News and Events
28 to go: Some more tips
May 17, 2012
First, if you missed a tip...just select the "more" under the news section to see the other tips and news items that have been posted. That takes care of a little house-keeping issue.
Second, this tip comes from another student from last year's trip - Natalie J. suggests: "
29 Days and Counting
May 16, 2012
Here comes another tip from someone who went last year:
Offered by Kaylee G. -
Thirty and Counting
May 15, 2012
Chaperone-Student Assignments
May 15, 2012
See it below.
Students, introduce yourself to your chaperone.
Thirty-one Counting
May 14, 2012
Day 36 - Yearbook
May 9, 2012
Sometime this weekend I hope to have the yearbook completed. If you want a pdf copy of it, you will need to send me an email request asking for it. AZYWT2012Yearbook goes in your subject line and your email address needs to match the one you submitted to me.
If you are one of the few students who failed to give me an email, then you need to plead your case by sending me sometype of information you put on the yearbook page.
Why all the hoops to get a copy? Simple, the yearbook has some personal information and I just don't plan to post it on this website for all to see.
Also, we are close to posting the student-chaperone assignments.
With a copy of the yearbook, you are going to be able look at the rooming lists and see exactly who your roommates are going to be.
The Facebook page has grown very much in terms of members, so if you haven't joined yet, consider it. It is place where you can meet and greet your roommates in advance of the trip.
Jim
Curl Up and Die: On our schedule
May 2, 2012
We're going to have to put our good clothes on Saturday night - we're going to a dinner theater.
Specifically, we will attend "Curl Up and Die", a murder mystery event at the Blair Mansion Restaurant. Read about it here - http://www.blairmansion.com/.
The play is billed as a hair-splitting murder mystery which comes about when a hairstyling competition turns deadly.
Hampton Inn Roommates
May 1, 2012
A couple items:
1) The rooming list for the Hampton Inn (where we stay the first and last nights of our trip) is attached.
2) If you miss one of these news items, you can hit the "more" and it will bring up the others. This will be especially important when I start posting the daily tips. So, do yourself a favor and bookmark this page.
3) If you haven't joined the Facebook page for this trip, consider doing so. We have 44 participants on the tour, but only 18-19 people on the page and some of them are parents. You can find it on Facebook by searching Arizona Washington Youth Tour 2012.
4) As you finish these last few weeks of school, study hard. We should be posting the itinerary in weeks, so don't forget how to study. Remember, those students who get the most out of the trip are those who have gone online to study about the places we will see on the trip.
WYT - 44 days away.
Hyatt Hotel Roommates
April 30, 2012
Want to know who you will be rooming with at the Hyatt?
Find it here:
Today is the day for the YLC apps
April 20, 2012
If you want to be considered....get your application turned in today. You can email it, but we want you to send in the hard copy too.
Two Items
April 16, 2012
Two Items:
Item One - First Arizona Youth Leadership Application has been submitted. Good for you, Dillon. There have been NO applications for the California YLC position. The deadline to submit the applications is April 20. The application can be found after selecting the "Documents" tab.
Item Two - Today, I emailed all of the tour participants with a short message about the new Facebook page. We have had a problem deciphering some of the handwriting on the forms where you listed your email address. So, if you have checked your in-box and you don't have a message from me, send me an email using the email address you wish me to use in the future. There were a couple of you indicating you didn't have an email address....if you get a free one, yahoo or hotmail, let me know. Finally, for the moms and dads, if you want to join the Facebook page, please do so. Likewise, I can add you to the email list. Typically, I try not to send too many email message so don't fret about a full in-box.
Jim
We Have a Facebook Page
April 9, 2012
We can all thank Jessica W., one of the students sponsored by Graham County Electric Cooperative, for setting up the "Arizona Washington Youth Tour 2012" page. You can find it here: https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/205860426194013/
Please remember there are mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, family, friends and others visiting the page, so please mind your P's and Q's.
Last Two Orientations Tuesday
April 9, 2012
The last two orientation sessions will be held Tuesday, April 10. I look forward to meeting the students and their families.
