Freedom Tour Parents
We hope your kids have caught up on their rest and have recovered from the Freedom Tour while still sharing all the special moments of the week.
The YMCA leadership, Team Leaders and Medical Crew have not stopped reliving the trip either ... especially those moments of Caring - Respect - Honesty & Responsibility that defined us as individuals and teams. We are so proud of the way this group represented the Bath YMCA, BJHS, the Brunswick community and themselves. Parents, you should know your sons and daughters accepted the challenges and rose to every occasion as young adults. An exceptional bunch that will make their mark on very promising futures. Be proud of yourselves. Your hard work shows.
Marybeth, Tom, Deb, Sabrina, Chris & Phil
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Monday, June 30, 2014
"Almost Perfect" by Baili
In a perfect world one would
be able to visit everywhere in the world they have dreamed of. Today I did not
have a perfect world. However I was pretty darns close to perfect. As I forced
my feet to move diligently throughout The Big Apple of our nation, I witnessed
so many wonderful things that I never thought I would see. I got a picture with
many people on The Today Show. I got one with the Main Camera Man, The Audience
Director, Dillon The Weather Girl and Hoda Kotb. I was literally buzzing with
adrenalin and the pictures came out blurry. I almost started crying when they
asked me where I was from. I gladly yelled, “Shout out to Brunswick, Maine”. So
any of you Brunswickians reading this, you totally got a shout out on The Today
Show. I was shaking afterwards until we obtained Starbucks and I had caffeine.
After that we ventured to Abercrombie and Fitch.. and to all the ladies out
there, let me just say it was totally worth it. There was a shirtless male who
took a Polaroid picture with me at the frontal area of the store. After that we made a long walk to Time Square
and went into Disney store, where I was welcomed gladly by a magical
experience. The people there were so nice and when I went upstairs there was
man who told me I was a princess and had me wave a wand in front of a mirror. I
gladly did of course, I mean who doesn’t want to be royal? After I bought a
shirt and moved on to Forever 21, let me tell you a back-story. I have been
going to Forever 21 since I was a/n (awkwardly taller than everyone else)
twelve year old. I have loved it forever even though I am not in fact anywhere
near the age of 21. I love that store for its very in ludicrous prices and
amazing style. The Forever 21 we came upon today in Time Square we were rushed
through. I basically ran through all four underground levels of it. It was very
time crunched and fast paced it was kind of great. After that we were headed to
the M&M factory when we got stopped. Imagine basically sprinting so you can
get your best friend a present from a store because she’s stuck back in Maine.
It is very stressful. Then getting stopped by a strange man and a camera.
However it was an amazing experience. Come to find out that he was with
Tobisha. He had Analise, Bronte, My Mom and I take pictures with the Tobisha
happy 4th of July in the background. We could get featured on the website and
we took part in a photo shoot! It was so cool. Then we had to sprint back to
our meeting spot in a park. After arriving there I saw a movie being shot. Then
we got on the buses. When we got to Apollo Theater I learned a great life
lesson from Billy Mitchel. Also known as Mr. Apollo. Now this guy came from a
poor life with many siblings. He grew up in a big city with no money and his
life was very tough. One day he went to
his Aunts house to borrow money. This day was especially bad. He had no food in
his house and his siblings were all hungry. His mother had him; since at the
time he was the oldest sibling currently living in that house, go to get food.
His Aunt was not home so he walked around for three and a half hours waiting
for her to get home up and down the street. After three hours a man from Apollo
asked him to help the staff with coffee and with all the tips he got groceries.
He kept working there as a fifteen year old until now forty-eight years later.
He is called Mr. Apollo for that reason. The lesson I learned was that you can
come from anywhere and become famous and have your dream job. Now we are on the
bus. This is the final bus ride. I don’t think I can express to you how amazing
this trip has been. The Bath YMCA is honestly amazing for producing this
Freedom Tour. I feel lighter and happier now. This has exhausted me to no end,
but at the same time waken me up to many different things. The United States is
a beautiful place and worth your time. Thank you so much leaders, med team and
The YMCA for doing this. Bless your soul. You enlightened me to so many
different things. Thank you and goodnight.
