Spirit of America Youth Leadership​​

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.