Congratulations on being accepted into the Virginia Presidents travel workshop. Please note, this workshop will run Saturday, June 28 to Thursday, July 3.
Please read the general information and frequently asked questions below before directing questions to [email protected].
Please note, this workshop will run Saturday, June 28 to Thursday, July 3.
Arrival City: Dulles, Virginia: Dulles International Airport (Airport code: IAD).
Departure City: Dulles, Virginia: Dulles International Airport (Airport code: IAD).
Flight Insurance: As in all instances where travel by airline or train is taking place, it is recommended that you purchase travel insurance to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances.
Arriving Flights: Flight reservations to Dulles International Airport (Airport code: IAD) should be booked to arrive between 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on the arriving Saturday, in order to check in and get settled before orientation.
Departing Flights: The motor coach will drop off participants at Dulles International Airport (IAD) at approximately 12:30 p.m. on the last day of the program. Due to heightened security measures at IAD, you should allow at least two hours to get through security before your flight departs.
If your flight departs prior to 2:30 p.m., it is your responsibility to make your own arrangements to get to the airport. Founding Forward is not responsible if you miss your flight because you did not leave enough time to get through security.
Transportation to program: Every participant is responsible for making their way to the hotel prior to orientation Saturday night. Specific hotel information will be provided with the syllabus for your program.
All 5 nights will be spent in hotels. Participants will have a shared room with 1 roommate, unless you pay the single room fee at the time of registration.
Breakfast is included each morning at the hotel. Lunches and dinners are not provided. The group will have opportunities to enjoy lunch and dinner on their own at different destinations along the tour route.
Dress is casual for all sessions. Shorts and T-shirts are permitted provided they are not torn or ragged. A good pair of walking shoes and an umbrella or rain gear are suggested. A sweater or light jacket may be needed on the motor coach or at destinations along the tour route, some of which will be air conditioned.
Remember your cell phone and other gear that you feel will be needed. Bug repellent is also a good idea. Several of the tour stops are in rural areas and there will be bugs.
You will be handling your own luggage. Please pack your bag so you are able to transfer it from one location to another.
Having a laptop or tablet is not required for the class but is strongly encouraged. If you choose to bring one, be sure to include a charging cord unless your battery is long lasting.
Summer in the mid-Atlantic states is usually hot and humid with pop-up thunderstorms. The last few years have been unusual so be prepared for anything.
Orientation and welcome will be at 7 p.m. on Saturday at the hotel. ALL Participants MUST ATTEND ORIENTATION. More information about the hotel and orientation location will be provided closer to the tour date.
Plan to fully participate in this program. Stay with the group at all times and do not wander off on your own agenda. If you would like to see additional sites in the area, arrange to fly in prior to, or stay after the program ends. Be mindful of other participants but most of all have fun while learning. Please see the Conduct Code (below) for further details.
As a teacher attending a Founding Forward professional development program, you represent both yourself and your school district. At all times during the week, we expect the following from you:
Any infractions will be reported to your principal and school superintendent. If, after reading the above, you have any questions please email the Education Department at [email protected].
Each day the program director will give specific times to be on the bus. Make sure you are on time and in your seat at the designated times. If you miss the bus, it is your responsibility to catch up with the group.
During the time you will be off-site, you will be traveling with a large number of teachers on a small motor coach. Please keep in mind the comfort of other passengers on this motor coach. Do not wear any heavy perfume or aftershave. Alcohol, tobacco and drugs are prohibited at all times while on the motor coach. Trash cans are available in the front and rear of the motor coach for your convenience! Be courteous and leave the motor coach as you found it. Do not expect our staff or the bus driver to clean up after you.
Daily handouts will be provided during the program unless otherwise stated. It is very easy to accumulate large quantities of material as the week progresses, so consider this carefully before purchasing heavy books that will need to be packed in your luggage for the trip home.
A syllabus will be sent to in May to all participants who successfully registered for their program and paid the refundable $150 deposit.
Required reading for the program will be found in the program syllabus.
Talks at sites may ONLY be recorded with permission from the speaker. Please follow any restrictions speakers give for recording or picture taking during their talks. When visiting an off-site venue, you must follow the rules set forth by the venue.
Service dogs are permitted for Founding Forward program participants if the animals meet the definition provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA defines a service dog as one “that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.” Therapy animals, emotional support animals, and companion animals are NOT service animals under the ADA.
Thanks to a generous donor, Founding Forward will provide a $150 stipend to every accepted teacher to help offset expenses related to attending a summer professional development seminar, workshop, or summer in 2025. Upon completion of the program, teachers will receive a $150 check to help cover travel, childcare, or any other expenses they might incur.
Accepted teachers receive a scholarship to attend the program, which covers the cost of the program, program materials, site visits, some meals, and more.
The Education Office cell number is 610-960-3357. (This phone is only answered during the program.)
To hold your space in the seminar, a deposit of $150 is required with your registration form by the due date listed in the initial acceptance email. Refunds are only issued to those who attend and complete the programs. If you withdraw from the program prior to its start, your deposit will not be refunded.
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.