Dance Lessons at Trump Tower
At Trump Tower Paige was dancing a little ditty when this employee at Trump Tower started to dance with her. They eventually created a dance routine and performed it right in the main lobby of Trump Tower!
Days 6 and 7 Reflections: What did you do this week that you didn't think you could?
"I sang at the Apollo Theater. As I walked up to the front of the stage I didn't think I could do, but as soon as I began singing I couldn't stop." - Kaitlynn
"Perform in front of my son's classmates and still keep their respect and only hope he was proud of me for going out of my box. For going big before going home." - Helene
"Getting everybody out of Top of the Rock without anyone getting misplaced." - Phil
Day 7 by Tessa
Today, the
Bath Freedom Tour spent a lot of traveling planned to get back to Maine, which
took approximately, 8 hours of signing, laughing, eating, and sleeping. Many
would also say that the bus ride was the best part, which would be completely
acceptable considering the red bus was the coolest bus. However, aside from all
the traveling, we were able to have an amazing last day while visiting some of
New York’s famous attractions. Waking up at 5:30 in the morning, we were able
to make it to the Today Show in time to make it on the show! The groups made
signs that were seen on the show and even got pictures next to some of the
Today hosts! After a great time, we were given a few hours to explore the New
York shops. Stores like American Eagle, Forever 21, and the Nike Store were
some popular places that were visited while the groups also got some lunch.
When we were done, the groups loaded the buses and headed for Apollo theatre.
Billy Mitchell was our host for the night as he brought us to the famous
dressing rooms that all the famous people have used. The odd thing that
happened with the dressing rooms was that there were two different types of
rooms. There was of course the old, tiny, empty, yet famous dressing rooms that
practically everyone that performs at Apollo Theatre uses. Then there were
newer rooms that were much bigger and had more things to do in there before you
perform. Even before Billy showed us the dressing rooms and even Apollo’s
famous wall of signatures, he told us a little about his own history and how he
got his famous title, Mr. Apollo. Billy even gave us a chance to perform on
stage! Many people got up to show off their talents such as jokes, dancing, and
signing! Everyone had a great time cheering and watching the performers! The
Apollo Theatre ended our amazing trip with a great conclusion. The three buses
then started the long, long trip back to Bath, Maine!
Day ???- Written by a leader who has no idea what day it is...
Throughout the trip, music played a big role in setting the mood. Songs were used to create energy, bring awareness, and create connections.
At the beginning of the trip, our bus was filled with kids who believed the world revolved around them. They were the center of their own universe, and believed they were the center of ours. Being a ME is not their fault, merely a product of hormones and the age. On the drive to NY the MEs chatted only with their friends, not expanding their conversation to include others around them. The adults however mingled just enough to create a little craziness, soon pulling up a playlist that might inspire the kids to let loose. Although that did not happen, we did use music to ensure the kids understood the impact the Beatles had on American music and how the death of John Lennon stunned a nation - Strawberry Fields Forever and Imagine.
After getting a taste of NYC during the day we headed for Times Square to see the glitz and glitter. Adding to the hype of the lights and sounds, we played On Broadway and New York New York. The singing mostly came from the team leaders, again showing the kids we were willing to have fun. Leaving NYC we gave them another chance to sing with Frank Sinatra - a few more voices being heard this time.
Now on the road to Philly, the kids survived NYC and the MEs have now disappeared. They are moving into the WE stage, accepting their small groups and trusting their team leaders. Having a successful day together in small groups, we left Philly with Philadelphia Freedom and the theme from Rocky.
Moving onto Amish country we pleaded with the kids to get up and dance. Giving them all the opportunity to request music. At this point the team leaders are settled in and fully comfortable with each other. I think we might actually be scaring the kids with our laughter and chatter. No one dared to make a request, so DJ C-WOW takes control of the microphone and spins songs from the 70-80-90s. When we get about 20 minutes away from the hotel, they decide they want to finally pick the music.
