What A Week! Thanks for the memories.

Wow, it's hard to beleive that the week has gone by so quickly.  It literally seems we were gone but for a few days.  But, oh the memories we share; from having a group of our students performing beautifully on the stage of the Apollo Theater to an audiance of Whoppie Goldberg and Robert Klein, to standing in the presence of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC.   We did it all, and we did it with perserverance while overcoming mechanical troubles with our bus as well as dodging rain showers in the Lower East Side.   Through it all we developed relationships and learned so much about our great nation.   We laughed, we sang, and we even cried.   In the course of a week, we became an even closer community, we became a family. 

We hope you have enjoyed following us on our blog.   We have added over 300 pictures to document the places we visited and the times we enjoyed.  We shared our thoughts through words to give you some sense of the time we have had. 

The Bath Area Family wants to thank the students and the Team Leaders that made this program happen.  Through the Freedom Tour it is our hope to develop a greater sense of healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility.  

Day Seven . . . already!

It started out by waking up at 5:00 in the morning.  It was the earliest we had to get up for the week.  Once we got up and ready to leave, we went down to go eat breakfast.  We needed to have some energy because we had to leave early to get to the today show!!  That was a blast, we got to the today show and there was no where we could go.  Then one of the teem leaders from the white bus came and told us to come over to this spot.  I didn’t understand why they wanted us to go over there then once Channing Tatum came out we found out.  I didn’t find out that Channing Tatum was going to be on the show until my mom came and told all of the girls in the back of the bus yesterday.  Before we even got to the today show we got to make posters.  A lot of people made a poster that said something with Channing Tatum.  Can’t blame them he’s hot.  Once he come out everyone was screaming!  I was one of them, he came over to us and I touched his hand! I was so happy about that.  Later in the morning after Channing Tatum did his interview he went to leave and a lot of people wanted to get a picture with him.  A few bath people did.  EVEN MY MOM GOT A PICTURE!!!!  I was so mad! 

After we left the today show we all went to “The Top of the Rock”.  I didn’t know what it was.  I though it was a real rock!  But it turned out to be a very tall building.  We all went up there, but only a few amounts of people could go on the elevator to the top.  It took 43 seconds to get to the top.  Once we got to the top we were able to take amazing pictures! My mom/team leader, took a teem photo and it looked amazing.  There where a few flights of stairs you could climb to get to the top.  We all left at different times to go shopping.  Today was the best day to go shopping!  Not a lot of people saved money for today but a good amount of people in my team did.  The first store we went in was H&M.  I have never been in to that store until today.  It was HUGE! I got a few things from that store so did my friend.  After that we went to a toy store, I forgot the name.  But it was huge and there was a giant piano that you could walk on.  There also were giant gummy bears.  I got one, it looks yummy!  After that we went to Abercrombie and Fitch to get is picture with some models.  We also got free pictures for the photographer!  After that we went to the M&M store! It was huge and you could get a picture with a giant M&M.  My team got one it was awesome.  I also got some candy from there and squished pennies!  This was defiantly the best day of the week!!  We also stopped at a little vender in the streets and I got a picture that says “Times Square.”  My mom said I made a good choice. 

After two hours of shopping we had to meet at the Hard Rock Café.  There weren’t a lot of choices for food but it was good.  After lunch we have a half hour till the bus came.  My team went out side to look around, we ran in to Hello Kitty!  She was so cute.  We also saw a “Naked Cowboy” or that is what he called himself.  All of us got a picture with him it was amazing.  Then after lunch at the Hard Rock Café we had to leave and get on to the bus to head home.  We still have a few hours to go!

- Trish A.

Today we had to get up early to go on the today show, it was tiring waking up early for the today show but once we got there it was really cool to see the people that we see on TV. Afterwards we went to the “Top of The Rock” were we could see a very long way. We got pictures at the top and it is really different from Bath. Then we got to split up into our groups and go to see some of the shops around New York. We went to some different store then the ones we have around us, like Disney and FAO Schwarz. At FAO Schwarz there was a magic piano which we could walk on and play music. I had a really fun time today and really enjoyed the freedom tour.

- Amelia F.

Today Show, Channing Tatum & NYC!

