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This unparalleled walk through the streets where history was made leaves students with a profound understanding of the birthplace of America. Students receive a ranger-led tour of Independence Hall and stand in the room where our country’s founders adopted the Declaration of Independence and debated the United States Constitution. The guided experience explores additional historical sites such as the Liberty Bell, Elfreth’s Alley, and Ben Franklin’s grave.
The Valley Forge National Historical Park visit allows students to walk across the famous grounds of George Washington’s encampment at Valley Forge. Accompanied by expert guides, students are presented with the challenges faced by the volunteers who sacrificed so much to forge the United States. During their time, students visit the encampment, George Washington’s Headquarters, the statue of Baron von Steuben and the Grand Parade Grounds, Muhlenberg Brigade Huts, the National Memorial Arch, George Washington Memorial Chapel, and Mad Anthony Wayne Statue and Woods.
Living history actor-historians from the American Historical Theatre enable students to learn from and interact with some of the most significant figures in American history. Thomas Jefferson, Frederick Douglass, George Washington, Abigail Adams, and others step out of the history books and into the room, helping students understand that these great figures were still people with personal motivations, problems, fears, and triumphs.
The Signer’s Ceremony is a moving experience. A re-enactor of founding father James Wilson helps students understand the sacrifices made by the Declaration of Independence signers. Through this interaction, students gain a deeper realization that signing the document in 1776 was an act of treason punishable by death. Students are asked to make their own commitment to be part of this great experiment (that was the founding of America).
The Five Pillars of Civic Responsibility will provide students with an understanding of civic responsibility – respect, accountability, participation, productivity, and generosity – through Founding Forward’s Bill of Responsibilities while exploring how to express these in their everyday lives.
This segment teaches students about the six characteristics of the Medal of Honor – courage, commitment, integrity, sacrifice, citizenship, and patriotism – and actively identifies how they can apply those principles to their own lives.
The Free Enterprise Challenge provides an entertaining and stimulating way for students to learn about the American free enterprise system. Students learn about entrepreneurship and work as a team to develop a product pitch presented to a panel of judges. Students learn the value of collaborative creativity as they demonstrate their product’s feasibility, utility, and marketability.
Freedom Summit is a mock congressional forum where students learn to debate and balance liberty and security. In this session, the students revise legislation after a constitutional expert guides them through a discussion of amendments and relevant legal cases on freedom, safety, and the most important Supreme Court cases that define our constitutional rights.
Check out these testimonials from Spirit of America students!
Read our FAQ’s below or email us at spiritofamerica@foundingforward.org with additional questions.
This all-inclusive program is available at the low cost of $525 which includes program tuition, a private or semi-private room on our campus, meals, transportation and tickets to historic sites, and group tours. Founding Forward will also pick students up from the Philadelphia airport to bring to our campus.
Students participating in Spirit of America are eligible for program sponsorships provided by our partners. Students should apply for a program, or contact us, and sponsorship opportunities will be discussed with the student.
Direct payment is also available for students who do not qualify for scholarships.
Please email us for further details about the cost of your specific program.
Travel to the Philadelphia airport, or to and from Founding Forward’s Valley Forge campus, are the responsibility of the participant. Founding Forward staff can transport students to or from the Philadelphia airport. Some chapters and partners may include transportation in their sponsorship.
Travel to historic sites throughout the program is covered and handled by Founding Forward.
Please email us for further details about the cost of your specific program.
Founding Forward’s private, secluded 75-acre campus has three dormitory buildings. Rooms can sleep two, three, four, or five students, and all rooms have either a private bathroom or a Jack & Jill bathroom. Bedding, pillows, and towels are included.
Students’ experience will be filled with exciting content balanced with free time with their peers. Our campus includes an indoor game room, outdoor basketball, and volleyball courts, and plenty of open space for pickup games.
Founding Forward reserves the right to cancel a program due to weather emergency, low attendance, or other unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. Should Founding Forward cancel a program, full refunds will be made to all clients by the method the client originally paid. Please allow up to 30 days for refunds to be processed.
We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect your investment.
Cancellations made by the client must be received in writing at education@foundingforward.org.
Cancellations made prior to 30 days before the start of a program will receive a full refund less the non-refundable deposit (variable by program) and any non-refundable expenses. Refunds will be issued in the same form payment was made. Please allow 30 days for refunds to be processed.
Cancellations made 30 days or less before the start of a program are subject to a Founding Forward credit less the deposit and any non-refundable expenses (such as tickets or meals) that cannot be refunded, credited, or transferred.
Cancellations made less than 48 business hours before departure will receive no refund, credit, or transfer.
Founding Forward’s work and mission is made possible through voluntary contributions. We need your support to ensure a future rooted in liberty. Please join our efforts to uphold our democratic system of government with your tax-deductible contribution.
Founding Forward is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit charity. The mission and work of Founding Forward is made possible through voluntary contributions.