Once in Washington, D.C., we start to play the game Happy Money. A trivia game where the right answer wins dollars. During this game we might ask them to listen to protest songs like MTA, Fortunate Son, and the Ballard of the Green Berets, then we ask for the meaning. This game also helps the kids to focus on the symbolic aspects of the monuments by listening to the words of the songs.
The turning point of the trip is the night at the Pentagon. The small group WEs, now turn into the greater good. They now become an US. Comforting and caring for other, understanding and appreciating the idea of freedom - supporting anyone who needed a friend. The stereotypes that kept them gated in the pens of jock, brainy, geek, or loner are open. They come out as friends that all share the same freedoms. They have begun to understand that their world would work better if they pulled together and be "fully present" for each other. The bus ride home was filled with the words of Kitty Donohoe - There are no words.
These kids have grown with experience and understanding. I only hope they take this unified concept with them to high school next fall. Supporting friends means looking past the differences and helping anyway. We are reminded of this in the inspiring words of Lee Greenwood as we drive away from the national mall - I'd gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today. There ain't no doubt I love this land. God bless the USA.
At the beginning of the trip, our bus was filled with kids who believed the world revolved around them. They were the center of their own universe, and believed they were the center of ours. Being a ME is not their fault, merely a product of hormones and the age. On the drive to NY the MEs chatted only with their friends, not expanding their conversation to include others around them. The adults however mingled just enough to create a little craziness, soon pulling up a playlist that might inspire the kids to let loose. Although that did not happen, we did use music to ensure the kids understood the impact the Beatles had on American music and how the death of John Lennon stunned a nation - Strawberry Fields Forever and Imagine.
After getting a taste of NYC during the day we headed for Times Square to see the glitz and glitter. Adding to the hype of the lights and sounds, we played On Broadway and New York New York. The singing mostly came from the team leaders, again showing the kids we were willing to have fun. Leaving NYC we gave them another chance to sing with Frank Sinatra - a few more voices being heard this time.
Now on the road to Philly, the kids survived NYC and the MEs have now disappeared. They are moving into the WE stage, accepting their small groups and trusting their team leaders. Having a successful day together in small groups, we left Philly with Philadelphia Freedom and the theme from Rocky.
Moving onto Amish country we pleaded with the kids to get up and dance. Giving them all the opportunity to request music. At this point the team leaders are settled in and fully comfortable with each other. I think we might actually be scaring the kids with our laughter and chatter. No one dared to make a request, so DJ C-WOW takes control of the microphone and spins songs from the 70-80-90s. When we get about 20 minutes away from the hotel, they decide they want to finally pick the music.
Once in Washington, D.C., we start to play the game Happy Money. A trivia game where the right answer wins dollars. During this game we might ask them to listen to protest songs like MTA, Fortunate Son, and the Ballard of the Green Berets, then we ask for the meaning. This game also helps the kids to focus on the symbolic aspects of the monuments by listening to the words of the songs.
The turning point of the trip is the night at the Pentagon. The small group WEs, now turn into the greater good. They now become an US. Comforting and caring for other, understanding and appreciating the idea of freedom - supporting anyone who needed a friend. The stereotypes that kept them gated in the pens of jock, brainy, geek, or loner are open. They come out as friends that all share the same freedoms. They have begun to understand that their world would work better if they pulled together and be "fully present" for each other. The bus ride home was filled with the words of Kitty Donohoe - There are no words.
These kids have grown with experience and understanding. I only hope they take this unified concept with them to high school next fall. Supporting friends means looking past the differences and helping anyway. We are reminded of this in the inspiring words of Lee Greenwood as we drive away from the national mall - I'd gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today. There ain't no doubt I love this land. God bless the USA.
Arlington Poem
A lone tear escapes my eye and runs down my cheek,
As I stare at a field of a million stones,
In line,
At attention,
Every stone is a man,
Who fought and died,
In an effort to preserve my freedom,
My safety,
My right to pursue my own destiny,
And I feel lucky.
