Day 2: Foundations of a Nation – Jamestown & Yorktown

Today we step straight into the pages of early American history! After a hearty breakfast, our first stop is the Jamestown Settlement, where the story of America’s first permanent English colony comes to life. Students will explore full-scale replicas of the three ships that brought settlers across the Atlantic, walk through a re-created Powhatan village, and experience what daily life was like in a 1607 colonial fort. Through hands-on exhibits and engaging interpreters, we’ll see how faith, perseverance, and community helped shape this early settlement.

Next, we’ll head to the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, where powerful exhibits, films, and outdoor living-history areas paint a vivid picture of the struggles and triumphs of the Revolutionary War. From the causes of the conflict to the lives of soldiers and families, students will get a comprehensive look at the birth of American independence. In the afternoon, we’ll take a guided walking tour of the Yorktown Battlefield, the very site where the British surrendered in 1781. As we walk the historic grounds, students will be challenged to think about the courage and conviction it took to fight for freedom—and how God’s providence played a role in our nation’s founding.

We'll return to our hotel in Williamsburg for dinner and group reflection, discussing how the day’s experiences connect to our faith, our history, and the freedoms we enjoy today.

 Day 3: Colonial Williamsburg & Monuments of Remembrance

We begin the day immersed in the living history of Colonial Williamsburg, the restored 18th-century capital of Virginia. As we stroll along cobblestone streets and interact with costumed interpreters, students will witness colonial life firsthand—visiting blacksmiths, weavers, apothecaries, and other tradespeople from the era. We’ll step into the Colonial Capitol Building, where early leaders debated laws and shaped the foundation of American democracy. It’s an incredible opportunity to see how faith, character, and vision influenced the decisions that helped launch a new nation.

In the afternoon, we’ll board our bus and head north to the nation’s capital—Washington, D.C. Upon arrival, we'll begin exploring some of the city's most powerful and moving memorials. At the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, we’ll reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who served in a difficult time. At the Lincoln Memorial, we’ll honor the legacy of a president who led our nation through division with deep faith and moral clarity. Finally, at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, we’ll remember the bravery and hardship of soldiers who fought for freedom on distant shores.

As evening falls, students will have time to reflect on the day’s powerful experiences, recognizing the cost of liberty and the value of leadership rooted in faith and purpose.

 Day 4: Halls of Power – Exploring the Nation’s Capital

Today we’ll explore the heart of American government, where the principles of justice, liberty, and democracy are lived out each day. Our morning begins with a guided tour of the U.S. Capitol Building, where laws are made and history is shaped. Students will stand in the Rotunda, admire stunning artwork and architecture, and learn how faith and conviction have influenced leaders throughout our nation's past.

Next, we’ll visit the nearby Library of Congress, the largest library in the world. With its breathtaking architecture and rich collection of knowledge, this stop reminds us of the importance of learning, wisdom, and the pursuit of truth. Just across the street is the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land. We’ll learn how the judicial system works and how the Constitution continues to shape our rights and responsibilities as American citizens.

In the afternoon, we’ll stop for a photo opportunity outside the White House, the residence and workplace of every U.S. president since John Adams. Then we’ll take time to reflect at two more iconic landmarks: the World War II Memorial, honoring the greatest generation’s service and sacrifice, and the towering Washington Monument, a tribute to our first president’s leadership and unwavering faith in God's providence. As the sun sets over the National Mall, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the institutions and individuals that helped shape our country.

 Day 5: Honor and Heritage – Service, Sacrifice & Leadership

We begin today with a visit to the powerful Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial, officially known as the Marine Corps War Memorial. This iconic statue, inspired by the famous photo of Marines raising the American flag on Iwo Jima during World War II, serves as a lasting tribute to the courage and sacrifice of all Marines who have fought for our country. It's a humbling reminder of the bravery that has defended our freedoms across generations.

Next, we travel to the serene and sacred grounds of Arlington National Cemetery, where more than 400,000 service members, veterans, and their families are laid to rest. We'll witness the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a deeply moving ceremony that reflects honor, respect, and precision. As we walk among the rows of white headstones, students will be encouraged to reflect on the cost of freedom and the importance of remembering those who gave their lives for it.

