Missouri Youth Tour

2011 Missouri Youth Tour Video

2011-10-13T10:43:00.002-05:00

Last Day - Travel back home day

2011-06-16T21:38:00.003-05:00

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end as we had to head back home to our families and friends after a great week!
On the bus to the airport.

"If you look to your left you can see the Pentagon." - Our Fearless Leader Mike Marsch

A good collection of pins!
Our AWESOME bus drivers Smitty and Mr. D!
Headed in to the airport.

Flying Home

2011-06-16T13:37:00.003-05:00

We are currently on the plane to go home. It has been an amazing trip, truly a trip of a lifetime. The friends that I met and the memories of all the monuments and places wew went to will be truly unforgettable. We are already planning a reunion of all the Youth Tour delegates this fall! We are definitely a very happy family. I'll miss you all!

-Lindsey Kolb, Laclede Electric Co-op

Capitol Hill Day - Last Day of Touring :(

2011-06-16T07:06:00.004-05:00

Started the morning off at the United States Capitol for our co-op pictures. Then we split up into groups to meet with our local district representatives and touring of buildings around Capitol Hill. Some toured the Supreme Court, Library of Congress or the Capitol building. When we got back to the hotel it was free time for us as the chaperones all released us to the lower floor of the hotel where we spent the night dancing and playing games with kids from other states.

Our awesome chaperones. Our pics will be out on CDs and in the Rural Missouri later.
Former Youth Tour delegate Bret Funk from Macon, who is now communications director for Billy Long, speaks to us about what he learned from his trip as a YT delegate and how he got his current job. Big kudos to Macon Electric Cooperative worker Kami Mohn for setting this up!
US Capitol Building Tour
US Capitol Building Tour
US Capitol Building Tour
US Capitol Building Tour
US Capitol Building Tour
US Capitol reflected into the shades of Kathleen Hinkle.
Library of Congress
Library of Congress
US Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson meets with us on the steps of the Capitol Building.

US Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson poses with the group.

Wrapping It Up

2011-06-15T16:43:00.003-05:00

Today was our final day of touring. We went to the capitol and met with our representatives and took photos with the other delegates from our cooperatives. We also went to the library of congress. It was definitely my favorite. The architecture and murals on the wall were nothing comparable to anything from back home. It's crazy that this is our last night together. It has gone by so fast and slow at the same time. The days have been long, but really fun which makes it fast, if you can catch my drift at all. It was so easy to make friends with all these people that I have never met before. I'm really going to miss some of them. This was definitely the trip of my lifetime. I want to thank the cooperatives again for making this all possible and for everything they do!

--Kathleen Hinkle

Peace & Blessings y

2011-06-15T07:37:00.002-05:00

Last Friday, little did we know that all 83 of us would become like one family. 6 days ago we had no idea what we werre getting ourselves into. I remember walking into the banquet room and thinking that there is no way I was going to be able to meet and get to actually know all these kids but I WAS WRONG! Literally we are a family. Last night showed how well we can stick together. The game was intense and so were our chants along with the booing mob of Nationals fans but we stood together and got under the skin of some nice drunken fellows who didn't realize we were a group of high schoolers and were totally acting our age. These days have gone by so slowly but that could be because we usually are up for a good 15 hour day and most the time more. Were getting ready to begin our final day at capital hill. 40% of our bus is knocked out. (ODDS RULE EVENS DROOL) This trip was truly a trip of a lifetime that will be impossible to forget.

Day 5 - Newseum, Ford's Theatre, WWII Memorial and Cards Game!

2011-06-15T07:09:00.008-05:00

Well, we started the day off at the Newseum. Regardless of what Kyle says is cool, this is one of the best museums in D.C.! From there it was time to tour the American Art Museum and Ford's Theatre, where President Lincoln was assassinated. It was interesting hearing the story of the end of one of our great presidents. Next it was on to lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe and then the World War II Memorial and Washington Monument. We ended the night with a Cardinals-Nationals Game. Pretty much had the whole stadium booing us when we cheered on the Redbirds.

Go cards

2011-06-14T22:04:00.003-05:00

WOW!!! 85 high school students not only got the nationals to stand, but also got them to boo!! But we kept it nice and classy as
Missouri always does. The odd bus is voiceless but still chanting and singing all the way to the hotel!! Fun time don't want to go
Home. GO CARDS!!

Best Cardinals Fans Ever!

2011-06-14T21:53:00.002-05:00

Well today's adventure cannot be described in the little time I have to post. Basically all you need to know is that Missouri has the greatest fans ever! We screamed till we literally couldn't scream anymore! Half of us don't have any voices left. We made a few enemies,,, okay maybe a whole stadium of enemies, with our awesome chants and support from the other fans around the stadium. even though the Cards lost, the game was intense like camping ;) I had a great time and I know everyone else did too! I can't wait till tomorrow!

Kathleen Hinkle

Day 4 - Youth Day, the White House, Mount Vernon and more memorials

2011-06-14T11:34:00.012-05:00

Another day in the books. Started the day off with 1500 other kids from several other states. Listened to some awesome speakers. Then it was off to the White House, Air Force Memorial, Mount Vernon and the Pentagon City Mall for dinner. After that we had an evening tour around the Lincoln, Korean and Vietnam memorials.
Youth Day
Our YLC Delegate Lindsey Kolb lead us in an up-roaring MIZ-ZOU chant!
Paraolympian Mike Schilappe gave a truly inspiring speech.

Our awesome chaperones in front of the White House.

Air Force Memorial

Starting to get a little beat from all this touring.
Mount Vernon, George Washington's Home.

Lincoln Memorial
Lincoln Memorial

Korean War Memorial

Vietnam Memorial Wall

Tuesday!

2011-06-14T10:11:00.002-05:00

I can't believe its already Tuesday. It's only 11 am and I have already had multiple breathtaking experiences at the Newseum. The 9-11 museum And Berlin wall were fantastic. Not including the newspaper archives and so much more. Next up fords theatre and hardrock followed by a good ole cards game:)
-Beth

Never Before!