Max
Google Voice at Gettysburg
Over the course of the week the students have many opportunities to connect with history and reflect their learning using multiple avenues: journaling, blogging, discussions, Google Voice, and photography. Our hope is that the student's voice stamps a unique perspective of history and on the 2014 Freedom Tour.
We used Google Voice at Gettysburg. This morning's reflection asked the student's to use their phone and respond to the following prompt:
"You are now standing on the very battlefield that turned the course of American history, where thousands of men died in a single battle over 150 years ago. You are seeing what the soldiers saw and the hot, humid weather is the same now as it was then. What feelings do you have? What connections have you made? What AHA moment occurred while you piece together from your learning from school to here?"
Below are several responses. Click to listen.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
"Away from Maine" by Baili
A couple of steps could lead you to many places. That all,
however, depends on where you are. In Brunswick Maine I could never tell you
that three steps away from me was The White House, maybe a tree or two, but
never anything as breathtaking. In Maine we have stars and some duct tape; here
they have buildings taller than anything I have ever seen in my personal
fourteen years of experience. I will say that this has been the best week of my
life. So many memories and pictures in places I never thought I would be
standing in front of. Today I saw The Smithsonian of Modern Art, of Natural
History, of Air and Space and one more. I would tell you about my experience in
great detail about all of them, however I have gotten five hours of sleep and I
would love to nap for the next six hour bus ride and not be writing the whole
time. And btw I totally could. Nonetheless that will not stop me from telling
you about my Air and Space experience.
My experience at that museum changed my view on Air Force Pilots. I
walked around the museum and realized just how complicated it was to fly a
plane. I really respect pilots and astronauts. Our country would probably
parish without people who are just so brave and simply dedicated. I went into a
simulation today. I was the gunner and one of my best friends, Molly was the
pilot. It was very confusing to be the gunner, and she was the pilot. She had
about 8 different buttons and another two levers just so she could move the
"Jet". We got lost and hit the ground on several occasions in merely
the five minutes we were in there. Now imagine this. You have both me and
Molly's jobs. You have a jet, you are a pilot and you have to shoot planes.
Okay so you're already focusing on like thirty different things. The second a
person adds in one more thing you might puke. What if that thing was your jet
would spin and flip. You now have to focus on where you are, thirty different
switches and levers, where the enemy is and not puking. I believe that the
people in The Air Force do not get nearly enough credit. I was in that
simulation with a friend and we still couldn't do nearly the amount of things
that The Air Force does. I would just like to say, thank you to anyone who
fought for our country, but especially recognize pilots in The Air Force. Thank
you so much for fighting for our country, I know you are risking your life
every single day you are out there for our freedom and I just want to say thank
you. Okay now everyone reading this I just want to say I could add probably a
lot to this blog, but I am so tired and my feet are numb. I am going to sleep.
Thank you for following the blog throughout out trip. Everyone here appreciates
it greatly! This trip was one of the most amazing things I have ever thought
was possible. As I leave this.. experience, I will take so many memories that
will sparkle and shine in my head. I have learned a great deal. I have played
chicken in the pool. I have stood in front of the Abraham Lincoln statue. I
think my head will explode if I learn anymore in the summer. Have an amazing
summer to anyone reading this blog, and please don't get a sunburn too bad! God
bless all of you.
"Air and Space Museum" by Isaac
Today we went to the Air & Space Museum,
National Art Gallery, and the Natural History Museum. I was particularly
interested in the Air & Space Museum because I love things that involve
mechanics. A bonus was that I got to see the Spirit Of St. Louis, which is
Charles Lindbergh's plane. If you don't know who Charles Lindbergh is, here's
the important stuff: The governments of the USA and countries across the
Atlantic Ocean were trying to make it easier to go between their countries.
There was a huge reward for the first person to fly across the Atlantic Ocean
non-stop. Charles had several competitors, but he was the only one who made it
across the ocean. You may think that this is not a huge feat. Consider the time
frame and limited technology they had. The plane was a Curtiss JN-4D, which was
nicknamed "Jenny." Last year we had to do a project for Social
Studies during which we chose one person who changed the world in some way.
