ARRIVAL TIME IS NOW 5:00 AM

We Were On The Today Show

Today Show guest on the plaza was Maroon 5 and lead singer Adam Levine.   It was so much fun to be part of an enthusiastic crowd.   

THE WHITE BUS IN ON THE ROAD AND HEADED HOME!!!

The luggage has been moved and the students are loaded.  The White Bus is headed home!

It is still a little early to determine when they will arrive, but the best guess at this point is approximately 4:00 AM.  If anything changes we will let you know.

Francie & Joel

Latest Update on Our Arrival

Hello family and friends,

We continue with our journey.   Here is the latest:

The White Bus students and leaders will be boarding a replacement bus and will soon begin the trek home. Everyone continues to be upbeat and understanding of the situation.   All the students and leaders were treated to a special extra meal at the Tavern on The Green, a New York City icon.   Their arrival back to Bath is still unknown as of this time due primarily to traffic getting out of the city.

The Blue Bus just finished dinner and is currently passing through Worcester, MA.   Our estimated time to arrive in Bath remains midnight.  

We cannot begin to tell you what a special group this is.  The kids and team leaders are the absolute best and they have proven it over and over again.   They have represented themselves and their community extraordinarily today.  

Again, thank you for your patience and understanding.  We will continue to keep you updated.

Francie & Joel

Our Arrival Home - Update

Hello family and friends,

The White Bus is currently still in New York City.  The students and team leaders are having dinner in Manhatten and are hoping to leave soon.   Once we have an estimated time of arrival in Bath, we will pass that information along.

The Blue Bus is currently outside Hartford, CT.  We will be making a quick stop of dinner in Charlton, MA.  Our estimated time to arrive at the YMCA will be midnight.   

Everyone is safe and doing well.   We appreciate your patience and understanding in this situation.

Thank you,

Francie & Joel

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Good evening,

We have had another incredible day as our journey winds down.   Unfortunately, the White Bus has experienced some mechanical difficulties and their arrival home will be significantly delayed.   It was  decided that it would be best for the Blue Bus to continue home.    

At this point the Blue Bus is expecting to arrive sometime after 11 PM, likely closer to midnight.  We will call the YMCA at 7:00 PM and provide an updated status report.

Our students are just incredible and our team leaders are awesome.  We could not have a better group to work with.  Everyone is taking it in stride and accepting that it is all part of the journey.

We will keep you posted.

Francie & Joel

Today was a day for remembrance. Today we went to the World War II Memorial, The Holocaust Museum, The MLK Memorial, The Franklin Roosevelt Memorial, and The Washington Monument. These memorials and museums really helped me understand what freedom costs. I already had a good idea because both of my parents served in the military, but these monuments brought a whole new level of understanding. It was amazing, and touching to fully understand the Holocaust, I have always known that it was a horrible event, but I never knew exactly what happened. Today was by far the most touching day.

-Jillian B.

Today what stood out to me was the WWII memorial. It really meant a lot to me because my great-grandfather served in that and he had passed in 2011 and it made me think of all the stories he used to tell me about all the places he went. I think that my grandfather would have cried seeing it. Also seeing the presentation of colors really touched me. When they played taps it reminded me of my grandfather’s funeral.

-Maddy M.

We went to the World War II memorial today and there were veterans there who had never seen it before today.  We went and shook their hands. It was an experience that I have never seen before. We also went to the Holocaust Museum. It was cool to see that some of the stuff we had never seen before even though we went over the topic in class also.

-Jack

Today we went to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. It was a long, emotional, two and a half hour visit. While there, we got the chance to walk through one of the Cattle Cars used to transport the Jews, it was a small car, and 100 people were squeezed into a car. We also got to walk through a room that had the actual shoes that were recovered from the gassings. You could still smell a burning “sensation” coming from all of the shoes. Before that, we went to the World War II memorial. There was a wall with 4,048 stars on it, each star representing one hundred Americans dead. Today was an emotional and fun day.

-Brady

We Honor Our Veterans

Honor Flight Utah - World War II Veterans

We were honored to see veterans of World War II come to the WWII Memorial, hosted by the State of Utah Congressional delegation.   The ceremony was very touching and our students had the opportunity to meet and thank these veterans for their service to our country.  

