Spirit of America Youth Leadership
The Spirit of America Experience
Spirit of America Youth Leadership is a transformative four-day residential program that engages high school students from across the country with the first principles of freedom. Their experience is filled with inspiring and educational activities, including a mock congressional debate, free enterprise challenge, workshops, and historical site visits while developing their leadership skills and identifying their future contributions to society. Students live on campus throughout the duration of the program and create new lasting friendships with peers from across the country.
Spirit of America Program Sessions
Join us for one of our upcoming program sessions!
February 23-26, 2023
March 2-5, 2023
March 9-12, 2023
March 30-April 2, 2023
April 13-16, 2023
April 20-23, 2023
April 27-30, 2023
To sign up, fill out our simple pre-registration form:
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Spirit of America Program Activities:
Freedom Summit
Freedom Summit is a mock congressional forum where students learn to debate and find the balance between liberty and security. In this session, the students revise a bill of choice after a guided discussion of constitutional amendments and relevant legal cases on freedom and safety by an expert constitutional scholar.
Free Enterprise
The Free Enterprise Challenge provides an entertaining and stimulating way for students to learn about the American free enterprise system. Students receive a primer on entrepreneurship and work as a team to develop a product pitch presented to a panel of judges. Students will learn the value of collaborative creativity as they demonstrate their product’s feasibility, utility, and marketability.
Medal of Honor Character Development
The Medal of Honor Character Development program teaches students about the six characteristics of the Medal of Honor created by the Medal of Honor Society. Students will consider past Medal of Honor recipients and actively identify how to apply those thoughts and principles to their own lives.
Five Pillars of Civic Responsibility
The Five Pillars of Civic Responsibility gives students a comprehensive understanding of Freedoms Foundation’s Bill of Responsibilities. Through creating a community-based service project, they will demonstrate our five pillars: respect, participation, accountability, productivity, and generosity.
The Signers Ceremony
The Signers Ceremony is an exhilarating experience as the ghost of founding father James Wilson helps students understand the sacrifices made by the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Students consider, for the first time, that to sign the document in 1776 was to commit an act of treason. Students are invited to sign alongside the founding fathers and commit to the enduring principles outlined in the Declaration before returning home to their community.
Living History
Living history actor-historians from American Historical Theatre allow students to learn from and interact with some of the most significant figures in American History. Characters such as Thomas Jefferson and John Adams step out of the history books and into the room, helping students understand that great people were still people with personal motivations, problems, fears, and triumphs.
Historic Sites
Valley Forge
The Valley Forge National Historical Park visit allows students to walk across the hallowed grounds of George Washington’s encampment at Valley Forge. Accompanied by expert guides, students are presented with the challenges of the notable volunteers who sacrificed so much to forge the United States. During their time, they visit the encampment, the National Memorial Arch, Wayne’s Woods, the statue of “Mad” Anthony Wayne, Mount Misery and Mount Joy, the statue of Baron von Steuben and the Grand Parade Ground, the George Washington Memorial Chapel, and Washington’s Headquarters.
Philadelphia
This ultimate walk through the streets of history leaves students with a profound understanding of the birthplace of America. Students receive a ranger-led tour of Independence Hall and stand in the room where our country’s founders adopted the Declaration of Independence and constructed the U.S. Constitution. The guided experience of Philadelphia explores additional historical sites such as the Liberty Bell, Elfreth’s Alley, and Ben Franklin’s grave.
What to Expect
Students will enjoy four days of focused, compelling educational experiences that will transform their understanding and appreciation of America’s history and its promising future. They will grow close to the other students from across the country, improve their civil discourse, strengthen their leadership skills, and establish long-lasting friendships with their peers. Students leave inspired to do their part in securing the liberties that only an active citizenry can safeguard in their communities, guided by a greater appreciation for our history, ideals, and the relevance of our country’s founding documents.