Jim
Three WYT Orientation Sessions Completed in Two Days
April 5, 2012
I want to thank the good cooperative folks at Graham County Electric Cooperative, Duncan Valley Electric Cooperative and Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative for their assistance in the tour orientation sessions held Tuesday and Wednesday.
I had the pleasure of meeting great students and their parents. Hopefully, these sessions answer many of the questions the students and their parents have about the trip.
Two orientation sessions remain - next Tuesday, April 10 for Tohono O'odham Utility Authority and Trico Electric Cooperative.
Quick reminder: if you plan to apply for the Youth Leadership Council, get the form and submit it by the deadline.
Jim Donahue - tour coordinator
Want to Learn More About YLC?
March 16, 2012
Kortlynn Herring is the 2011-2012 Arizona representative to the NRECA Youth Leadership Council.
On this short youtube video, she shares her thoughts about the program.
Again, find the YLC application on the forms tab and download it. Return it by April 20.
2011-12 YLC Representative Enjoys San Diego
March 5, 2012
Kortlynn Herring, the Arizona representative to the Youth Leadership Council, is enjoying the nice weather in San Diego. She arrived Saturday and returns home on Wednesday. The YLC members are assisting in the NRECA Annual Meeting and meeting co-op leaders from around the country.
The attached photo shows her being welcomed by Curtis Nolan, NRECA's vice president. He is a director from Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative of Benson, Arizona.
Orientation Sessions Begin
February 27, 2012
On February 24, I held my first WYT orientation session for Mariah of Plumas, California who is sponsored on the trip by Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative. This coming Friday, I will meet with the four students sponsored Anza Electric Cooperative, which is located in Anza. With this upcoming orientation session, I will have presented the orientation material to all of the students going on the trip from California.
In March, we have four more orientation sessions. On the 8th, I visit with the two students sponsored by Mohave Electric Cooperative which is headquartered in Bullhead City. On the 15th, the two students sponsored by Gila River Indian Community Utility Authority and I will meet in Chandler at the GRICUA office. The final student orientation for the month happened on the 24 in Lakeside-Pinetop when I meet the three students sponsored by Navopache Electric Cooperative. The chaperones are getting together at the GCSECA office on the 19th.
New Logo for 2012 Tour T-shirts
February 13, 2012
After many years of students expressing displeasure with the t-shirts of our group, there will be new shirts and designs.
The old design featured a saguaro cactus and rising sun printed on a desert tan shirt. I thought it was very representative of our state. My challenge to the past students was if it was "so awful" then please design something for next year's group. That challenge went unanswered by hundreds of tour particpants. I guess they felt if they wore the shirt, then others would have to do the same.
This year's group will include "all" of the California students with the Arizona students, thus it marked a reason to come up with a new shirt design. We're still deciding on what color of shirt and location for the design.
The shirt is required "wear" for the Youth Day event during the trip when all 1,500 students from around the state will be wearing their best t-shirts.
YLC Application Can Be Downloaded
February 13, 2012
If you are a student interested in applying to the YLC, download the application by selecting it from the Documents tab.
Welcome to the 2012 Tour
January 9, 2012
As tour coordinator, I want to welcome all of the students and chaperones to our tour group. Participant names, addresses and other contact information has been supplied to GCSECA by the local sponsoring electric utilities. In the next several months, we are going to mail you a variety of items by regular mail and email. I encourage you to bookmark this website and visit it frequently between now and the trip in June.
Jim Donahue, Tour Coordinator
Essay Winners Announced
July 22, 2011
The post trip student essay contest is concluded. The judges have judged. There were eleven entries from the 34 students.
First place, $100, goes to Michael Syson of McNeal, Arizona.
Second place, $50, goes to Anna Stockwell of Arivaca, Arizona.
Third place was $25. But it is being split among three students: Justine Bacchaus of Sahuarita, Arizona; Samantha Edmiston of McNeal, Arizona; and Samantha Everleth of Sierra Vista, Arizona.
Congratulations to all.
Student Essays and Post Trip Surveys Due July 15
July 11, 2011
It was one month ago that we were in D.C. having a wonderful time.
Now, it is time for all students and chaperones to return their post trip surveys. Of the 40 participants, 29 have completed the surveys and returned them. Thanks goes to them. To get your comments and responses counted, they need to be returned by July 15.
