Boys and Girls Club of Dumplin Valley in D.C.
Boys and Girls Club – Staff Photo by Robin McMahon
The Boys and Girls Club of Dumplin Valley recently enjoyed a great trip to Washington D.C. and the surrounding area.
They were able to see the Constitution, Arlington cemetery, The Lincoln Memorial and the Washington D.C. Zoo. This was the first trip to Washington D.C. that they Boys and Girls Club have sponsored and each child had to work for their vacation. They first had to interview for a job at the center, once hired they had to work hours throughout the summer, as well as attend meetings at colleges throughout the area.
21 kids from Jefferson City club, along with The White Pine club and six staff members, went on the trip. They started work at the end of May and the trip was July 25th -28th. The group rode the Mega Bus to the FDR Boys and Girls Club, where they camped out in their gym.
For quite a few of the Club Members, this was their first time riding on the Mega Bus and the nine hour trips was a part of the adventure, as well as the subway ride into Washington D.C. each day. All of the kids were impressed by the amount of equipment in the FDRs sports closet, which was full of football gear, soccer gear, extra basketballs which are sponsored by big name athletic companies.
On their trip they witnessed the President getting into his helicopter and were very shocked by the homeless, pollution and garbage in the City. The group toured the Lincoln Memorial on the day that it was vandalized and were interviewed by NPR along with television group about what they thought of the destruction.
Though some parts of the City and the subway were crowded and polluted, Club Members gained appreciation for the architecture and diversity that created D.C., including the sites in China town. Club Members expressed their thanks to all the chaperones that took them on this memorable and educational trip.