The Glory of Washington DC

Today was perhaps the most incredible day of our journey.   We spent the day visiting the grand monuments and memorials of Washington DC.   

We had an opportunity to show our respect at Arlington National Cemetery and observe the Changing of the Guard.   We visited the U.S. Capitol and enjoyed many of the Smithsonian Museums.   Our day was full and we are a tired bunch, but we look forward to sharing more about today in the morning.  

The Gettysburg Address at the Apollo Theater

Our very own Billy Gates performing live at the famous Apollo Theater on Day One.

Gettysburg - The Turning Point of The Civil War

I really liked Gettysburg today because it is such a huge part of our country’s history. For example we got to visit Little Round Top which is where a regiment from our state had one of the most important rolls in the battle. Also we got to learn that not all of the war stories are true, one is that Abraham Lincoln did not write the Gettysburg Address on an envelope. Lastly we got to witness the eternal flame monument which was the first monument the two sides built together and the bottom is Maine granite and the top is made from Alabama limestone. Those are the reasons why I really enjoyed our day at Gettysburg.

--Alex

Today we had a tour of the Gettysburg Battlefield, we had a step on guide named Ed and he showed us important parts of the site. Like where certain people died or got injured and where people made good decisions that may have saved them. We got on and off of the bus and I really enjoyed the tour. After that we went to a dinner theater which was the best part of the day to me. I really enjoyed the Shrek musical more then I liked the real movie it was funny and entertaining.

- -Morgan

Philadelphia Freedom

Today we visited Philadelphia and Lancaster County, PA. We started at the National Constitution Center and watched a presentation. The visuals were amazing! Then we took a tour in a horse and carriage and learned about the history of the city. Did you know that Dolly Madison, James Madison’s wife, came up with the idea of cake and ice cream at parties? It was very memorable, and a great experience to see where the Constitution was signed. After that, we traveled to Lancaster County, to the Amish country. The Amish are very different than our technological generation today. They use limited technology and have no reliance on the outside world. They do not use cars, only horse and buggies, and scooters for transportation. Overall, it was very inspiring to learn about our nation and different religions that we don’t often encounter.

-Abby, Sierra & Emma

National Constitution Center

Today we continue our journey to the birthplace of our Nation.   We visited the National Constitution Center in Philidelphia.    We enjoyed a very special multi-media presentation called, "Freedom Rising."   We then explored the museum to learn more about how our form of government is the most unique in the world, because the power lies with We The People.

Land of the Free and The Home of the Brave

Lady Liberty

Shortly after departing the hotel, we got to the security point check-in for Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. At Liberty Island, I learned that the Statue of Liberty is bigger in person than seen in the distance. I took many pictures with my group and then went to Ellis Island. While there, I learned that the living conditions that immigrants had to face were scarce, and horrible. I saw pictures of crowed people in a dorm room, filled to the max, with many immigrants left without a bed. In New York, I saw Little Italy and Chinatown with a tour guide named Eric. While on the tour, I learned that New York City has some of the oldest and busiest streets in America. After the tour was over, my group went with another group to find a place to eat in Little Italy, ending up at a Pizzeria. The meal was good. My group ordered a Mozzerella Pepperoni Pizza, and had Gelatto for dessert. The pizza was good, until the wind blew an umbrella over, which spilled a cold jug of ice water all over me! Being in the hot sun I dried off quickly. I decided to look in a shop, and saw a nice iPod case that cost $30. I didn’t want to pay that much, so I told the cashier that I didn’t have enough money for it until I got it down to $22. This case can charge an iPod if properly turned on. Overall, today was a nice day and the trip has been fun.

--Brady

Thoughts on Day Two

As soon as I woke up, I knew that I would be busy today. Seeing that my team was assigned to bag lunch duty, we knew we had a lot to do. At 5:00 that morning, we started off the day by making 47 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the tour- a challenging but very entertaining chore. After breakfast we were on our way to the ferry ports. On the way there we saw so many beautiful things, not to mention boarding the ferry and taking off across the Hudson River. We visited Liberty Island and actually saw the Statue of Liberty in person! Following that, we visited everything from Ellis Island to Chinatown all in that short period of time. Everything was so incredible, and I have to say I particularly enjoyed our walk through New York. Battery Park, Broadway, and Wall Street were our biggest stops. We ended the busy day by having a lovely dinner in Little Italy, (umbrella falling onto the table and all,) and I got to learn so much about New York’s culture and history that I can’t put it all into one post!

