Day 1 - Travel From Delta College to Baltimore, MD
Today was an early day that included a 6am departure from Delta College. Today the students immersed themselves in literature from the United States Constitution. They were tasked with developing their understanding of how our Constitution was created, what freedoms it gives its citizens and how it relates to Peace and Social Justice.
Day 2 - Paul's Place Homeless Shelter
Today we served 350-400 homeless a nice warm lunch. We met Jason Sharp who introduced us to the concepts and some ideas behind poverty and what Paul's Place is doing to help one person at a time.
After serving in the morning and afternoon we discussed the experience with Jason Sharp a former Delta College student, former Peace Corp Volunteer and now 6 year veteran of Baltimore's Paul's Place.
Day 3 - Washington, D.C.
Today's adventure brings us to Washington, D.C. and the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). This exciting day included a tour of the facility by a representative of the USIP that ended with a role playing scenario for the students that helped them not only learn but also demonstrate their conflict resolution acumen.
After the USIP we were free to tour the wonderful sights of our nation's capital :)
Day 4 - Paul's Place - Solar Cars !
Today we build solar cars and raced them with a youth program that is hosted by Paul's Place on Saturdays. Ready, set, GO !!!
Day 5 - National Mall, Arlington National Cemetery & National Holocaust Museum
Today's adventure brought us back to our nation's capital to enjoy the sights of a few Smithsonian Museums, the National Mall and The National Holocaust Museum as continuations of our topic of Peace and Social Justice.
Our tour of Washington, D.C. also captured one of the most important ceremonies in our Armed Forces. The changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and a family changing the wreath at the Tomb.
Our day concluded with some student commentary about their experiences and even a birthday celebration and conversation at the foot of the Washington Monument.
Day 6 - Baltimore to Pendle Hill, Pennsylvania
Today we visited the Country's first Basilica and traveled to Pendle Hill Quaker Retreat Center in Pennsylvania. It was about a 2 hour drive North. With the there being Peace and Social Justice there were many opportunities for us to stop and reflect on what we know about poverty and compare it to what we were learning about poverty. Will's video provided us with some background on this global epidemic.
The Baltimore Basilica
Our House @ Pendle Hill
Day 7 - Swathmore College & Social Justice Archives
Today after some service learning @ Pendle Hill we will visit Swathmore College (traditionally a Quaker college). We will tour their social justice center and talk to their program's director followed by a campus tour. Afterwards we are privileged to go through Swathmore's archives of social justice documents including authentic letters written by Gandhi and a large selection of documents from Jane Adams.
Pulling Weeds in the Pendle Hill Garden
Splitting Wood @ Pendle Hill
Swathmore College, Pennsylvania
Day 8 - Liberty Bell & Independence Hall
Today we will travel the 20 minutes into the city of Philadelphia, PA. We plan to see the Liberty Bell and spend time at Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was debated and later approved on July 4th 1776 by the Second Continental Congress.
Day 9 - Pendle Hill, PA
Today was spent digesting the amazing journey up to this point. It will be the last day of the trip prior to an early drive back to Michigan. Today we are planning a wrap-up with discussion about the places we visited, the people we met and the lessons we learned. The is a group discussion in the living room of our house tonight. Carl's video tells us a little more about the man known as Sargent Shriver.
Day 10 - Travel from Pendle Hill, PA to Delta College
Today we say goodbye to our home for the last 5 days. Ahead of us is a 14 hour drive back home. This last clip tells us a little bit more about Quakerism and provides one final look at the grounds of this wonderful Retreat Center.
