Over April vacation, April 15-21, Camden Hills Regional High School was able to reboot the traditional trip to Washington, D.C.  The Bisbee Foundation, a longtime fund, has generously supported this trip for juniors for the past 35 years.  Unfortunately, we were unable to hold the trip over the last two years but were able to get last year’s juniors on the trip this April and will be holding a second trip for this year’s juniors this June.  We are thankful to the Bisbee Foundation for allowing two trips to go this year.

In April, this year’s seniors spent the first day and next morning in N.Y.C. 

Friday night, after a boat tour around the city, students enjoyed dessert and Broadway tunes at Ellen’s Stardust Diner. 

After a morning exploring the 9/11 memorial, Ellis Island and the Natural History Museum students departed for Philadelphia, Constitution Hall and a smorgasbord at the Reading Terminal Market.  

Sunday was a busy day beginning at the National Zoo in Washington, an Orioles game that afternoon and in the evening a dinner and a movie.  

Monday was spent at Busch Gardens and students found the positive side of a rainy day; no lines for most of the ride!   As trip leader Mark Wallace noted, he was able to ride more coasters on this day than he typically would over two visits.

Tuesday and Wednesday were spent exploring the Capitol and surrounding monuments and museums. 

Highlights included a tour of Arlington National Cemetery, a trolley tour of the city and a nighttime exploration of the Mall and Lincoln Memorial.  Although several of the Smithsonian museums were closed for maintenance, students explored the Museum of American History, Smithsonian Castle, and the Native American museum. 

Other students were treated to a tour of the Capitol with former student Devon Lammert as their host. 

The last night in D.C. culminated with the show Mean Girls at the Kennedy Center.  Students dressed formally and a great time was had by all.  As we approach the end of the year, this year’s juniors are looking forward to their opportunity at the end of June. 

Shawn Carlson is principal of Camden Hills Regional High School