2011-06-13T21:48:00.002-05:00

Never before have I been to Washington DC, never before have I won an essay writing contest that would be so rewarding, never before have I met so many great people, never before have I made 96 friends in the time period of like 12 hours, never before have i wrote a blog, never before have i got a number assigned to me that became my known name before my actual name, and for the last one never before have I wanted to stay in our Nations great Capital for more than a week and not wanna go home! (sorry momma) Every second I have been here I have been absolutely amazed at the beauty and awesomeness of the city! So Thank You Barton County Electric Coop for this opportunity!

- Dylan Massa
Lamar, Mo.

If You Can't Stand Up, Stand Out

2011-06-13T21:31:00.002-05:00

Today has been simply amazing, just as everyday so far has been. This morning I was embraced by complete exhaustion until Mike Schilappe began his motivational speech about how to improve our everyday lives. Did you know that most people have 11 negative thoughts per every positive thought? Doesn't that sound horrible? Most people don't realize what they have until it's gone. Mike was paralyzed due to a gun shot from a friend, yet he has won 2 gold medals and 2 bronze medals for his paralympic basketball teams. He has lived a full and completely awesome life despite his setback. He showed us that we shouldn't just sit around and be sympathetic about our own problems, but to embrace them and handle them. It was definitely awe inspiring. We went to Mount Vernon today and many of the rooms of the home surprised me. Their dining room was lime green. It was horrid looking to me, but at the time it was in style, especially in Europe. We went to the Pentagon City Mall after that, which btw is WAY bigger than any of the malls that I have been to in Missouri. (Not that that's a big number.) My favorite part of today was seeing the Korean, Vietnam, and Lincoln memorials. It was awesome to know that I was sitting on the site that's on all the 5 dollar bills :). I loved sitting and watching all the people and different cultures around us move about and admire the memorials as well. I was a bit bummed that the reflecting pool for the Washington Monument was drained for repairs. I wanted to be where Jenny was when she called out to Forrest. :( I can't wait for another great day in DC! Be sure to look for us at the Cardinals game tomorrow night on Fox Sports Midwest!

D.C. enough said :)

2011-06-13T21:28:00.003-05:00

So what began as an assignment has turned into the highlight of my summer. My roommates (new friends) are fantastic and the memories we are making together will last a lifetime. This trip has allowed me to experience so many things I wouldn't have been able to do if I hadn't come here. Things such as pose in front of the white house, chill at George Washingtons house, or even fly on my first plane. I am so thankful my wonderful co-op, 3rivers, has given me this opportunity.
Oh yeah, love you mom and dad ;)

-Bethany Breeden

2011-06-13T21:07:00.002-05:00

We had such a great day today! We started the morning with all of the other states in ONE room! Thats over 1500 delegates. Needless to say there was the wave, fist pumping, and a conga line. We listened to a fantastic motivational speaker then had lunch at the Reagan International Trade Center. George Washington's home and tomb were next on the itinerary; we even got to touch the same banister he did so many years ago. Dinner and shopping was a lot of downtime for me, but other girls seemed to be in overdrive trying to shop as much as possible. One girl had to sprint to the bus to be on time, that's how dedicated she was to her shopping time. We ended the day with plenty of time to walk around and explore the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Walll, and Korean Memorial. It was a fabulous day for the 2011 Youth Tour! :)

Alana Simpson

The Trip of a Lifetime

2011-06-13T16:41:00.003-05:00

This trip has been full of firsts for me, I have never been on my own before not knowing anybody and it's has been the first time I have ever been on a plane. I have made great friends already thanks to Bethany and Alison! I've seen so much today we saw the White House, mount Vernon which were both amazing!!!!! I never thought I would be able to see all of this it has lived up to saying it's the trip of a lifetime and it's not even over yet!!

-Lillie Buckman

2011-06-13T13:37:00.002-05:00

Colossal, aesthetic, authentic... The Ari Force Memorial is awesome!

-will smith

2011-06-13T13:25:00.003-05:00

Odd bus repping again! For the parents who are reading that means representing just an FYI(: SO were having a blast! Friendships are being made and growing stronger as we speak. so far on this fabulous Monday we've heard Mike Schilappe speak! As you sat and listened you began to realize that goose bumps were rising on your arms! We took a little pit stop at the white house and rocked it out like Missouri is expected to do! As I sit here typing we are watching a movie headed towards Mount Vernon! The excitement can barely be tamed! This truly is the time of our lives!

-Jazmin Gac

Recap of Day 3 - Arlington, Smithsonian and We're on A Boat!

2011-06-13T08:36:00.011-05:00

Started the morning off at Arlington National Cemetery. Very moving. Got to see JFK's grave site, the amazing Changing of the Guard Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and other famous politicians and military officials. Then it was on to the Smithsonian complex to tour the Museum of Natural History, Holocaust Museum, Museum of American History, the famous Red Castle and Air and Space. After returning back to the hotel and having some dinner...it was taco night!!...we went out for a boat rid on the Potomac River. Lucked out and no rain came and saw an amazing sunset. All had a great time dancing, exchanging pins and meeting people from other states. Time went by too quick and before we knew it, bed time had come.
Arlington National Cemetery.
General Robert E. Lee's Mansion
Riding the tour bus to the top of Arlington.
Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns.
Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns.
The Smithsonian Red Castle.
American History Museum
American History Museum.
Snapping pics of the Smithsonian Red Castle.
Museum of Natural History
The Ruby Red Slippers from Dorothy at the American History Museum.
Ewww a Madagascar hissing cockroach at the Museum of Natural History
See the resemblance?
Our boat!

Great sunset!

Dancing the night away!

Day 3!

2011-06-12T21:53:00.003-05:00

We began our day in Arlington National Cemetery. It was literally breath taking. It was very hard to hold back the tears to see all the people who have given their lives for our freedom. The Smithsonian was pretty great too. My little group visited nearly every museum. I saw Dorothy's slippers! The dance tonight was probably my favorite though. Kentucky, Texas, Indiana, Missouri, and possibly more that I cannot remember at the moment were all on the same boat together! The dancing was great and the cruise was smooth and beautiful. I'm already pumped for the next dance on Wednesday night with all the states! Tomorrow we have Youth Day here at the Hyatt. It's time for room check so I'll have to go for now. I'll probably post more tomorrow!

