What You Do Matters: The 7th Grade Annual Trip to DC

7th grade students on their annual trip to DC

At B’nai Shalom, students have incredible opportunities for learning and growth, and the annual seventh grade trip to DC is just one example of how they experience the world outside of the classroom. This trip is part of the Alliance Program where students from small Jewish Day Schools from across the country join in shared learning.

As part of the Alliance Program, students meet virtually each week with other Jewish students nationwide. Students explore topics related to Jewish values which then culminates into a unique, in-person bonding experience though a year-end trip. In addition to the students expanding their Jewish network, they delve into significant and sometimes difficult parts of history in this shared learning environment.

This year, students took a train ride from Greensboro to Union Station in DC, then after a quick bus ride, the students’ first stop was the US Holocaust Memorial Museum. There, students confronted the somber history of anti-Semitism with an emphasis on the theme “What you do matters.” Through a self-guided tour, the group discussed the role of bystanders that witnessed genocide during the Holocaust and reflected on their own civic responsibilities as young, Jewish individuals. This mature topic was handled with reverence as the seventh graders took pictures of plaques to revisit and offer further reflections at a later time.

Students had the unique opportunity to meet with North Carolina State Representative Kathy Manning

Following their reflective experience at the Holocaust Memorial Museum, students toured various historical sites including the WWII, Vietnam, Korean, and Lincoln memorials. With helpful teacher tidbits, they uncovered hidden messages and symbols within each monument. 

The next day began with tefillah and a visit to Arlington Cemetery where students were able to observe various military rituals including the changing of the guards. Students were witness to different cultures and people at this site, including multiple funeral processions and even a sighting of the Japanese Prime Minister. The concept of “what you do matters” reappeared as students explored the idea of military service and facing all obstacles to do your duty.

After wrapping up their tourist stops, students enjoyed a picnic on the Capitol Building lawn, then geared up for a visit to the office of North Carolina State Representative Kathy Manning. Each student presented Representative Manning with a minute-long elevator pitch on a social issue of their choice. Topics they chose included gender and LGBTQ+ rights, hunger, war violence, and the rise in antisemitism. Manning’s encouraging feedback and guidance on advocacy and activism reinforced the message of “what you do matters” and provided inspiration of how students can use their voices to fight injustice. 

The day ended with a visit to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History where students playfully uncovered fossils, an activity that aligned with their science curriculum from the school year. Students then had time to explore the museum on their own, unwind from the intensity of the last few days, and even snap a few selfies with the giant elephant centered in the grand hall.

The next morning started with an early prayer before heading to Mt. Vernon to explore George Washington’s historic home and property.  Students gained insight into the mansion’s glorious facade, revealing the harsh living conditions for the slaves that worked on the property. Afterwards, students enjoyed a picnic at the Jefferson Memorial, then paid a visit to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. 

As a final stop on their trip, students visited the African American History Museum, where they applied concepts and ideas from the trip and made parallels to their experience at Mt. Vernon earlier in the day. These truthful encounters with difficult chapters of history allowed B’nai Shalom students to connect with their peers and teachers through vulnerability and challenging conversations. To end their day, students had a light-hearted dinner and went bowling, providing a well-deserved break for these hard-working scholars. 

This annual trip serves as a testament to the critical thinking skills of B’nai Shalom students, supported by their dedicated chaperones. The curiosity and camaraderie is apparent within the shared experience among students from the Alliance Program. While absorbing America’s rich history, this memorable experience not only helps to form friendships, but grows the seventh-grade cohort socially and academically. This invaluable experience ultimately prepares students for their final year at B’nai Shalom, the Bar/Bat Mitzvah season, and a rewarding journey to Israel in the future.