Please note the following is a sample schedule subject to change:
Have questions about the schedule or want a brochure? Contact us today.
THURSDAY:
Registration
Dinner & Welcome
Orientation & Introductions
Icebreakers
FRIDAY:
Breakfast
Living History Presentation
Freedom Summit Lecture & Debate
Lunch
Mock Congress
Small-Group Meetings
Dinner
Leadership Workshops
Swap Meet
SATURDAY:
Breakfast
Mock Trial in Philadelphia
Lunch
Tour Philadelphia
Banquet
Keynote Address
Signer’s Ceremony
SUNDAY:
Flag Ceremony
Breakfast
Tour of Valley Forge
Depart for Home
Available Scholarships
Greater Philadelphia Area
Sophomore students who attend Philadelphia-area Catholic high schools are eligible for full Spirit of America Youth Leadership scholarships, courtesy of the Connelly Foundation.
Additional Opportunities
Additional scholarships are available to students who do not necessarily meet the criteria above. If you are interested in a scholarship, or if you would like to pay directly to attend a program, please contact us.
I appreciate this wonderful opportunity you’ve given me! This experience has allowed me to engage in many leadership and teamwork excessive activities, providing ideas and lessons I can bring back home. The “5 Pillars of a Responsible Citizen” was one of my favorite parts of the weekend because we got to discuss every value it takes to make a contributing American. One of the pillars that stood out to me was the pillar of productivity. Productivity is what has built this nation and defines us as Americans, as we should always strive to work hard for our goals such as our economy and democracy. Lastly, the leadership-focused workshops allowed me to learn and grow through the classes and group activities, as well as make friendships. Thank you for sending me on such a wonderful leadership opportunity.”
– Caiden S
Thank you for this amazing opportunity you have given me. I had the most wonderful time. I am very thankful for being able to visit where I normally would not have gone because I didn’t know it was there. One of the things I experienced was connecting with people from around the U.S that are similar to me and being able to see and hear what they have to say on certain ideas. I was able to listen to and watch the actors and lecturers that would be at the sessions such as John Adams and Thomas Jefferson while talking in their characters and answering questions during their time and teaching us things about them. It was such a cool experience. This was a great opportunity and experience. I can’t express enough how grateful I am to you.”
– Anthony E
“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to go on the trip of a lifetime to Valley Forge. I have come out of this experience more educated about our country as a whole, as well as the court system and free enterprise system. My favorite speaker of the weekend was Chris Rothey. He was very informative and relatable. I was able to learn things from his stories about how the economy works
– Annalisa P
and how everyone has to do their part no matter how big or small the job is. We need people in all positions high and low to make the economy work. I never would have been able to have heard him and experienced these projects without your sponsorship of this event. I also made many friendships that I hope will last a lifetime. It was nice meeting people from other states who think like me as we went through this program together. Thank you so much for allowing me to participate in this amazing experience.”
“I would like to express my gratitude for sponsoring me for this trip. This has truly been one of the most memorable things I have had the pleasure of doing in my life. None of this would have been possible without your generous support. Not only have I gotten to meet amazing people from around the country but we have all learned so much about the founding of our country and how to be involved. I’ve always been more of a shy person but visiting the foundation and interacting with other students from across the country, it has brought something out of me I never knew I had: “Confidence”. In the lessons and activities, everyone participates and I realized that I can do anything I want to if I apply myself. That’s what built this country. The determination to make a change and to improve upon something you love dearly. That is something that I will never forget and I will carry it with me all throughout my life. I am going to do everything I can to help and change the world for the better. One of my favorite activities this weekend was the freedom summit. We had to decide whether a bill should pass or be rejected. I enjoyed watching the kids really get into the details of the bill and think outside of the box. I realize just how difficult it can be to make a decision that benefits the entire country. Thank you so much for sending us. I would love to visit again whether it’s as a student, as a chaperone (one day), or even work for them. This has changed me and I am thankful for that.”
– Savannah S
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