-Kathleen Hinkle

2011-06-12T14:06:00.002-05:00

Chilling in front of the archives with some really awesome new friends,no doubt that DC is amazingly awesome... Bet you wish you were here!

-Melynn

Day Two - Flying out and a first glimpse of DC

2011-06-11T23:14:00.006-05:00

We were awakened at 6 am, grabbed breakfast and headed out to St. Louis to fly out of Lambert. From there we pretty much too over the terminal with all of our bags and bodies. We successfully landed in Baltimore and soon met our awesome bus drivers Smitty and Mr. D, who drove us to our hotel. We downloaded all our bags and then headed out for a few memorial visits. First stop was the Iwo Jima Memorial for the Marines. Then it was on to the Jefferson Memorials and an evening walk through the FDR Memorial. Time for bed for a full day of touring!

Arriving at Lambert Airport in St. Louis.

A little fun at the airport listening to some music on Kyle's cool iPad!
Iwo Jima MemorialIwo Jima Memorial
Jefferson Memorial.
Jefferson Memorial

Washington Memorial in background

FDR Memorial

late evening tour

2011-06-11T22:01:00.001-05:00

Parents of Oliver Lamping received this awesome evening tour shot! Thanks Cuivre River Electric of Troy, Missouri.

A New Adventure

2011-06-11T21:48:00.002-05:00

I knew I was going to have a good time, but I had no idea that I would meet so many different people with so many different ideas. Coming from rural Northeast Missouri I have been very sheltered to many happenings. Today was my first time outside of the Midwest and my first time on a plane. The plane ride was kind of... sketchy. It wasn't as smooth as I would have liked it, but I'm here in Washington DC and that's all that matters. I have met people from Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, South Dakota, South Carolina, Minnesota, Tennessee, Georgia, and Texas! So many different accents and different cultures and each of them are all so unique! DC is beautiful and I can't wait to experience the rest of the trip. Thank you to all of the rural electric cooperatives for making this trip possible!

--Kathleen Hinkle

2011-06-11T21:37:00.002-05:00

Finally. In dc!! I'm so excited to be here with all the other NRECA winners. The flight was a new experience for most of us And after a long day of traveling we are all pretty wore out. We went and saw the Jefferson, FDR and Iwo Jima memorials tonight. They are sooo cool! I just want to say thank you again to our coop sponsors who sent us here on "the trip of a lifetime" and those who fought for our country for so long to give us the memorials to look at here in DC. Well it's bed time, 6 am comes awfully early!

From DC,

Clarissa Rosenburg
Gascosage Coop
Newburg, MO

Night of Touring

2011-06-11T21:11:00.003-05:00

After a 2 hour drive, a 2 hour flight, and another hour of driving we finally made it to our hotel. The Hyatt is super nice and a bunch of other states with youth tour are staying there too. We all have been trading pins and getting to know each other better. We started our tour by going to the 3 different memorials. My favorite was the Jefferson memorial. It really showed all the thought Jefferson put into his writing. This city is beautiful and I'm making a ton of new friends. As much as people told me how fun this trip was I didn't fully understand. That's all changed now and I'm ready for the rest of my awesome week in D.C.

-Leo Lutz

Landed!

2011-06-11T15:51:00.001-05:00

Landed in Baltimore and now on the hour or so trip to DC. All kids and all bags accounted for.

Leaving On a jet plane

2011-06-11T12:05:00.001-05:00

Boarded and bout ready to take off!!!

2011-06-11T12:02:00.002-05:00

OMG! This trip is sooooooo awesome. I love our chaperones (they told me to say that). Waiting to board the plane with my new friends. Can't wait to see Washington D.C.!!!!!

Katie Wells

2011-06-11T11:58:00.001-05:00

Lost my ID at the airport and I found it! Hallelujah!

-Chandra Sullins

Near airport

2011-06-11T09:58:00.001-05:00

Almost to the airport - with an awesome group! Now we get to scare the other travelers...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

2011-06-11T08:52:00.002-05:00

The odds are chillin like villains making memories and new friends.
You can't divide us because we ain't no dividends.
Were pretty dang loud
you can pick us out in a crowd
The evens they be hatin cuz the odds are demonstratin the swag our bus has
WORD TO YOUR MOTHER

P.S.Eat That Evens!!!

the tale of two kaylee's

2011-06-11T07:35:00.001-05:00

it all started out on a friday night mid evening and bam! we discovered we had the same name and the same sisters name!! CRAZY!!!

Day One - Reception and Orientation

2011-06-11T07:04:00.005-05:00

Well, day one is already in the books. We had a great dinner with our families at the Truman Hotel. Once our parents left and relinquished us to the caring hands of the wonderful chaperones, we learned from Mike about what all we were going to do this week. Sounds like a blast! We then had a few ice breaker activities to learn more about each other. Our other task at hand was to prepare a presentation with only a few random items that we would give to kindergarteners describing what cooperatives do.

Dinner at the Truman Hotel.

Icebreaker activity to learn more about each other. Mr. Lutz was the first one to finish and the winner of a candy bar.

Our makeshift power plant demonstrating what cooperatives do.
Describing what cooperatives do.

Don't touch downed power lines! You will turn to playdo.

Opening Night Dinner Reception

2011-06-10T18:59:00.001-05:00

Packed house for the opening night dinner at Truman Hotel.

Location:Southridge Dr,Jefferson City,United States

Anxious:)

2011-06-10T14:17:00.000-05:00

I can't believe the trip starts today!

Trying out the Blog!!!

2011-06-09T13:53:00.002-05:00

Hello Everyone! Im so excited that the Washington trip is just hours away! Its hard to believe that its came up so fast, but its so exciting! I cant wait to meet everyone and make new friends! The nevers are there a little bit but im sure they will go away after I meet everyone!

2011 Youth Tour

2011-06-08T17:08:00.002-05:00

OMG! I can't wait to go to Washington DC and meet so many new people! Its going to be soooooooo much fun! I've heard a lot of great things about this trip and about DC. This is going to be my first time there, so I'm like really really excited!

blogging

2011-06-07T11:46:00.002-05:00

Getting excited about the trip and packing. Making sure I know how to work the blog. Looking foward to meeting everyone. I am one of the representatives from Cuivre River Electric.