Likewise, the student essays need to be returned by July 15. Our current count is six, so with prize money going to the top three, the odds are still fairly good to end up in the money with your short essay.
Jim
Surveys Are In The Mail
June 20, 2011
Wow, did I do some napping this weekend!
Hope you are all adjusted back to Arizona/California time by now and moving on with your summer plans.
I want to let you know the post-trip surveys are being put in the mail today. There is an enclosed stamped envelope with the survey. So you don't have to spend money on a stamp to get it returned to my office. All it takes is a little of your time.
Is this the year that I hit 100 percent return? Make it happen. Put the participants for 2011 in a class by itself.
Also, there is another flyer about the essay included in the mailing.
Agian, thanks for making the trip a success.
Jim
Post Trip Report
June 17, 2011
Just finished posting the last photos - those of the students prior to their congressional office visits on Wednesday and then when we were waiting around for our flight home early Thursday morning.
Let me thank the students for conducting themselves with the grace and demeanor that brought honor to their utilities and families during the trip.
I believe most had an amazing time. I think most have many new friends. I know I do.
I am asked what makes a successful trip and I jokingly respond by saying, "When they all come home." We did that.
We only had one trip to the urgent care during the trip.
No broken bones. No major blood lettings.
No lost students.
Or chaperones.
Speaking of chaperones, thank you for making my life much easier. You are due my thanks and you all will join my "last minute" chaperone fill-in list should I ever need a chaperone at the last minute.
I hope the students learned some things during the trip -- about their country, our government, our history and about themselves. If they did, then the trip has met the goals set by the utilities that sponsored them.
This group of students have several more things to do before this trip is complete. First, they need to enter the option essay contest. Second, they need to respond to the written post-trip survey they will get next week in the mail.
Again, thanks for making my week easier.
Day Seven: One Congressman, Lots of Aides, Italian Dinner & a Short Night
June 15, 2011
Out of five congressional visits this morning, one one team actually met with their representative. All of the other groups reported good visits with the representatives' aides. All chaperones report the students asked intelligent questions.
We had a couple hours of final Mall time befor we borded the bus for Baltimore. Our final night on the East Coast will be a short one.
We have to meet in just a couple minutes for our Italian farewell dinner at the Olive Grove Restaurant, not to be confused with the Olive Garden Restaurant. Should be good.
When we return to the hotel, it will be time for our final tape on the doors. Hopefully, everyone will get to sleep since it will be a very early wakeup --- at least 3 a.m. Our early flight should get us to Phoenix around 9 a.m.
Our pictures may/may not be posted tonight with the early wakeup.
Day Six: Leg Game, Old P.O., More Museums and USMC Parade
June 14, 2011
Another busy and wonderful weather to do all of the things we did. Unfortunately, we started the day in the hotel with the "legislative game." Our five teams didn't get close to the average for freshman congressional representatives on their second elections. Normally, a third fail to win reelection. Of our five teams, only two were reelected.
We then headed of to the Einstein statue for a photo opportunity. That was followed by lunch at the Old Post Office. It has a clock tower and has a great view of the area. The students were released to visit the museums after lunch.
We got to the USMC Memorial (Iwo Jima) two hours early for the 7 p.m. military parade. I think the students were impressed, but I don't think it convinced any of them to sign enlistment papers with the Marines.
The next stop was the hotel where they were reminded to pack since we head back to Baltimore for one night before heading home on Thursday.
Our trip is coming to a close, but not before we visit the congressional offices in the morning and make one more visit to the sites around the Mall tomorrow.
Day Four: Mount Vernon, Gadsby's, Smithsonians and Memorials
June 13, 2011
Excuse me for not posting this last night. I was tired. We had a long day yesterday, Sunday, our four day of the trip.
We started out at Mount Vernon. What a beautiful place...
We then headed to Alexandria for Gadsby's Tavern for lunch. George Washington ate there about a week prior to his death. One of the students could have sat in the exact same spot as our first President.
After our meal, students were dropped off along the mall for another visit to the Smithsonian Museums.
Our evening included stops at the WWII Memorial, the Viet Nam Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Korean Memorial, FDR Memorial and Jefferson Memorial.