U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum

Today was an eye opening experience. Seeing the Holocaust Museum really brought everything to heart. To see and read about how people survived, died, supported, and fought in the Holocaust made me understand what it was like during that time. Many things disturbed me and were shocking, but made me more aware of how it truly affected people’s lives.  It made me more aware of how the Holocaust began, and how Hitler took over the Germans during his dictatorship. I also learned a lot about how the other countries reacted, and why it was a hard decision for America to decide whether or not to join the war. The museum had a lot of information, and was very helpful in understanding this period of time where life wasn’t always as good as it is now. After today I’m leaving with a new view on the Holocaust, and how I treat people from today on.

- Molly M.

Early morning when I rise leads to a great day, I would have to say. Today we entered the Holocaust Museum and Memorial.  I know personally I had no idea what my feelings would be like at the end of the four entire floors we walked through. Each floor showed different, interesting, eye-opening stories and experiences the Jews had to deal with. As I walked through each floor my heart would sink further and further. I would have to say that the saddest parts I experienced today were probably when I walked through the hallway and on either side of me were the Jews shoes. There were tons. As I walked in I literally gasped. I had no idea what to think, what to do, and I walked through speechless. Another touching part was “Daniel’s Story” and his entire exhibit. I have never in my life felt so bad for people or had so many different feelings falling into my heart at once. The Holocaust Museum and Memorial will be something I will never forget and will definitely always be in the back of my brain.

- Baylie C.

Today we went to the Holocaust Museum and there were many mixed feelings. As the group ventured through the museum we saw many new and disturbing exhibits and photos. The exhibit that was most disturbing was the one about the experiments that were performed on the Jews and other prisoners; I have never felt so bad for other people. It was a very moving experience that filled me with knowledge that I was unsure about.

- Hunter R.

World War II Memorial

Arlington National Cemetery, the Pentagon, and much more . . . .

Service men and women gave us peace and hope and let us believe in ourselves. They’ve given us courage and let us stand where we are today. So I give honor to all of the armed forces solders who keep me alive today. It is very touching to see that all the graves at Arlington National Cemetery. As the saying goes, “Freedom is not Free”. This just shows you have to work for what you want, not just ask for it. Nothing is free so I give a salute in honor of the Marines and to the veterans who have died.  

-
Jonathan  L.

Wow!  Today was very busy and interesting.  The day began with a ½ mile uphill hike in Arlington Cemetery.  I’m not going to lie it was very hot and I was tired from the night before.  Seeing the Unknown Soldier Tomb and watching the changing of the guard gave me new perspective.  I was no longer thinking of myself.  I thought of the men who had died for me so I can enjoy the freedom we all share today.  As the day continued Mr. Savary and Mr. Merry took a small group to the Law Enforcement Memorial.  The memorial consisted of two granite walls.  On these walls were all the names of Law Enforcement officers killed in action.  I have had a connection with law enforcement since I was born, because my father is a police officer.  I began to think of if his name would ever be on one of those walls.  A thought came to me that many people all around me take everyday risks to protect our country and our own freedom.  After a few other memorials we ate dinner at Union Station.  My friends and I went to Johnny Rockets and had an excellent meal.  The last Memorial that really stood out to me was the Lincoln Memorial.  I had been there before but that was 6 years ago.  Memories of climbing up the stairs and reading the Gettysburg Address inscribed on the wall soon became a reality again.  Throughout the Freedom Tour (especially today) I have reflected on the thought that freedom isn’t free.  I’m glad I have had the chance to go on this trip.

- Christine S.



Reflections on Day Five

Today, Monday June 25^th, might have been one of the hardest days of all both physically and emotionally. It was 90 degrees and we walked all throughout DC seeing some pretty amazing things. Going to the memorial at the Pentagon was pretty mind blowing. Thinking about all those benches being replaced by almost 200 people who were friends, family or other loved ones who were either working at the Pentagon or travelling on a plane. All those men, women, and children who never got to see their loved ones again. Another thing that really made me stop and think was the Marine Corps Memorial. Hearing the story of those six brave men definitely made me closely observe every aspect and detail of the statue, and hearing a specific part of the story that Joel read to us something like those who did not return are the real heroes. I’m starting to see things in a completely different perspective now, in a way I cannot describe. Seeing the Lincoln Memorial, all the museums, etc. was great, but the one thing I will never seem to get out of my head is this specific quote “Freedom is not Free.” There are so many ways you could see this, and so many possibilities and so many things to consider. What I took from this was that freedom is not all it seems, nothing can or will ever be completely 100% free, there will always be another obstacle, another step, one last task. Thank you so much for allowing me to experience this,

- Marisabel R.