2011 Youth Tour

2011-06-03T14:48:00.001-05:00

Hey guys welcome to the Youth Tour 2011 blog. Now that we are only a week out we hope everyone one has received all the info about what is going to happen out in D.C. Please let your families know about the blog, so they can get on here and check out what is going on. They can set up their own acount and respond to all of your posts. All of us chaperones are very ready for the trip and are excited to meet you guys. I am the one who has received all of the student sheets and pictures you have sent in, so I am especially ready to meet all of you and get to know all of your different personalities. As a reminder, be sure to check out the dress code and itinerary sheets we have sent you to make sure you have packed the appropriate clothes and show up on time. If you need anything before we head out, put a post on here or email me at cmassman@amec.org. Well guys have a great week and get ready for an awesome trip! We will see you on Friday June 10th at the banquet here in Jefferson City. Later guys!

Chris Massman – Association of MO Electric Co-op

Changing of the Guard Video

2010-07-08T16:01:00.002-05:00

Changing of the guard - Arlington National Cemetery from Kyle Spradley on Vimeo.

Missouri Electric Youth Tour 2010. Visit to Arlington National Cemetary. Changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The Sorry Note

2010-06-19T12:42:00.003-05:00

I'm truly sorry for not blogging on the trip. The time was very limited and I decided to write it all down on paper. I should have all of the days listed by Monday, but until then please enjoy my short memories from the trip.

These are life lessons I will never forget:

1. Molly is afraid of squirrels

2. Don't let Kate go shopping alone(lol) I won't tell Kate's Secret...

3. John is bald, but it is his choice to be that way. jk

4. Don't let Joe near people with cameras. Photo Bombs will happen

5. Love your roommates as much as you love yourself!

6. REMEMBER YOUR NUMBER!

7. Do Not follow random men into electronic stores. They will want you to buy headphones!

8. Don't let teenagers sing...ever!

9. Bring your poncho everywhere.

10. Make sure you can hear the man with the silly hat! (HEY MIKE!)

11. To spend wisely is always a good choice!

12. Time on the bus = MAFIA!

I'll clarify these lessons later. Who knows, I could be missing some, but so far thats what I have.

-Natalie

p.s. It was so much harder to say goodbye than I expected!

Thank you!!!!

2010-06-19T10:35:00.002-05:00

This was truly the trip of a life time. I enjoyed every moment. I made so many wonderful friends. I loved the history and touring, and meeting our leaders. To the chaperones, thank you so very much for helping make this trip possible. I loved meeting each of you. To the AMEC and Intercounty Electric, thank you. I appreciate this opprotunity, and I hope that we can all stay in touch. You are all wonderful.

The Trip of a Lifetime!

2010-06-18T12:56:00.002-05:00

Oh my gosh, I don't even know where to begin. It is absolutely amazing to me that a trip like this is even offered to people my age. Our co-op are pretty flippin' awesome I must say. Thank you Mike Marsch for being a wonderful fearless leader and teaching me that the pentagon ALWAYS has five sides and is ALWAYS on the left :) Thanks to all of the chaperones and co-ops and everyone else who made this trip possible. This was my first trip to D.C. and I assure you it will not be the last. It was everything that I expected and more. This was probably the best trip I have ever been on. It was the full package: awesome chaperones, new friends, FREE....did I mention it was free? But I am so thankful that I was able to be a part of this wonderful experience and I can't wait to share my memories with my school!

Richelle Pettit

Our last day :(

2010-06-18T10:02:00.003-05:00

Trying to beat out the rain we took group photos on Capitol Hill. We then split up into groups and met with our state representatives. This was an amazing experience! Really exciting to be able to ask questions and find out who is representing us in D.C.

Some of the groups then toured the Capitol building, Supreme Court or Library of Congress. Had lunch at Union Station before getting back on the bus to head back to our hotel.

After a quick change, it was time for the All-States Dance where we spent the evening dancing and having fun with all the 1,500+ other delegates from across the country. Before off to bed, our chaperons treated us with a pizza party.

Back home

2010-06-17T15:03:00.001-05:00

Hey everybody! We just left the St.Louis airport for home. I had tons of fun. I'm ready to get home. I'm going to miss everybody and the view in DC. Thanks to our cooperatives, chaperones, and bus drivers on the way for everything.
Hannah Tuttle

-Posted from the field for Missouri Youth Tour 2010!

Location:Rider Trail S,Northwest,United States

2010-06-17T09:29:00.001-05:00

I can only hope that I can stay in touch with my new eternial friend Kyle Spradley. He has been a great mentor but even a better friend. Jimmy Craighead.

-Posted from the field for Missouri Youth Tour 2010!

Location:Tasker Falls,Elkridge,United States

2010-06-17T09:24:00.001-05:00

So I haVe to say this is a trip of a life time. Thanks to everyone that made this happen. This is an experience that I have to say I will never forget. I met so many new people that I hope to stay in contact with forever. Thanks again to everyone that made this trip possible and amazing. I have to say i love Samantha and alex and they are both amazin .... Love yal lexus holohan

-Posted from the field for Missouri Youth Tour 2010!

Location:Columbia,United States

2010-06-17T09:15:00.001-05:00

Best trip ever! I am so greatful for our cooperatives allowing us to come on this trip. We all had an amazing time even though we were exhausted and our feet hurt. Each day was packed full of activities and great things to see but it was all worth it. Lexus you're awesome and I will miss you all! Alex Johnson

-Posted from the field for Missouri Youth Tour 2010!

Location:Maryland 501,17, Chillum,United States

2010-06-17T09:06:00.001-05:00

Coming from the minds of Kate menke and Alex snyder---

Yesterday was epic. Actually, I lied; the whole trip was epic. From my first plane ride to the day on capitol hill I experiences a lit of new things and made a ton of new friends. Yesterday I met with representative Sam Graves And had an awesome time as he answered all of our questions. After there, we left for the dance and Kate and I learned how to swing dance with someone from Minnesota and 2 step with kids from Texas. It was really hard to say our goodbyes but we have plans to roadtrip to see everyone!