It was a full day which also included the announcement of the selection of the 2011-12 Arizona representative to the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association's Youth Leadership Counci. That honor went to Kortlynn Pearl Herring, a St. John, Arizona resident. She is sponsored on the trip by Navopache Electric Cooperative.
With the curfew last night, we reached the half-way point of the trip.
Monday's events include the Youth Day activities, a visit with an Iwo Jima battle survivor, a tour of the Capitol and a Potomac boat cruise.
Day Five: Youth Day, Thomas Miller, Capitol Tour and the Boat
June 13, 2011
The weather turned for the better, much better. We had a constant breeze all day and the temps were much lower.
The students started the day with a couple hour session in the grand ballroom of the hotel--all 1,550-some students. It was loud and there were some great speakers, including the fellow who as a teenager was accidently shot by his friend. He became a parapalegic and went on to win two gold and two bronze medals in the handicapped Olympics. The gist of his message is "if you can't stand up, stand out!"
We then toured the USMC Iwo Jima Memorial. While there, we listened to Thomas Miller, a battle survivor of both Pearl Harbor and Iwo Jima.
Next stop included a tour of the Capitol. Did you know the British burned the building? Do you know who the statue is of that Arizona has in the building's staturary hall? We do! A street in Phoenix is named after him.
Some students got in a quick look inside the Library of Congress, others walked around taking in the exterior of the building around the Hill.
We finished the day with an evening cruise down the Potomac with about 400 of our new friends from around the country.
Day Three: Cemetery, Wax, Museums & Murder
June 11, 2011
Saturday morning found us at Arlington National Cemetery. Always somber and amazing.
We then shook hands with the famous, the infamous and many came away with waxen hands from all of the gladhanding with the politicians and famous folks. The wax museum was a big hit iwth the students. Be sure to ask them which person was their favorite.
Students got their first taste of being on their own - in groups of two or more - as they were encouraged to visit the Smithsonian of their choice. Some saw rockets, others rocks and bones and even others saw old stuff.
We capped the night off with a trip to the Mystery Dinner Playhouse production of "Fashion to Die For!" Eddie was finally tabbed as the guilty party.
As far as photos posted on the other site, I have had a slight hiccup with the upload and will try in the morning. It is now 11:30 and I need my beauty sleep....
Tomorrow has us at Mount Vernon, Gadsby's Tavern for lunch, more Smithsonian visits and finally some evening visits to memorials, like Jefferson, FDR and the new WWII.
Good night.
Day One: Mission Accomplished
June 10, 2011
Yesterday, June 9, was our travel day. We finally made it to Baltimore.
We flew over the fire raging in NE Arizona. It is really big. Bless the folks fighting it and our prayers are with the families who are impacted.
We had one student get air sick.
We had a restaurant not opened for a late evening dinner, even though they assured us over the phone that they would be. Plan B took us to Denny's.
We got to the hotel. Later than planned, we hit the sack.
Today includes stops at Fort McHenry, Union Station, the National Cathedral and an evening concert of jazz music at the USAF Memorial.
Hopefully, we will have photos to post later tonight of the day's activities.
Day Two: A Flag & Song; Trains; Cathedral; WH; and Rainout
June 10, 2011
One-fourth of the trip is done.
First it is humid with a capital H. Low 90s with the most of us dripping sweat.
We went to Fort McHenry in Baltimore. They have a brand new visitor's center--much nicer, larger than the previous.
That was followed by a stop at a grocery store to buy lots of ice, water and pop. A contingent of ladies and one young man were elected to the soda pop co-op board.
Lunch was at the Union Station food court. For many students this was the first time for them to see a real-working train station.
After lunch we ran up the hill to National Cathedral where we learned about the construction and layout of the facility. Lots of stainedglass and even a moon rock!
We saw a number of embassies and then made a stop at the White House for a quick photo. Ask the students about the lady at the protest tent.
We drove around the mall pointing out the various museums to give the students an idea of where they will head tomorrow when they get their first chance to hit some of the Smithsonian museums.
We got the hotel for a little breather and for some of us, a quick wipe down with a clean wash clothe. Ask us about the humidity with a capital H.