In the afternoon, we journey to Mount Vernon, the beloved estate of George Washington, our nation’s first president. Set along the banks of the Potomac River, this beautifully preserved property offers a glimpse into Washington’s life as a leader, farmer, and man of deep personal faith. Students will explore the mansion, gardens, and museum exhibits, gaining a fuller understanding of the values and vision that helped shape the foundation of the United States. It’s a fitting way to end a day centered on honor, leadership, and legacy.

 Day 6: Lessons from the Past – Truth, Courage, and Conviction

Today is a powerful and meaningful day as we examine moments in history that challenge us to stand for truth, justice, and compassion. We begin at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, where students will encounter the heartbreaking stories of victims and survivors of the Holocaust. Through exhibits and personal accounts, we’ll reflect on the dangers of hatred and the importance of standing up for the dignity and value of every human life—lessons that align with our Christian calling to love our neighbors and defend the oppressed.

We will visit one of the most inspiring stops on our tour—the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. This world-class museum offers students a powerful and immersive experience that traces the history, impact, and truth of God’s Word across centuries and cultures. From ancient manuscripts to high-tech exhibits, students will explore how the Bible has shaped world history, influenced American leaders, and continues to guide lives today. It’s the perfect way to reflect on all we’ve seen and learned, grounding our experience in the eternal truth of Scripture.

Next, we’ll explore the vast Smithsonian Museum Complex, where students can choose from a variety of world-class museums—like the National Museum of American History, the National Air and Space Museum, or the Museum of Natural History. Each museum is filled with incredible artifacts, interactive exhibits, and hands-on learning experiences that make history, science, and culture come alive.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the National Archives, where students will see the original Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights—the very documents that enshrine the freedoms we hold dear. From there, we’ll step into the drama of history at Ford’s Theater and the Peterson House, where President Abraham Lincoln was shot and later died. These locations offer a powerful reflection on leadership, sacrifice, and the fragility of peace.

We’ll finish the day with a special evening tour of three meaningful memorials. At the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, students will be reminded of the power of faith and nonviolence in the pursuit of justice. The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial shows how leadership during hard times can shape a nation, while the Jefferson Memorial honors one of the key architects of American liberty. Each stop challenges us to think about the kind of leaders God calls us to be in our own lives and communities.

 Day 7: Courage in Conflict – Fort McHenry & Gettysburg

Today, we journey into two of the most significant chapters in American history—moments when our nation was tested and heroes rose to defend it. We begin with a visit to Fort McHenry in Baltimore, the birthplace of our national anthem. As we stand on the ramparts where American forces withstood a British bombardment in 1814, students will learn how Francis Scott Key was inspired to write The Star-Spangled Banner. The fort is a powerful symbol of resilience and faith in the face of overwhelming odds.

From there, we travel to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the site of the bloodiest and most pivotal battle of the Civil War. We’ll start at the Gettysburg Civil War Museum, where students will explore exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays that bring to life the stories of soldiers, commanders, and civilians caught in the conflict. Then, with a knowledgeable guide, we’ll tour the Gettysburg Battlefield, walking the grounds where Union and Confederate forces clashed in July 1863. Students will hear how strategy, leadership, and incredible sacrifice shaped the outcome of the war—and the nation’s future.

Our final stop of the day is the Gettysburg National Cemetery, where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address. Standing among the graves of fallen soldiers, we’ll pause for reflection and prayer, remembering those who gave their lives to preserve the union and the principles of liberty and equality. It’s a solemn and meaningful end to a day that calls us to honor the past, understand the cost of freedom, and carry forward a legacy of courage and conviction.

Day 8: Reflection & the Journey Home

If time allows, we may visit additional nearby sites or revisit favorite memorials and museums for one last look. Then, we’ll make our way to the airport, hearts full and minds inspired, ready to return home. As we say goodbye to Washington, D.C., and the memories made along the way, students will carry home more than just souvenirs—they’ll return with a deeper appreciation for God’s hand in our nation’s story, a stronger understanding of their role in it, and a renewed commitment to live out their faith with courage and conviction.