Well I would like to tell a story. Natalie and I were in victorias secret.... We were showing eachother things we liked and when she got a little further away where I could not just hold it up and show her I would carry it around with me. After we were finished we headed upstairs with a few other girls. Around five mintues later I looked down at my wrist and realized there was a bra hooked around my wrist!!! I freaked out and started yelling " What so I do! ." I quickly ran down stairs. Taking only one step in the door I chucked the bra in the store. I can't even tell you how many wierd looks I got.
Anyway, this trip has been great! I think there were a few moments we all THOUGHT we wanted to go home, but after the expirences we have shared together we all wish we never had to go home. I loved getting to know so many people not only from missouri but from around the nation. I know we will keep on touch and maybe see them again some day.

-Posted from the field for Missouri Youth Tour 2010!

Bus ride

2010-06-17T08:50:00.001-05:00

We had a great time, but man we are beat!!!

-Posted from the field for Missouri Youth Tour 2010!

Location:Virginia 123,McLean,United States

Last day :(

2010-06-17T08:46:00.001-05:00

Bus ride to airport

-Posted from the field for Missouri Youth Tour 2010!

Location:N Moore St,Arlington,United States

Looking back

2010-06-16T23:41:00.002-05:00

Well, it is almost midnight and the 2010 Missouri Youth Tour is drawing to an end. A process that started months ago, with electric cooperatives visiting schools, then students writing essays, then the winners were picked, then all the mailings, then the banquet, then the trip...and now we had home tomorrow. This was one of the best groups we have ever had! So on this post, I have to thank so many people. Thank you to the co-ops for sponsoring this trip; thank you to the parents and teachers that encouraged their kids; thank you to the co-op employees that go to the school and promote YT; thanks to my chaperones for taking time away from home and family; thanks to my family for putting up with me during this time; thanks to the delegates - you all made this trip so awesome! I will have so many great memories from the 2010 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour.

Mike Marsch

Capitol hill day

2010-06-16T14:59:00.001-05:00

-Posted from the field for Missouri Youth Tour 2010!

Location:1st St NW,Washington,United States

Capitol Hill

2010-06-16T11:57:00.001-05:00

Meeting with Blaine Luetkemeyer

-Posted from the field for Missouri Youth Tour 2010!

Location:S Capitol St SW,Washington,United States

June 15 Photos

2010-06-15T22:50:00.002-05:00

Another great day of museums and sites! First off, the Newseum. One word: AMAZING!!!! Really cool to see all the historic newspapers and news broadcasts over the years from historic events and people. So much stuff to see and interact with. Some of us even made our own TV news broadcast. Wish we had more than two hours to spend there!

From there we headed to the ESPN Zone for a great lunch buffet. Luckily we got a steal on souvenirs as we found out the ESPN Zone franchise is closing down, so everything was 70% off. Woohoo, bargains! We had time to play a few games, shop and a quick jaunt to Starbucks...YUM!

Avoiding a light sprinkle, we walked over to the famous Ford's Theater, the site where Abe Lincoln was assassinated. We then road over to the Museum of American Art. It was great to see so many different pieces of artwork and had fun completing a scavenger hunt. Before heading back to the hotel for an evening clothing change, we stopped for a few at the Washington Monument and World War II Memorial.

After dinner, we saw "Thurgood", a one-man play starring Laurence Fishbourne, at the Kennedy Center. It was very interesting, intriguing and funny. Great job Morpheus!

Tomorrow is Capitol Hill day where we get all fancy dressed up and meet our state's politicians!

Thurgood

2010-06-15T20:18:00.002-05:00

Waiting for to see the Laurence Fishburne in Thurgood.

-Posted from the field for Missouri Youth Tour 2010!

Touring

2010-06-15T15:41:00.001-05:00

Washington Monument

-Posted from the field for Missouri Youth Tour 2010!

June 14 Pictures

2010-06-15T06:54:00.003-05:00

Our fearless leader, Mike. AMERICA!

The Day started off with Youth Day in which we learned about electric co-ops and listened to some awesome motivational speakers amongst over 1,500 other high schoolers from across the country.

After that, it was on to the White House for a group photo.

We stopped for lunch at the Reagan Center then headed out for Mount Vernon, with scenci views of the Potomac River almost the whole way. While visiting George Washington's estate we toured his famous mansion, learned about the history of the grounds, walked through his English-style gardens and checked out his stables and servers quarters. We also got to view the tomb where George and several of his close family members are buried. After that it was on to the D.C. Mall. Our chaperons were nice enough to give us a couple of hours to eat, shop and get some souvenirs for our friends and family back home. Around sunset we went back to the capitol mall and toured the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam, Korean and WWII Memorials. It rained on us for a few and some of us got a little wet, but if it wasn't for those Electric Co-op ponchos it would have been a lot worse! When we got back to the hotel, we had a little bit of free time to play some spoons, order some pizza and dry off amongst our new-found friends.

GREEN ONE!

2010-06-14T17:24:00.002-05:00

Anyone who sits next to me on the bus quickly realizes just how vicious I can be! There are so many Volkswagens in DC, which is awesome for devoted players of the VW Game like me. Every sighting of one is followed by an exclamation of "(color) one!" and a swift punch in the arm. I am proud to say that as of yet, I have not been defeated.

By the way, I'm typing this on the iPads in the Apple store. Very cool.

More memorials

2010-06-14T12:57:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone. Today has been pretty good. Not nearly as hot as yesterday. We started our day out with some okay breakfast at the hotel then headed over to the hyat motel for a youth day conference with over 1,500 kids! It's was amazing. We had two speakers and I found it hard to stay awake. I may have even dosed off a couple of times =/ it was really early tho. After the conference we headed out for some lunch then off for some more amazing monuments. We experienced the white house and iwo jima. All in all this trip is a trip of a lifetime and I still can't believe I am here. We have so much more to see and it's only Monday. I'm going to have to get some red bulls or something. I miss u guys back home but i have made some pretty amazing friends here. Can't wait to sleep in my own bed.

Chelsea Smith

-Posted from the field for Missouri Youth Tour 2010!

2010-06-14T12:44:00.001-05:00

Iwo Jima

-Posted from the field for Missouri Youth Tour 2010!

