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What am I going to do
and see on the trip?
Your program starts when you are your friends depart from your hometown
and head to Washington, D.C. Your bus driver and or Course Leader
meet you upon arrival and the adventure begins. Your Course Leader
leads you through our nation’s capital, showing you the monuments
and memorials of people and events that shaped our great country,
as well as the buildings where our current leaders are hard at work
ensuring our safety and well being. Your Course Leader not only
shares wonderful stories and facts with you, but also challenges
you to apply what you are learning and encourages you to discover
how you can make a difference. You’ll have opportunities to
pray for our government leaders, reflect upon the sacrifices that
have been made to secure our freedoms, and discuss your role in
the future of our country.
Here are some of activities you’ll participate in on your
Christian Discoveries program: climb the hill at Arlington National
Cemetery and see the Changing of the Guard Ceremony, see the soldiers
“raise the flag” at the Iwo Jima Memorial, explore George
Washington’s home and the hands-on Pioneer Farmer exhibit,
ride to the top of the Washington Memorial for a breathtaking view
of the District, visit Capitol Hill where the Capitol Building,
Library of Congress, and Supreme Court are situated, have your picture
taken in front of the White House, see how money is made at the
Bureau of Engraving and Printing, marvel at the beauty and majesty
of Washington’s National Cathedral, and more. Click on “Sites
and Snapshots” to discover more of what you’ll be able
to see and do in Washington, D.C.
Throughout your day, you’ll be eating at a variety of great
locations, from the Union Station food court to a sit down dinner
at Armand’s Pizza or Vie de France. After a busy day of sightseeing,
its time to head to the hotel to unwind. Hang out with your friends,
call home, and get some good rest!
How much does the program cost?
Your program price is listed in the registration letter your teacher
distributed to you at school. If you don’t have a registration
letter, be sure to ask him/her for one.
How can I raise money to pay for the program?
There are many great ways to raise money for your trip. Click on
the “Fund Raising” button for some great suggestions.
Plan early – your departure date will arrive sooner than you
think, and don’t forget - your full payment is due no later
than 60 days prior to departure.
Will I be safe?
Your safety is our number one concern. Christian Discoveries has
offices in Washington, D.C., New York City, NY, and Williamsburg,
VA where a Christian Discoveries representative is available 24
hours a day to handle any emergency that may arise. Your hotel room
is monitored from late evening through the early morning hours by
our night chaperones who are posted on each floor. Should you become
injured or sick and need treatment while on tour, Christian Discoveries
provides the best comprehensive medical and illness coverage available.
The vendors that we use (airlines, bus companies, hotels) are all
selected for their safety and student-friendliness. Christian Discoveries
would never operate a tour if there was any doubt your safety would
be in jeopardy.
Who else is registered? / Are my friends
going?
Every week, your teacher will be receiving an update listing everyone
who is registered on the trip. Ask him/her to post the registration
list in the classroom so you can see who is going. If your friends
aren’t on the list, encourage them to register. Trust us –
this is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Can I choose my own roommates?
This is up to your teacher. If he/she is allowing you to select
your own roommates, he/she will give you a form approximately 80
days before departure for you to fill out with your roommate requests.
Students sleep four to a room at the hotel, so there is plenty of
opportunity to hang-out and socialize while in D.C.
How much spending money should I bring?
Generally, we suggest bringing along $50 for souvenirs, phone calls
home, and any additional snacks you may want to purchase.
What should I pack?
Season appropriate clothing (one per day), sleepwear, toiletries,
a watch, sunglasses, backpack, a Bible, camera and film, a water
bottle that can fit in your backpack, and a light weight rain coat
or small umbrella.
What other teachers are going?
The teacher at your school who is leading the trip will select his/her
chaperones. Check with him/her to see who the other teachers will
be.
Can parents go on the trip?
The Christian Discoveries program is designed and geared towards
you, the student. However, some teachers do allow parents to go
on the program as well. Check with your teacher. Note: there is
an additional charge for parents based on their hotel room preference.
This added charge should be reflected in your registration letter.
How do I register?
Registering is easy! Simply click on the “Register On-Line”
button and follow the instructions. You’ll need your Trip
ID number that is located in the upper right corner of your registration
form, and a credit card.
OR, simply fill out the registration form attached to your registration
letter and send it along with your application fee to Christian
Discoveries / WorldStrides in the envelope that has been provided.
What is Christian Discoveries?
In 1964, a middle school teacher in Chicago took his students to
Washington, D.C. He was so encouraged by the powerful effects travel
had on his students’ eagerness and ability to learn that he
left teaching in 1967 and founded the company that would become
WorldStrides.
In 1995, Christian Heritage Studies, as a division of Educational
Field Studies, was founded with the purpose of providing meaningful,
uplifting, and educational travel programs designed specifically
for Christian schools. In 1998, Christian Heritage Studies became
Christian Discoveries, and in 2000, EFS and Christian Discoveries
became a part of the WorldStrides family.
Today, WorldStrides is the nation’s largest provider of educational
student travel, with over 200,000 students from over 4000 groups
traveling each year. Students traveling on a Christian Discoveries
program not only learn traditional historical facts, but are made
aware of less-publicized examples of our country’s rich Christian
heritage, are given time to contemplate the faith of our founding
fathers, and taught to recognize the hand of God in the establishment
of this nation.
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