Education > High School

SPIRIT OF AMERICA YOUTH CONFERENCE

The four day Spirit of America Conference is an exclusive program for High School students interested in discovering what their role is as a citizen and leader. Sessions provide participants with an opportunity to discuss current issues and our founding documents with articulate representatives from government, industry and the academic community. Sessions also include activities focused on promoting critical thinking, self-awareness, leadership development, team building, and understanding and appreciating the views of others, all of which reflect the character and traits of a responsible active citizen.

Promotional Brochures
Student Information Packet

Conference Topics: Civil Rights

Civil Liberties
Civic Responsibilities
Public Policy
Active Citizenship
Personal Development and leadership
Influential People from the Past and Present
Ethics
Accountability and Awareness of Government
Influential Corporations and Citizens within our Country

Program Highlights

Freedom Summit (Mock Congress)- Formatted to be a mock congress the Freedom Summit gives students the opportunity to discuss constitutional issues effecting American citizens such as terrorism, the Patriot Act, immigration. Constitutional scholars will introduce the topic and facilitate the proceedings.

Participants will……

• – Become aware of the issues affecting America
• – Learn to present intelligent and articulate arguments based on informed opinions
• – Gain an understanding of how Congress makes consensus-seeking decisions
• – Gain an appreciation of the importance of understanding the opposing view of others

Mock Trial- Participants travel to Philadelphia’s Federal Justice building and participate in a simulated Supreme Court case. The mock trial is facilitated by experienced members of the legal community. Topics include civil rights, civil liberties, the death penalty, and various other constitutional issues.

Participants will……

• – Demonstrate an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the Supreme Court and the Justices
• – Understand the importance of the decision making process of the Supreme Court
• – Understand the importance of looking at all aspects, views, beliefs, and opinions of an issue
• – Understand the importance of a Supreme Courts interpretation of the constitution.

Leadership Challenge- Participants will go through several 30 to 40 minute blocks of leadership training designed to develop the participants understanding and abilities in the areas of leadership, communication, group dynamics, and attributes of an active citizen. Our staff facilitates the Leadership Challenges and both physical and mental tasks are used to get participants to critically think about the above mentioned areas.

Tours of Historical Valley Forge & Philadelphia

Valley Forge National Historic Park

• – Washington’s Headquarters
• – Log Cabins
• – Washington Memorial Arch
• – Valley Forge Welcome Center
• – Grande Parade Ground

Philadelphia

• – Independence Hall
• – Liberty Bell
• – Congress Hall
• – Betsy Ross House
• – Franklin Court
• – Carpenter’s Hall
• – Second Bank

Faculty – Conference faculty are drawn from major academic institutions or government & industry. 75 % of the faulty hold a Ph.D. in the subject matter. Faculty include:

• Dr. Graham Lee - St. Josephs University
• Dr. Bruce Murphy - Lafayette College
• Dr. Stephen Wayne - Georgetown University
• David Trevaskis, Esq.
• Congressman Curt Weldon
• Congressman Jim Gerlach
• Bob Tryanski

Living History Presentations

• George Washington
• Thomas Jefferson
• Alexander Hamilton
• Benjamin Franklin
• Martha Washington

Staff
The Spirit of America staff is made up of enthusiastic college age students and graduates from all over the country, many of whom are alumni of the Spirit of America Youth Conference. Many have degrees or are working on degrees related to the areas of focus. All are motivated in providing an exciting and educational experience that helps mold future leaders and active citizens.

Student Life
Students from all over the country come to the Freedoms Foundation to interact, share experiences, and develop connections that last a lifetime. To enhance the experience, students stay in a pre-college setting. Our small but beautiful campus provides students with the experience of staying in dormitories, learning in college-like classrooms, and eating meals in our dining hall. During their free time participants are able to explore our 52 acre Medal of Honor grove and its 3 miles of walking trails. Also available are basketball courts, a sand volleyball court, Macarthur field and a game room.

Recreation

• Outdoor Recreation
  • Athletic Fields -2 Athletic Fields give you an opportunity to organize a game of ultimate Frisbee, play catch, or just relax outside.
  • Volleyball Courts  - Our sand Volleyball court is perfect on a sunny day and is a great way to compete against your fellow participants or the staff.
  • Basketball Courts  - Organize a pick-up game or play some one-on-one on our full court basketball court.
  • Walking Trails - With over 3 miles of looping trails in our 53 acre Medal of Honor Grove, you have an onsite place for a morning jog or an afternoon stroll.
• Indoor Facilities
  • Classrooms -All lectures are held in air conditioned classrooms in the Mac Arthur building and Martha Washington Building
  • Game room -Relax in the air conditioned Mac Arthur building and play some ping-pong, shoot pool or relax on the couch and watch some TV.
  • Computer Lab -Our lab provides you with high speed internet access to check mail or surf the internet. (The lab is open only during designated times)

Dining Commons- All meals on campus are provided by the Freedoms Foundation catering staff. Our menu features a wide variety of meals, everything from a formal banquet to an outdoor BBQ. We can tailor to specific dietary needs upon request.

Housing- the Freedoms Foundation dormitories are a pre-college style setting with the ability to accommodate up to 150 guests at a time. Our rooms range from six bed rooms to singles. All of the rooms have their own private bathrooms. Each dorm has a lobby area with a TV and lounge.

Gift Shop-The Freedoms Foundation Gift shop which is open at various times throughout the conference is a great place to purchase a keepsake. We feature Freedoms Foundation apparel such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and more. Participants may also purchase historical collectables and memorabilia such as replica Constitutions, feathered pens, Liberty Bells and more.

Program Dates

Tuition -$400.00
Tuition includes-

• – Full Schedule of programming (classes, lectures, speakers)
• – Accommodations for the conference
• – All meals on campus and off campus during the conference
• – Transportation to off-site activities, events, tours, and historic sites/museums (Also provided to and from the airport and/or train station)
• – Program Faculty, Assistants, and speakers
• – Course Materials and supplies

*Want to extend your trip?

Many groups decide to extend their trip past the 4 day conference; whether it’s to Washington D.C., New York City, Gettysburg, or any of the other wonderful sites located within hours of the Freedoms Foundation. We can organize all the programming for this extension and tailor it to your specific needs. Please contact the Youth Department.