperone Larry Crouse summarized the experience by saying, “ a bazillion little kids hyped up on chocolate is an insane zoo”.

Furthermore, Daniel Martin remarked that travel in Philadelphia was frustratingly slow.

Comments regarding the Lights of Liberty show were also positive and everyone was quite impressed.

In the end, the fourth day of CWF, though lacking in sunshine, was filled to the brim with laughter, fun, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. And if the trip thus far is any indicator, the good times have just begun. Tomorrow, the real fun starts when we arrive at our nations capital!

Until then, so long from New Jersey.

Respectfully,
Eli Schooley

Day 3 Friday, June 19, 2009

Hey, it's your favorite 4-Hers again, writing to you from Gettysburg, PA. It's been such an amazing day in the east. We're all bonding very well and have learned many important facts about our awesome country together.

The morning started out very gloomy. Also, there was a huge downpour which is something that half of us have never really seen. This all took place in a suburb of Columbus, OH. From here, the bus driver decided to take us off of the beaten path so that our viewing of the Appalachian Mts would be maximized.

Reflections:
Our trip was very beautiful from OH to PA. Like yesterday, it was a day mostly riding in the bus. Some interesting things happened at a few stops. When stopping for lunch in western PA, Wade Guiterrez tried to cross a rather busy street and about got hit by a F-150 pickup. The people in this group felt so grateful that he left the scene unharmed.

We all know the saying "Manure smells like money". Not all of us think it's a pleasant thought. Many sources have heard Jessica Brower say "manure smells great and just like home". Although we gave her some heck about it, she's just a great girl that loves her cattle.

Somewhere deep in the forest of the mountains, there was a card game of Egyptian Rat Killer being played in the back of the bus. The game consisted of Alex Spence, Blake McAllister, Andrew Fox and Morgan Lawrence. The interesting thing about this is that it lasted an hour and at the end someone's hand was broken!!! Okay, I'm just kidding. However, the teams were very exhausted.

Upon arriving in Gettysburg we were all set free. Almost the whole group went to the world renown Gettysburg Nat'l Cemetery. This was such a riveting experience. Some said this visit was an intense one, while others thought it was solemn and humbling.

Then it was on to the old downtown. People split up and went to many shops and restaurants. Kristen Fisher, Caitlin Young and Kendra Baumberger all had balloons made for them. Kaitlyn Dewell and Blake McAllister tried Birch Beer and it was really syrupy. Many of the Kansans ate Pumpernickel bread and got some for free.

Later in the night at the hotel, Steve McAllister entertained many with juggling.
Kaitlyn Dewell displayed the bend and snap.

Experiencing the different historical and cultural locations in the area has been mind-boggling. However, we are all very hungry for more and await arriving in Washington D.C.

As said before, we are all great friends now and are loving this sensational trip.

Respectfully,
Blake McAllister

Day 2

We woke up at the crack of dawn so we could eat breakfast and start heading to the Gateway Arch. As soon as we got there we took our first group picture on the steps by the Arch. We then went through security and had the options of going to the museum or to the gift shop. After looking around for a while we got into groups of 5 to go up to the top of the Arch.
We got to the top and looked down at the heart of St Louis. We then went back down on the tram to go back to the coach. Once we were on the bus Marietta then told us some fun facts about St Louis. After that, Caitlin Conley and David Jones told us some of their Kansas chants to rock the house at the 4-H Center. We stopped in Effingham to eat and go to Wal-Mart if needed. We had to be back at 12:25 but a bunch of kids were late so Marietta started a new rule that if you're late you have to pay 25 cents to the petty cash box.

Sherry then read off 6 cards saying 3 truths and 1 lie about random people. After that, Spence picked out a movie and we watched "Taken" till we stopped in Indianapolis, Indiana for a bathroom break. Alex told us some random facts about 4-H. Majority ruled once again, so we watched National Treasure II. After driving for awhile we finally made it to Grove City, Ohio where we went to the hotel. Once
we got to the hotel we split up and went to eat. At 9:15 we got together for reflection time.

Reflections:
Marietta imitated 2 ladies laughing out in the lobby.
We went over fire rules.
Marietta made a new diddy!
We then went over tomorrow's game plan.
Alex got pooped on by a bird on his hand.
Daniel Martin got walked in on in a restaurant bathroom.
Jessica Brauer thought there could be more info at the top of the Arch.
Wade thought it should have been bigger at the top.
A group of guys went to White Castle and Chris Davis, being the architect that he is, made a tower out of empty hamburger boxes.
Dani Lockhart attempted to teach a group a Kansas chant.
Alex and Caitlin also taught a Kansas chant.

Today's report comes to you courtesy of Dani Lockhart

Day 1:

As we come from all corners of the state to Salina, and some to Topeka, to start our CWF journey to Washington D.C.

Once we were picked up in Salina we drove to Topeka and were joined by our eastern friends. We had lunch and started our trip to St Louis. On the way we did several different ice-breakers in which we got to meet new people. After we arrived in St Louis we went to Union Station. There we could shop, eat, or just take it easy. After eating a sandwich we looked around and stopped at "The Fudgery" where Tony demonstrated to us how to make fudge. It was very interactive and was a good time. All in all it was a long day, but provided a great start to what is going to be a fun trip.

Reflections, Bungee Cords at Union Station, crazy waiter at Hard Rock, and a psycho man with a purse and tight purple capri pants at a public bathroom.

We determined amongst our crew which girl had brought the most pairs of shoes, and which guy had the most non-family female contacts on his phone.

And the winners are:
Our very own Romeo with 108 female contacts is Blake McCallister and our very own Imelda Marcos who brought 11 pairs of shoes for a 12 day trip is Caitlin Conley!

By Chris Sourk

On the Road 2009

The Kansas Delegation is officially on their way! We saw the bus off from K-State Salina this morning!

Check back often to read up on the experiences the group is having!!