There are limited openings on all 3 trips, please return your registrations as soon as possible.
What is the Freedom Tour?
Freedom Tour is a constantly evolving educational journey for 8th grade middle school students designed as an integrated approach to teaching history and effectively contributing as citizens. The program culminates in a 7-day trip in late spring or early summer.
We are excited to be planning our 2024 Freedom Tour! Stay tuned for additional information in the coming weeks as we update this page.
QUESTIONS? Contact us at freedomtour@bathymca.org
2024 Trip Information
· April 2024 Trip: April 13-19
Meeting dates:
Tue, Dec 12 - 6:30pm - Landing Y
Sun, Jan 21 - 3pm - Bath Y
Tue, Feb 13 - 6:30pm - Landing Y
Wed, April 3 -6:30pm - Bath Y
· June 15-21, 2024
Meeting dates:
Sun, Dec 3 - 3pm - Bath Y
Tue, Feb 27 - 6:30pm - Landing Y
Wed, May 8 - 6:30 pm - Bath Y
Tue, June 4 - 6:30pm - Landing Y
· June 24-30, 2024
Wed, Dec 6 - 6:30pm - Bath Y
Sun, March 3 - 3pm - Bath Y
Sun, May 19 - 3pm - Bath Y
Sun, June 9 - 3pm - Bath Y
How do students prepare for the trip?
Students meet together to learn about the places they will visit and how the history and culture of that place or time impacts our world today. Groups participate in a vision process, learn conflict resolution skills, and discuss expectations and consequences for individual and group behavior.
Where do we go?
9/11 Museum and Memorial -- New York City Neighborhoods -- Ellis Island -- Liberty Island -- Lower East Side Tenement Museum -- Independence Park in Philadelphia -- Amish Country -- Lincoln, Washington, Roosevelt Presidential Memorials and Monuments -- Vietnam, Korean, World War II and Iwo Jima War Memorials -- Smithsonian -- Gettysburg National Park -- Rockefeller Center -- Apollo Theater -- Dinner Theater
Why do we take this trip?
More than a class trip and bigger than a history lesson, the program engages students in meaningful activities to build positive social competencies. As democratic ideals continue to take center-stage in international events, we find we have countless teachable moments and a heightened sense of pride in our U.S. history.
Fees
The tour fee is $1500 for students and $1000 for adult team leaders. It is based on the length and extent of the program. The fee covers all prep meetings and materials, transportation by motor coach, meals, hotels, entrance fees and a carry pack. Financial aid is available through our YMCA assistance program.
Questions?
To find out more about the the Freedom Tour or to bring a program to your school, email us at freedomtour@bathymca.org.