We ate dinner and headed to the USAF Memorial for a visit and the weekly Friday night jazz concert. Unfortunately, it was cancelled for approaching rain. We took photos around the place and just as we were boarding the sprinkles came. So, we were disappointed, but sure did understand why the airmen and women wouldn't have wanted to work around amplifying amps and such with rain. We came back to the hotel for an early checkin to help make up for some of the sleep lost our first night.
We have no reported injuries and no one is pleading to be sent home. So, I think we are having fun.
Jim
P.S. Be sure to check out the photos we just plppped up on the other site (check the previous report for the link). Good night.
Departure Day
June 9, 2011
We fly out today for BWI (Baltimore).
It will be a long day. For many of the students, this flight will be their first.
Our only goal today is to get everyone to our hotel tonight WITH their luggage.
Wish us well.
Check List
June 7, 2011
Toothbrush: check
Driver's License: check
Money: check
Clean Underwear: check
With that last one, we will move on to the gist of what the list should mean to you: Double check. Triple check. Make sure you have everything packed. It gets expensive to buy items you forgot to pack.
Next, make sure you know what time you need to be at the GCSECA office on Thursday....EXACTLY, no later than 11:30 a.m. Our meeting kicks off then and not a minute later.
Finally, make sure your family has written down the following web site and has plans to start checking the progress of the trip through photographs: http://photos.youthtour.org/. Once there, you will need to select "2011" and then look for the "Arizona" folder.
See you Thursday.....at what time? No later than 11:30 a.m.!
No Tips, But Some Comments
June 6, 2011
Students and Chaperones,
We are just days away from our trip. You should be real close to being packed for the trip. You should be well rested. You should have spent hours on the internet looking at the various web sites for the places we're going to visit. You should have just about every question you have answered. You should have begun making friends with the other participants on Facebook and been to the group's page. You should be ready.
If you haven't done these things, NOW, TODAY is the day to begin and finish them. We get very busy here the next two days. So, if you have questions, please get them in today.
Now for a slight correction...to the itinerary mailed to you. On Wednesday, it lists the dress as formal which is correct. Then it talks about formal for the dinner and dance. That is what is wrong. After we leave D.C. and head to Baltimore for our final night before flying out early the next morning, the dress code switches to casual. There is no dinner or dance. Please accept my apology. I should have caught that earlier.
See you Thursday morning.
Jim
Two Tip Friday - #25 & 26
June 3, 2011
Hey, did you miss your tip yesterday? Sorry about that, we are getting a little busy around the office getting ready for the trip.
One of the reasons we are a little more busy than normal is there was a change in students going on the trip. One of the male students had to drop out due to medical issues. The alternate was a female student. So, we have been busy redoing all sorts of things. So, those rooming lists and chaperone assignments we made and had available earlier....well, they are ready for the trash. We have new ones and they will be available when you show up at the GCSECA office on the 9th.
Tip #25 - What's the weather like in D.C.? Well, let's pray that it is nice and cool. But, we can findout with out much problem. Just click on this link - http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?zoneid=DCZ001. If you do it today, you will see next Thursday, when we are slated arrive, the forecast calls for mid 80s for highs and a 30 percent chance for rain. Better bring your umbrella. Be sure to check this site each day as we get clsoer to our departure.
Tip #26 - Take notes. Doing so will help you when it comes time to write your post trip essay. It will also help you complete the post trip survey. I send the survey and a stamped return envelope for you to return it when you are done sharing your thoughts on the things you experienced. I use the results to help plan the next trip. Will this be the year I get 100 percent participation in the survey? I hope so. I have never gotten everyone to complete the form....makes me wonder. You would think after getting trip to D.C., a person could spend five minutes to complete the survey and then find a mail box to send it back. Help make this the year of 100 percent!
Tip #24 - Don't sit, see more
June 1, 2011
One of our Rally Points will be the Castle on the Mall. It is a great place to be dropped off and wait to board the bus. Quick show of hands...what is the significance of the Castle? The original Smithsonian building.