Then we presented it orally. I was Charles Lindbergh. His plane was the thing
that I was most looking forward to seeing. There was also exhibits of other
important stuff. The first spaceship to land on the moon, modern day military
drones, and several fighter jets. The second coolest thing was when you could
see the innards of a jet engine. The cockpit of the plane was pretty cool too.
I never realized that there were so many different and important types of
aero-technology involved in the history of the USA. It's pretty impressive to
go to these museums. I would recommend going if you ever get the chance.
"Reflections from the Week" by Shawn
During the past week, I learned that most people take their everyday lives for granted and don’t realize the valuable privileges they possess. I walked through the gardens and paid my respects to each memorial in honor of those who died fighting for our country so we could keep living our free lives as American Citizens. I felt as though I was paying a long lost debt, carried on by tradition by our families. I felt fit with pride to be able to visit these memorials and pay my respects.
When we discussed these events and memorials on the bus I was very touched by a personal account of war, integrity and honor told by my team leader, Scott Couture. As he started to choke up I felt and urge to hug him and comfort him, Only I didn’t because the bus was going down the highway.
On a personal note, I have my own story to tell about the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in Washington D.C. We each walked by the benches pointing towards and away from the Pentagon and although I had no connection to this event, I knew that a few of my friends did, and I began to hear them cry.
I began to start imagining that plane coming straight towards at me, the sound of the jets and the smell of the jetfuel getting closer to the ground. I began to choke up feel my eyes water. I kept walking around the park until I came across something that stopped me dead in tracks and make me let out a bit of a yelp. As I looked down on the side benches, I saw the year 1968, which was the year my mom was born. I caught myself losing my breath at near sonic speed and felt the hot tears roll down my face. What if my mom had been here, alone or along with me, it brought pain to my heart and understanding of the true impact of the September 11th terrorist attacks. When it was time to go, I saw my other friends and even a few parents sobbing with their faces to their hands all the way to the bus and most of the bus ride. My hand kept on shaking as I took my cell phone out of my pocket and dialed my house number. As my mom picked up the phone, I felt myself choke up even more but was able to explain to my mom what had happened. The hardest part of the phone call was saying these three words to my mom, “I love you”. As soon as I said that, I felt myself just come loose as she said those words right back to me with love in her voice.
I didn’t think I would be able to sleep easy that night, but hearing my mom's voice when I was so far away from home was the perfect cure for insomnia.
When we discussed these events and memorials on the bus I was very touched by a personal account of war, integrity and honor told by my team leader, Scott Couture. As he started to choke up I felt and urge to hug him and comfort him, Only I didn’t because the bus was going down the highway.
On a personal note, I have my own story to tell about the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in Washington D.C. We each walked by the benches pointing towards and away from the Pentagon and although I had no connection to this event, I knew that a few of my friends did, and I began to hear them cry.
I began to start imagining that plane coming straight towards at me, the sound of the jets and the smell of the jetfuel getting closer to the ground. I began to choke up feel my eyes water. I kept walking around the park until I came across something that stopped me dead in tracks and make me let out a bit of a yelp. As I looked down on the side benches, I saw the year 1968, which was the year my mom was born. I caught myself losing my breath at near sonic speed and felt the hot tears roll down my face. What if my mom had been here, alone or along with me, it brought pain to my heart and understanding of the true impact of the September 11th terrorist attacks. When it was time to go, I saw my other friends and even a few parents sobbing with their faces to their hands all the way to the bus and most of the bus ride. My hand kept on shaking as I took my cell phone out of my pocket and dialed my house number. As my mom picked up the phone, I felt myself choke up even more but was able to explain to my mom what had happened. The hardest part of the phone call was saying these three words to my mom, “I love you”. As soon as I said that, I felt myself just come loose as she said those words right back to me with love in her voice.
I didn’t think I would be able to sleep easy that night, but hearing my mom's voice when I was so far away from home was the perfect cure for insomnia.
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