Location:US Marine Memorial Cir,Arlington,United States

White House

2010-06-14T12:29:00.001-05:00

Just took a group photo in front of the white house.

-Posted from the field for Missouri Youth Tour 2010!

Youth Day!

2010-06-14T08:38:00.007-05:00

We are proud to announce Trina Stumpe, from Leslie, of Crawford Electric is Missouri's YLC Delegate!!!

Join us congratulating her!!!

Now for the next hour and a half we will be in the conference room of the Hyatt with 1,500+ other kids from across the country listening to some amazing motivational speakers.

Gotta trade them pins!

Day 3

2010-06-14T08:33:00.003-05:00

-Trip to Arlington
-Tour of Museums around Capitol Mall
-Boat Cruise on the Potomac!

More Touring!

2010-06-13T21:46:00.003-05:00

Today we started out by going to the Arlington Cemetery, and saw tombstone after tombstone. It has been the most touching part of the trip yet. After that, we spent the entire afternoon at the Smithsonian Museums. We got to visit exhibit after exhibit, and saw some pretty amazing things! And after all of this we went on a cruise on the Potomac River, which was great! This trip really is turning out to be the trip of a lifetime!!!

-Ashley Applegate

Bus Ride Back from Boat Ride

2010-06-13T21:44:00.001-05:00

i just got done singing "Amazing Grace" on the way to the hotel from the river. every one loved my solo.

-Jimmy Craighead

2010-06-13T19:02:00.001-05:00

Hi people! It was a great day today. This morning we started with Arlington National Cemetery-it was very sombering. I found it hard to fathom the number of graves, and it changes the meaning of the word sacrifice in my mind. Then, this afternoon, we went to the Smithsonian-it was amazing!! The museums were absolutely huge! My (new) friends and I were only able to hit a couple of them, but what we saw was amazing. On the way back to the bus it startedto pour rain on us (very typical weather in D.C., I've heard), so we caught a ride on he Natianal Mall carousel, which was sweet! I hadn't been on one on years! Anyway we are enjoying a beautiful cruise on the Potomac River now, so I want to enjoy it; TTYL, friends! ~Abigail Majerus

-Posted from the field for Missouri Youth Tour 2010!

Arlington

2010-06-13T10:37:00.001-05:00

Arlington National Cemetary

-Posted from the field for Missouri Youth Tour 2010!

Location:Leahy Dr,Arlington,United States

bus buddies!

2010-06-13T10:21:00.003-05:00

2010-06-13T10:15:00.002-05:00

Hello to all back home in Missouri. Mike here - just wanted to let everyone know what a great group of youth we have! They were the best yesterday, traveling through airports and on buses! Today we are at Arlington, and then headed to the Smithsonian's. It is 94 right now at 11:15 am. We are pushing lots of water on them. Boat cruise tonight!

First day!!

2010-06-13T08:23:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone!
Yesterday was full of firsts for me - first day of the DC trip, first time flying, first time on the Eastern seaboard. As nervous as I was getting about the flying, my new friends helped me survive. Meeting everyone on the bus (by the way, the even bus is THE party bus) was a blast and made the new situation I was put in a bit more familiar and more comfortable. After arrival, we were thrown into touring monuments dedicated to those who shaped this country: Thomas Jefferson an FDR. Both were amazing, but my favorite was the FDR Memorial. The memorial progressed through the years that FDR lead our country with quotes etched in the walls of the memorial corresponding to the timeline of his presidential terms. As my friends and I progressed through the memorial, we encountered the statue of Eleanor Roosevelt. One of the most influential first ladies this country has ever had, Mrs. Roosevelt was definately 50% of one of the most epic power couples Americans have ever looked up to.
Moving on, I was definately ready to motor on to hotel and rest in the air conditioning. (rest, who was I kidding?) my new friend Chelsea, from Licking, and I decided to increase our number of state pins. After riding the elevators for 45 minutes, we discovered that Kentucky was on floor 2 and there is only one incognito Alaskan. Basically, his trip was and still is rocking!

-Hanan Southard, St. James

P.S. Thank you Kyle (one of the chaperones), for letting me use your AMAZING camera yesterday! :]

-Posted from the field for Missouri Youth Tour 2010!

Traveling and Arriving in D.C.!

2010-06-13T07:19:00.003-05:00

After a drive to St. Louis from Jefferson City, we unloaded thousands of pounds of luggage to board the plane - bound for D.C.

When we landed we were quickly greeted by our two amazing bus drivers, Mr. Smitty and Mr. D. From out the bus window we saw several sights along the way, including the Washington Monument, White House and Jefferson Memorial.

We stopped at the Old Post Office for some dinner. We also took an elevator up to a observation tower in which we could see all of D.C. and then some.

After our tasty meal, we stopped at the Jefferson Memorial. Took some photos, traded some pins and even saw a guy propose to a gal. WOW!

As the sun set, we walked around the FDR Memorial, which included several waterfalls and amazing pieces of art carved into bronze and granite.

We then arrived at the Hilton, our home for the next few days.

Shortly after we all quickly fell asleep.

2010-06-12T12:09:00.000-05:00

Excited, nervous, scared all these emotions running through my mind on my first boarding call ever! I'm ready to fly :)
Jeana Bane

-Posted from the field for Missouri Youth Tour 2010!

2010-06-12T12:04:00.000-05:00

"My name is Kyle Spradley and I spill red delicious Gatorade on innocent people like....Meredith cleveland!"

2010-06-12T11:32:00.001-05:00

Never flown before wow what a rush such a mixture of emotions!
McKaylea

-Posted from the field for Missouri Youth Tour 2010!

First Night

2010-06-12T09:48:00.002-05:00

Ready to go!

2010-06-11T10:11:00.003-05:00

Hey guys =) Im sitting here this morning thinking about how I should finish packing because the 2:30 ride out of here isnt far away. But first I believe I will start my morning off with some of my moms pancakes. I cant wait to meet everybody this evening and kick this trip off. Ill see you guys in Jeff City!