The date was June 25, 2012, and we all went to Arlington National Park to see the graves, changing of the guard, the Kennedy’s grave site, and the mast of the USS Maine. I was very sad to see all the men and women who were dead who fought for us in the war. After Arlington we went to the Pentagon to see the memorial. The day it happened was September 11, 2001 9:37AM. There were benches placed in opposite directions on the grounds. Some benches represented the way the plane flew into the Pentagon. There were names and dates of the people who died. We also went to the Vietnam memorial. There were a lot of names, it was definitely more then I expected. People put roses near the names. Next we went to the Korean War memorial. There were statues of men from the Korean War who were wearing ponchos and walking through rice patties. Last but not least we went to the Marine Corps Memorial. Joel told us a story about a group from Wisconsin who met a guy whose father was the last guy to raise the flag. I was very emotional after Joel told the story, and when I looked up at that statue I teared up.

- Noah M.

Wizard of Oz

Sunday - Half way point!

Today, we got on the buses and headed to Gettysburg PA to meet our tour guide, Jim Clouse, who brought us around the National Military Park. Mr. Clouse showed us the significance of a lot of the monuments. We learned about a bunch of different important people and events that took place during the Battle of Gettysburg. The Gettysburg battlefield took us most of the morning till lunch time. After lunch we headed to the new hotel in MD and started to get ready for the dinner theatre. Around 4:30 PM we left the hotel and went to Toby’s dinner theatre. Once we arrived we were seated and waited to go get our dinner in the buffet line. Then after dinner we waited for the play, “The Wizard of Oz”, to start. The play was really cool and entertaining in how they did most of the scenes. When the show was all done we left the dinner theatre and went back to the hotel to settle in for the night.  

- Dalton B.

Day Four of our Freedom Tour

Today was a really fun and interesting day.  We toured the National Military Park where the Gettysburg Battle was held.  I found it interesting that some people from Maine participated in that battle.  One of them was a Bowdoin College professor, and then soon became the president of the college.  His name was Chamberlain and he was the commander of a unit that protected the hill that was an advantage to the Northern side. The Southern side’s General was Robert E. Lee, and the Northern side’s General was George Meade.  Most people only remember General Lee, but he wasn’t even the General of the side that won.  People should consider remembering General Meade because he was the General to the side that won.  Out of the 3 days that the battle was held, only one civilian was killed.  She was making baked goods for the soldiers when a bullet came into her house and shot her in the back.  Also, in the 3 days of the battle, 7,000 horses were killed.  The soldiers on the opposing side think that if they kill the horses, it will give their side an advantage.  This is because the horses usually pull all of their heavy equipment.

To finish the day off we went to Toby’s Dinner Theatre.  It was a buffet dinner that had a show to go along with it.  The performance that we watched was “The Wizard of Oz”.  The performance was in the middle of the room, and the seats were around the stage.  Today was a fun day and I learned a lot. 

– Madison S.

Little Round Top with the 20th Maine Monument

Blue Bus visits where 20th Maine held the Union Line on July 2, 1863

Day Four - Heading to Gettysburg

Good morning!  We are up and at 'em.   Sorry about the slide show of yesterday's activities.  We experienced some technical difficulties and we are working on getting the pictures posted later this morning. 

The kids are having a great time and the team leaders are thoroughly exhausted already! 

Check back soon and see all we did while visiting  Pennsylvania. 

Philadelphia and Lancaster County

This day had an early start. At 6:15 we received a wakeup call, and we were out of the parking lot at 7:10. The first thing that we saw today was the Constitution Center in Philadelphia. When we first arrived we were directed into a circular room . When we were seated a man came into the middle of the room and asked us,  ”What does it really mean to be an American?”. Then, within seconds the walls and floors were being covered with images of cursive writing, pictures, and the phrase that the presentation was based on “We the People”. What I really enjoyed about the production wasn’t really the pictures or music but what the narrator was saying. To me it was encouraging and changed my mind about a few things. Once it was done we spent time in the Constitution Center visiting exhibits. What really pulled me in was the exhibit of rights for women. It was a reenactment of a debate. Of course to me though the women won the argument every time even if it wasn’t so obvious.

