CULTURALLY CONNECTED

These adventures and activities are meant to support our educational classes and cultural orientations as part of our ESL/Cultural Exploration programming. Students may be expected to participate in these excursions -- these are planned separately from the options found on the Extra-curriculars list.

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center - "Located in Cincinnati, this is the nation's newest monument to freedom.  It brings to life the importance of struggles around the world and throughout history, including today.  Three buildings symbolize the cornerstones of freedom: courage, cooperation, and perseverance.  Cincinnati served as a major hub of activity on the Underground Railroad in the 1800s.  It offered refuge to thousands seeking hope and a new way of life."  Students will learn about historical leaders of abolition, take a symbolic walk through a simulated escape forest, and enter a slave pen.  They will be inspired to recognize their own power to make a difference!

Wright Patterson Air Force Museum & IMAX - The museum is rich in aviation history with many actual aircrafts to view and physically board.  Several sensory-rich exhibits place aircraft in proper historical context and bring greater reality to their stories - mannequins, special lighting and sound effects are used.  The museums main focus is capturing human themes of duty, sacrafice, and honor demonstrated by Air Force men and women over time.  Seventeen acres of exhibits include an outdoor Air Park, World War II Nissen Hut and Control Tower.  At the IMAX, students will view breathtaking images 10 times the size of conventional 35mm.  This is a powerful experience that leaves viewers feeling that they are really part of the film!  Example film titles are "The Magic of Flight," and "Straight Up - Helicopters in Action."  IMAX films seen there previously include the special documentary production about the International Space Station narrated by Tom Cruise.

Baseball Game - "Baseball is as American as Apple Pie and Cheverolet," - a famous cultural phrase.  Baseball is considered by many as America's favorite pastime!  So why not experience it?  The Cincinnati Reds professional team is nearby, as well as the Dayton Dragons (a feeder team).  We'll choose a game that best fits our calendar and the students can enjoy watching and learning the game.  It's not a true experience without soda pop and hot dogs!  Baseball caps, pennants, and other souvenirs will be available  for purchase.  Sunscreen, cameras, and jackets are recommended.

Theater Exploration - A friend has come up with a very special opportunity!  They are a set designer at a well-known theater in the area, and have made it possible for us to take a backstage tour, participate in a workshop, and enjoy a production performance.  Title of show still to be announced.

County Fair - The Clinton County Fair is scheduled during the same time as our summer camp.  This means that students will have the opportunity to observe and participate in something that is a big part of our local and national culture during the summer months.  During the year, area youth will be working on various projects that will be judged on the fairgrounds.  There are also special events such as demolition derby, tractor pulls, and celebrity entertainers that bring large crowds.  And also foods and games to enjoy!

The Beach Water Park: Teen Dance Night - The water park is a popular area attraction right across from King's Island Amusement Park.  Both draw huge summer crowds.  The Beach sponsors Teen Dance Nights for older teenagers right on their grounds at the Emeral Bay station.  Students will enjoy a fun time with their friends listening to popular American music dancing the night away!

DHL Operations Tour - DHL's United States operations are headquartered Wilmington.  A lot of the action happens in the middle of the night when workers are loading planes with their shipments, and then the planes take off.  A set programmed tour of the operations includes an interesting computer screen view of ALL planes in the air at a given moment, actually stepping onto a plane and watching the take-offs.   It is amazing what happens in our small, midwestern town!