Ready, Set, Go to DC

2010-06-11T08:27:00.002-05:00

I am setting here this morning preparing to leave for Washington. I am really excited about everything that we get to see. I am ready to make new friends, ride on a air plane for the first time, tour, and learn more about electric cooperatives and the decisions that are being made impacting them. I really hope that we can make a positive difference in the decisions that are being made by our political leaders. To candy-coat the whole experience we get to see possibly the most historic place in the United States. I am really looking forward to meeting everyone. I'll see you all this evening in Jefferson City!!!

CHECKING OUT THE BLOG

2010-06-10T23:47:00.000-05:00

just playing around im soo excited!!! im done packing I hope! I gots my bible and my books and the lord with me. bring it DC Hit us with ur best shot! can't wait to see you. it feels like a dream to get to see my nations capital! I love provin people wrong about small towns! we can get out. we aren't loser. This small town Niangie won't be tied down!

Hi! Just playing with the blog...

2010-06-10T20:20:00.001-05:00

Hi everybody! I was just on here playing with the blog. Excited about tomorrow!

One Day to Go!!

2010-06-10T16:17:00.003-05:00

Right about now, I can't even sit on my bed because it is COVERED with clothes and ziplock bags full of toothpaste and shampoo. The Youth Tour Banquet is tomorrow in Jefferson City, and I absolutely can't wait. I mean, have you SEEN the itinerary?! It's amazing! I've been visiting some of the websites for some of the destinations, and Mount Vernon sounds like it's going to be awesome! But you can't believe how sad I was when I found out we weren't going to a major league baseball game... but hey, I'm an open-minded person. The play we're going to see should be great.

So, to all of the other Missouri Youth Tour delegates - can't wait to meet y'all tomorrow night!

Jessica Covert

Become a fan of Rural Missouri!

2010-06-09T22:13:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to all this year's Missouri Youth Tour delegates! You'll soon be enjoying our nation's capital and learning more about rural electric cooperatives. But before you leave the Show-Me State, be sure to become a fan of Rural Missouri, the official publication of the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, on Facebook! Check it out at www.facebook.com/RuralMissouri

2010-06-04T15:37:00.002-05:00

Hey guys welcome to the Youth Tour 2010 blog. Now that we are only a week out we hope everyone one has received all the info about what is going to happen out in D.C. Please let your families know about the blog, so they can get on here and check out what is going on. They can set up their own acount and respond to all of your posts. All of us chaperones are very ready for the trip and are excited to meet you guys. I am the one who has received all of the student sheets and pictures you have sent in, so I am especially ready to meet all of you and get to known all of your different personalities. As a reminder, be sure to check out the dress code and itinerary sheets we have sent you to make sure you have packed the appropriate clothes and show up on time. If you need anything before we head out, put a post on here or email me at cmassman@amec.org. Well guys have a great week and get ready for an awesome trip! We will see you on Friday June 11th at the banquet here in jefferson city. Later guys!

Chris Massman

THANKS!

2009-06-17T22:55:00.002-05:00

As I sit here in my room at midnight on the last night of the trip, one word comes to mind - thanks! Thanks to the Missouri Electric Cooperatives that make this trip happen. Thanks to 9 GREAT chaperones that made this trip not only safe, but lots of fun. And thanks to 85 of the most amazing kids I have ever met. In one week, I have seen them laugh, cry, sing, and make new friends. I have learned about their families, their future goals, and their love for this country. I have watched them grow, and I am blessed to be a part of that. So again, THANKS for letting me share in this awesome week!
Mike Marsch

Final Day :(

2009-06-17T22:17:00.002-05:00

I'm sitting in the hotel room look back and all I can say is that this entire trip has been fantastic! I've seen all kinds of monuments (I'm a total history nerd), laughed till two in the morning every night with my roommates (Couldn't have picked better ones myself), and made a ton of friends that I'm definately going to keep in touch with. Even my first plane ride wasn't that bad. But I think that I had the best time at the dances and surprizingly the baseball game last night. So though it's hard to narrow it down, awesome is the only word that could possibly sum up this trip.

Capitol Hill

2009-06-17T16:56:00.003-05:00

We went to Capitol Hill today and broke up into groups by our representatives. Our group, Ike Skelton's, went to the Supreme Court. We listened to an aid and learned about the history of he building and the process of the Supreme Court. During the speech we were able to enjoy the architecture of the court. It also rained, A LOT! But don't worry, we got really soaked while frolicking about the city. While waiting in line I met a soldier who was getting ready to go to his third tour in Iraq. He had so many stories. Our last day in DC was busy and filled with random encounters with citizens ready to share their story.

Shelby Jasper

2009-06-17T16:47:00.002-05:00

Today was Capitol Hill Day. We went and took a tour of the Capitol and then we got to meet our representatives. We got to ask Senator Mccaskill questions. Then the group from district six which included me got to go meet Congressman Graves. We also got
to takes pictures with him and ask him a few questions. Tonight is our final night on the youth tour and we are going to have a big dance with all the states.

Marc Griffith

NO Prizes!

2009-06-16T16:48:00.002-05:00

Hey Missouri!!!!!! Today we saw the coolest museum ever! We all thought the "Newseum" (National Museum of Journalism) would be lame, but it was awesome! (In fact it even made me consider going into journalism!! -Hillary) We watched a 4-D movie and it scared the crap out of Hillary at times. We even did our own little broadcast. Today we also saw the WWII museum, and the White House which were both packed with people. Oh, and some important looking limousines passed by the white house. Our trading pins are continuing to drive everyone crazy. Hillary's ribbon is FULL, sadly mine is not :( I've taken roughly 600 pictures Hillary's not even close with 191. Obviously everything is a competition for us, like the scavenger hunt at the art museum which we later found out it was just to move us about the museum (NO Prizes!)
Our favorite parts of the entire trip so far were the Newseum, the National Air & Space Museum, and of course meeting EVERYONE! (Personally I'm loving ALL the accents!!! Especially those southern states! "So where y'all from?" :D -Hillary) We're on our way to the Orioles game now. We'll be home soon!

Love,
Nicole Dilg #19 and Hillary Temple #21

Wow, what a day at Washington D.C.