               

Our second place we went to was an Amish house and barn. It was quite stunning when the driveway was a Target parking lot! But besides the view of Target in your front yard the scenery was very simple. The way of life of the Amish amazed me. I actually found out that they are Christian, which was surprising to me because I did not know that. I thought that they were some sort of cult. We learned all sorts of information about their culture, like the appropriate mourning period for someone who had lost their husband/wife is a year. Plus you can get married after the mourning period is over. Now the end of the day is getting ready to make its final appearance before the early morning greets us. After we got to the hotel we jumped into the pool to splish splash and soak everything in. It was a very eventful day and I cannot wait until tomorrow when our next adventure begins.

 - Madaleine B.

Buggie Ride through Historic Old Town Philadelphia

Our Family

From the National Constitution Center

Farewell NY; Philly, here we come!

It's with mixed emotions we leave New Jersey this morning.  We had a great time in NYC, dispite the hardships of a broken AC unit on the White Bus and massive thunder storms yesterday afternoon.  Actually, the students enjoyed the rain, only as young people do.   It did not dampen our spirts however, as the students enjoyed the merriment of the Lower East Side.  

We look forward to our trip to the cradle of our nation's independence.  We look forward to sharing more of our discovery with all of our family and friends back home.  



Day Two

This morning, we were given the opportunity to experience what life may have been like for some in the Lower East Side of Manhattan during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. As we arrived at The Lower East Side Tenement Museum, we discussed what we thought it meant to be an American. We later agreed that describing and defining an American is very difficult and is a personal opinion. Some believe to be an American that you must be in possession of a U.S. Citizenship, others disagreed. After we finished our discussion, we moved on to touring an apartment preserved from before the Great Depression. Inside the apartment, a talented actress played the role of a young woman from Greece named Victoria. We soon took roles as her family from Italy. She showed us what life was like for her as she made the transition from Greece to America.  This had to be the most interesting part of the day for me because it was hands on and exciting. After we finished our tour with Victoria, we got back on the buses and headed towards Battery Park. Soon after we arrived at Battery Park, we boarded a ferry which would take us to Ellis Island. Along the ferry ride, we saw some great views of the New York City skyline, as well as The Statue of Liberty. After some amazing picture opportunities and a slightly bumpy boat ride, we arrived at Ellis Island. After learning about Ellis Island and incoming immigrants, it was amazing to actually see where it all took place. As we walked inside and toured the different exhibits, a hush fell over our recently hyper classmates. It was nice to see everyone’s understanding and compassion towards the history which took place there. After completing a brief work sheet and visiting the gift shop, we waited to board that ferry again. This is when it started to down pour. All though thunder and lightning seemed to be infinite, we fought through it as a class and moved on. After returning to Battery Park, we traveled to the 9/11 memorial. This was both a very depressing, yet interesting experience. I never realized how many people were actually victimized in 9/11. After our solemn moments, we walked down Wall Street and met up with each other at a local park. We ended the day with an adventurous visit to China Town and Little Italy. There we found restaurants of our taste and enjoyed dinner. I greatly enjoyed today and all the activities which we took place in. I am looking forward to the rest of this week.

- Maeve M.

This morning, after a 7:00 wake up call, we head off towards the Tenement Museum in New York City. The Tenement Museum really put what it would be like to be an immigrant or first generation American during the late 19^th century, and early 20^th century into perspective. I learned that many of  the families living in the tenement buildings would help each-other get by. They would share food, money, and time with each-other. They would watch their neighbors’ children, and would even help them pass an inspection by hiding their valuables in their own rooms! Can you imagine sharing all of that with your neighbors? If you really think about it, a tenement building could be made up of three separate families, but these families were all suffering the same horrendous circumstances; poverty, hunger, heat, etc. These families would bond together so that instead of being three or four separate families, they were one family with different names.