- Maggie

Today I woke up to a wake up call telling me to enjoy my stay at the Ramada Inn Hotel. I then realized that I was waking up to day 2 of the freedom tour! We went to Ellis Island and I saw the museum it was so cool to think that my ancestors could have come through this same place where I was standing. I was more excited to see the Statue of Liberty I took so many pictures my friends thought I was crazy. We saw the 9/11 memorial it was beautiful! And crazy to think that the Twin Towers used to be there. We toured Chinatown and ate in Little Italy. Today I will never forget-- I made so many great memories.

-Erica

The Great Hall at Ellis Island

Day One Fun!

My first day on the Freedom Tour was a fantastic experience. When we first started talking about the trip in school, I desperately did not want to go because of many reasons. My most important reason though was because I didn’t want to leave home, now that I am on this trip though, I have completely forgotten about home. I am here to have a great, fun, learning experience with my friends. Our first stop was in Harlem, where we walked to the Apollo Theater. The Apollo Theater was absolutely gorgeous, the chandeliers and the architecture and the colors, all I could do was stand there in awe of what I was witnessing. This place had hosted some of the best performers the world had ever seen, my personal favorite was the mighty Michael Jackson. We actually got to perform on the stage, of course I preformed, I rapped and sang a song by Eminem called Mockingbird.. After, we drove on through New York and through Central Park. May I say that Central Park is beautiful, especially the John Lennon memorial, there was actually a guy there singing John Lennon songs it was just a fantastic scene. Then, we went to my favorite place…..  Katz’s Deli, the food was fantastic, my boyfriend and I shared a pastrami sandwich and it was the best sandwich I had ever eaten. When we were all done eating that’s when the fun started… we got to drive through Times Square at night, it was so beautiful. Nothing could have topped being able to see all of that culture and life the first day, and I know it is only going to get better! I have really enjoyed today and was glad that I decided to go. Thanks for reading! J

Marissa

Today we went to Apollo Theatre and Katz’s Deli. I had so much fun with my friends. Olivia and I shared the best roast beef sandwich at Katz’s. The day started off a little rough, because I was tired and a little irritable, but once we got rolling, it was really fun, except for the 40-45 minutes we spent sitting around waiting because of a blown tire. I really loved the Apollo Theatre because it was really cool to be able to sing and touch the Tree of Hope like so many other great performers have. Although the bus rides were a little boring sometimes, they were also cool because I had great friends to talk to and take funny selfies with. The best thing today was being able to see New York at night, from inside the bus. It was really incredible, how big the buildings were, and how bright they looked from the ground. This trip is getting off to a great start, and I can’t wait for tomorrow! 

--Nina

Today was a great beginning to our trip…with a little bit of a rocky start!  The back tire of the bus went flat and made us late for the Apollo Theater.  When we finally got the theater, it was worth the wait! We saw a wall full of signatures of people who performed there, learned the history of the theater and got to see some great but weird performances by adults and students.  Then we ended the day at Katz’s Deli, where there was so much good food. It was a great ending to our first day.

Zenaide

We Shall Endure

The White Bus is getting a lesson on roadside repairs, as they await the changing of a flat tire on I-84 in Waterbury, CT.   The students will get to see just what it's like in a pit crew, all the while being entertained by Francie and driver Sampson.

New adventures every year!

We Are On Our Way!



Blue Bus all present and accounted for.



Exciting New Program During Our Visit to the Amish Country

The Story of Jacob’s Choice

“Compelling” best describes the emotional story of “Jacob’s Choice,” told through the everyday lives of the Fishers, an Old Order Amish family of today. Witness young Jacob’s struggle in choosing the Amish church, or leaving behind family and community for the allure of the modern world.

Experience the horrendous religious persecution of their forefathers and take part in the perilous voyage to America, all magically heightened by wind, rain, smoke, fire, ghostly and other Disney-like  effects that thrill the senses.

Jacob’s challenges with faith, tradition, and loved ones in a fast-changing world is a story that touches each of us, young and old, in a poignant and memorable way. More than any other Amish attraction, “Jacob’s Choice” will leave you with an understanding of what it means to be Amish, and the ties that continue to bind the community together through the centuries.