2009-06-15T21:51:00.003-05:00

Wow...Thats all I can say after a day like today. I never expected so much inspiration off of a simple trip to Washington D.C. I believe I speak on the behalf of everybody on the Youth Tour when I say the motivational speaker Mike Scheippi was an inspiration to us all. He spoke words that I will keep with me the rest of my life. The Memorials that I have seen today are larger than life. You just cant quite grasp the centimental value of the memorials on the television. You just have to be there to see them. After years of hearing my family talk about my grandfather Bill Wayne Grant who died in Vietnam, I finally got to see his name on the Wall and I nearly broke down. I was just so proud. Not just of my grandfather, but of all the people who fought and died for our great nation we call the United States. This is definatly a day I will never forget, and maybe one day I will have the privilage of coming back here to Washington, and maybe next time I will be able to bring the rest of my family so they can share in the wonderful experiences.

Trevor Ball

Washington Monument

2009-06-15T12:44:00.002-05:00

We just finished our tour of the Washington Monument. After going through the security check we were taken up 500 ft to the top!!! The view from every side was breath taking. There is so much to see and you don't want to miss anything. For me, such a monument symbolizes the endurance of our country and founding fathers. It also symbolizes that through every past crisis, financial struggle, and the unified times we kept striving towards the top. The Washington Monument is a gift and reminder to us today, as itself exemplifies, at all times as citizens of this great Nation we should stand strong, unmovable, and firm on solid ground.
Now we are on our way to Mount Vernon and another adventure for today!!! ... God Bless!

Ceci Thornton

2009-06-15T12:37:00.003-05:00

We just went to the very top of the Washington Monument. It was awesome!! We were so high up and we could see everything! There was a great view of the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, and the Capitol. After we came back down from the Monument, a bunch of us hung out on the grassy area. We had a lot of fun! This trip has been amazing and its only the third day! I have met some really cool people from Missouri and from other states! I am so glad that I am able to be here and make so many new friends!
-Tori Niemann

What's up today

2009-06-15T12:31:00.004-05:00

We just left the Washington Monument and that was AMAZING!!!! We got to go up into the top and see like everything. It was really cool. My favorite thing so far was probably the cruise last night. It was so pretty. At night, the whole city was lit up and the weather was really nice. We're on the bus right now with our awsome bus driver Mr. D and we're on our way to Mount Vernon. So that's everything for now!! Peace out!
XOXO Mariah Hassert

2009-06-15T12:15:00.002-05:00

Washington D.C....I never thought in my wildest dreams i would actually have chance to see such an amazing place. The trip has so many unexpected and amazing sites. After sitting in history class every year and having our teacher tell us turn to page whatever and trying to learn is sooooo...much different compared to actually get to go to the history and see the sites and get to (in a way) relive peoples accomplished and amazing dreams. D.C. is simply amazing and I will defiantly come back again!

Jenna Snodgrass

Washington Monument

2009-06-15T12:08:00.004-05:00

We just went up the Washington Monument. The guy who lined us all up was a bit strange. I couldn't really tell if he was trying to be funny or not. Groups of a little over 10 squished into an elevator and we got up to the top really fast. The guard in the elevator was trying to be funny by incorporating electricity into the little tour on the way up. I took tons of pictures at the top. There are two windows on each side of the monument. It was really awesome. You can see the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Capitol and the Smithsonian up there...along with the whole city! There were windows on the elevator so we could see stones on the inside of the monument as we went down.

Yesterday was the Smithsonian- my favorite so far. I loved it!! I stopped only once--to eat. Loved all the Abraham Lincoln stuff and the Hope Diamond. It actually wasn't as big as I expected, but still really beautiful. Surprisingly, everyone at the museum was really patient and let everyone get good chances to take pictures. I also got to take pictures of Lincoln's top hat and Dorothy's Red Slippers.

The Arlington National Cemetery was beautiful and inspiring. The weather has been perfect so far. But it'll probably rain...

Thanks Co-Mo Electric!
Alyssa Nelson

Youth Day!!

2009-06-15T09:48:00.002-05:00

Hey! It's Savannah Haden (Russellville)Last night was the Potomac Cruise, which was incredible. It had dance floors, and open areas where we could all meet new people. This morning we had one of the best motivational speakers I have ever heard, Mike Schlappi. His quote was "If you can't stand up, stand out." He was amazzzzinnnnnggg! Right now, we are all off to lunch, then to tour a few monuments!! Tonight = Shopping at Pentagon Mall! Sounds fun to me! Hope you all are enjoying this blog as much as we are alllll enjoying this trip. Thanks to everyone who has supported us!!

Savannah Haden!♥

2009-06-15T09:23:00.003-05:00

Hey everybody! well here i am reporting from the hyatt hotel on the 12th floor! i cant believe today is only really day two in DC. yesterday was amazing the touring of the smithsonian museums was really fun. its hard to believe that the history of this country is in those museums! the cruise was also a lot of fun. it was a great time to talk to different people and to see a beautiful sunset on the potomac river...How many people can really say that? today we had a ytm conference with lots of kids from all over the country and had an amazing guest speaker! for the rest of the day....i'm not sure what is planned but im sure it will be GREAT!!!! ok ttyl!

1st post

2009-06-14T23:24:00.002-05:00

Wow, today was amazing. After seeing Arlington for the second time, I now realize it's importance. The changing of the guards was also another thing I liked. Seeing the National Archives was also something I liked doing today, and the nice day ended with a "cruise." I met many new people from different states and hope to remain friends with them. That's it for now! Ryan Moses

Great day!

2009-06-14T22:43:00.003-05:00

From 2009 MO Youth Tour

We had a full day of lots of cool things. Arlington National Cemetery was sobering but so beautiful. The Old Guard and the changing of the guard were awesome. The Smithsonian Institution was great. We broke up in groups and went to see the museums that interested us. It was fun hearing all the different things people saw. Tonight we cruised the Potomac River on a triple-level boat. Some delegates watched the sun set, while others danced or played cards. Just a great, great day!

Hey Mom and Dad. Make sure you refresh your browser so you see the latest photos added to the slideshow in the upper right of this page. Haven't had much opportunity for delegates to blog. Everybody is too busy doing and seeing stuff!

Today in D.C.

2009-06-14T16:29:00.001-05:00

Today was awesome! We saw a lot of amazing art and got a lot of exercising at the Smithsonian. This trip is a great experience!

Katie Ausmus