After the tenement museum we visited Ellis Island. This was a very moving experience, for I know that my great-grandparents passed through those very doorways, climbed those stairs, and suffered the seemingly infinite examinations. I had already learned a bit about Ellis Island, so I was very excited to visit this special place in American history. I had actually first discovered the island in a third grade project, and from then on dreamed of one day visiting. I also really enjoyed seeing the belongings of the immigrants. There is a museum section of the building that shows the clothing, and belongings of specific families. It was really interesting to see the different cultural clothing, instruments, and just everyday belongings.

The boat from Ellis Island was another thought provoking part of the day. It was pouring rain, and fog was everywhere to be seen. If I hadn’t known I was in New York City, then I probably wouldn’t have even known that I was anywhere near land. I was almost surprised when we got close enough to actually see the skyline. This made me think about what it would be like to have been on one of the ships to Ellis Island. Imagine traveling weeks on end in a crowded ship, and then seeing the New York City skyline for the first time. Remember, before this you had probably never seen a major city, and then to see sky scrapers. It would be an eerily beautiful sight. For some the sight would not last long, for they would be deported back to their original countries for health regions. 2% of immigrants’ dreams were crushed. 98% of the immigrants’ dreams were brought to life, but only to live in an extremely segregated community.

We also visited the 9/11 memorial. This memorial was extremely emotional, and moving. My group and I had a very in depth conversation about what it would have been like to see the towers fall. We decided that that is an experience that we do not ever want to come true. All of the names of those who died were written around the waterfalls; it was a breathtakingly haunting sight to behold.

- Emma B.

Ellis Island

Oskar M. looks up Great-Great Grandfather, who came through Ellis Island 100 years ago - today!

Empire State of Mind

Day One

Today we saw so much. I couldn’t believe it.  We saw the Apollo which was one of the best actresses in the world, Ms Whoppie Goldberg.  But the best part at the Apollo was when we met up with a really good guy, Mr. Billy Mitchell.  He told us so much about the theater.  Next we went to Central Park right at 5:00 and saw the animals on the clock go around.   The walk was really tiring but better then the bus.  Next we saw the building where John Lennon lived and was killed.  Lastly we went to Katz Deli which had food that was AMAZING.  The sandwich was bigger than my head.  After that we headed to the hotel as everyone was really tired and hot, but we mad it here to New Jersey.  It’s really cool to get here.  We had to go under the Hudson River. Tomorrow we have to do it all over again.

- Sara P.

Thursday Freedom Tour Review

The day was very fun…and hot. We started off by heading to the Kennebunk rest stop where we bought a few items, mostly food and were off shortly again. The bus ride was pretty fun though, someone brought on cards and we played black jack and war, which are both pretty fun games I do have to admit. Electronics are not the answer on the bus ride, in fact they can get rather boring. We have an awesome bus driver, his name is Sampson and he’s really funny and cool. Best bus driver I’ve ever had. When we finally made it to New York I was amazed at the tall buildings, biggest ones I had ever seen in my life to be exact.  We went to the Apollo Theatre where a man by the name of Billy Mitchell gave a very inspiring speech on his upbringing and how he now helps run the theater, and also how we could do anything we put our mind to. Next we went to Central Park were we saw a very talented man playing guitar, that was my favorite part of the park.  After we went to a restaurant called, “KATZ’s DELI”.  They had huge sandwiches and large plates of fries. It was a pretty good restaurant overall, but a little confusing. When we got on the bus for the last time it was really hot. The bus went under a tunnel that was below the Hudson River, I wasn’t very comfortable with that. I was very dizzy as we went underneath thinking about how we were pretty much underwater. I was much better after we got out of it though. We made it to the hotel around 9:40 P.M. Overall it was a great day, after all you don’t get many chances to go to New York do you? I’m looking forward to the rest of the trip.

-Taylor F.

Delacorte Clock at Central Park Zoo

Our Departure

We're on our Way!

Our bags are all packed and we left our homes to begin a journey where we will encounter new learning, opportunities, and friends.   We are so excited to finally begin this incredible experience.   Join us by following our blog as we update it daily.

One week and counting . . . . .

Final preparations are being made.  Just about everything is set.   We are so looking forward to our adventure, with full anticipation of a great experience.