Wanted: Adventurers
Adventure: an exciting or dangerous experience
Walk up to any Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) Delegate and they will tell you that CWF was one of the greatest adventures of their 4‑H careers. Even though this trip doesn’t completely fit in with the definition, we still think that speeding around the Washington, D.C. wonders at breakneck speed from sun up to sun down counts as an adventure.
Why do we feel this way?
Because we have learned so much in such a short period of time, and enjoyed all of it (or most of it at least)!
We have learned how to properly use a crosswalk (especially those of us who are from more rural areas).
We have learned how to walk down the slippery stairs of the monuments without falling.
Funny? Yes.
Even though we might all look like we are goofing off, we are learning.
As we stood in the Lincoln, Jefferson, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt memorials, we learned how each of these men affected the world that they lived in, and how they continue to affect us today. As we read the inscriptions on the walls, the words hit us and they gave us hope.
As we viewed the beautifully crafted World War II, Korean War, Vietnam Veterans, and Iwo Jima memorials, we caught a glimpse into the passions and feelings that surrounded these eras.
As we listened to the cannons go off at Twilight Tattoo and watched the soldiers flip and spin their guns with an ease that looked as natural as breathing, we as delegates were filled with pride in our Army.
As we stood amongst the resting place of the over 400,000 active duty service members, veterans and their families in Arlington National Cemetery, we saw the ideas of sacrifice and courage in a new light.
As we talked to our senators and representatives we learned what it means to be a true and active citizen and we gained a new respect for the work that they do.
As we discussed different congressional issues, wrote bills and learned how the government works, our Program Assistants (PAs) impressed upon us the importance of being respectful and open-minded.
Needless to say, learning has been a big factor in the adventures we have had during this past week.
I think that the Communications Committee speaks for everyone when we say thank you to those who have made this trip possible.
First, to the chaperones. We know that you have probably gotten even less sleep than we have, but we appreciate how you are always kind and excited. Even though we might not always like your rules, we know that you only want us to be safe, and we appreciate that.
To our bus drivers, thank you! At the end of the day, when we are exhausted from trekking across the city, you are some of our favorite people to see. Thanks for taking care of us!
And finally, to our Program Assistants. We love you bunches! Thanks for sticking with us, even when we are delirious with laughter and lack of sleep. We appreciate that you love learning about the city and have passion for passing that knowledge on to us. Thank you for all that you do.
Each and every person has made this the greatest adventure of our 4‑H career! We have learned so much, we will never forget it. We have become smarter, aware, and gained a passion for being involved. We know that the adventure doesn’t stop at the end of this week. It is up to us to keep that adventure alive, and we know that CWF has given us the tools to do that.
If this sounds like an adventure you would like to partake in, contact your local extension personal, and help us keep the adventure alive.