Right next door, toward the Capitol, is the Hirshorn (I think I spelled that correctly) Art Museum. It is one of those places you have to add to the list when you have 30-40 minutes left before it is time to get on the bus. You won't see it all, but you can do a floor or two if you walk quickly. The Hirshorn contains some interesting things. Rather than sit on a bench for those 30 minutes, take in a floor. Your feet and legs may be tired, but remember I have reminded and reminded you to get some miles on the soles of your shoes in advance of this trip. Go see things, don't just sit around.
Same thing when it comes to the next trip to the Mall, go visit the Castle, it has a little of everything from the different museums. Plus, it has some nice bathrooms
too! Never pass a bathroom on this trip without taking the opportunity to use it.
Our countdown is now in single digits, so things are moving fast around here as we get things ready. I may be remiss in posting tips, but please send in your questions and I will try to reply to all of them.
Oh, I noticed we only had about 17 students following the Facebook page. If FB isn't your thing, you can still use the email addresses in the yearbook to continue to get to know one another prior to the trip.
Tip #23 - Gadsby's Tavern
May 31, 2011
Sunday Meal: When I was growing up, Sunday was special since that meant a nice, big meal. It will mean the same thing for us this trip.
After doing food courts for a couple days, our Sunday morning trip to Mount Vernon will be followed by a stop at Gadsby's Tavern in Old Town Alexandria for lunch. It will be a sit-down affair with waitresses in period costumes. We'll have a couple options available to us from their menu.
Oh, by the way, President Washington ate there a week before he passed away.
One caution - use the restroom at the visitors' center at Mount Vernon before you leave. The restroom at Gadsby's is down a very steep staircase and it is very small. There will be a line.
Tip #22
May 29, 2011
I hope you are enjoying a great three day weekend. I am trying to get lots things done around the house this weekend in advance of our trip. The lawn was mowed, the garage cleaned out, things taken to the dump, windows washed, weeds sprayed, and my list is slowly being whittled down.
Tomorrow, I will pull my luggage out to make sure it is ready to go. I will set them up so I can start dropping things into it...umbrella, socks and such will be added and marked of my check list as they make it into the luggage. Please do not wait until the last night. I always have students who tell me they packed the night before, they say they couldn't sleep much since they were worrying all night about forgetting to pack something. You want a full, good night sleep before this trip. Get yor rest.
For most of you school is out...fight the tendency to stay out late with your friends between now and the trip. Instead, go to bed early and bank as much sleep as you can. This trip can be very tiring and you need your energy.
Also, spend time on the internet and read up on the places we are visiting.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend and look for another tip on Tuesday.
Tip #20 and #21 and How To Find the Earlier Tips
May 27, 2011
First, hope you have a great Memorial Holiday weekend. I know my wife and I will be spending part of Monday at the Veteran's Cemetery in north Phoenix. We make an annual trip their to see the graves of her parents - both of whom served in the military. Please remember those who served.
Tip #20 - Travel Light: Liquids, cream, nail clippers, pocket knives, etc. should be left home. If you still feel you need them, put them in your "checked" luggage and leave them in your hotel rooms.
A for instance is the tour of the Capitol building...that $35 bottle of smell-pretty in the bottom of your purse will end up in the trash.
The hand creme you store in your purse to keep your hands soft and smooth, same trash can...same for the small bottle of lens cleaning fluid you keep in your camera bag.
There will be places we go, that all you will need is an ID card, some paper money for the gift shop or the credit card and your camera.
Traveling light will be the key.
You will be told about those places and should expect to leave these types of items on the bus or in your room.
A number of ladies use those small backpack style purses they can pull from their regular style backpack.
Tip #21 - You get an extra tip today since I missed putting one up yesterday. Wash Behind Your Ears: You will be sharing a bathroom with two others.
You are going to be sharing towels, a bar of soap and a little dispenser of shampoo. But, don't be the hog and use all of them before your two roommates get a chance to step into the shower. You may want to bring a small bottle of shampoo if you use a lot.
RESPECT goes a long, long way with your roommates. It is doubtful that you will use up the hot water, but you could use up all the time before lights out or the time you have to be down on the the bus in the morning, so please be respectful of hogging the bathroom.
Finally, I had someone comment they couldn't read the previously posted tips. If you fall into the same category, just click the little line of type that reads: More News and Events. That will open up a page with all of the previous tips.
Tip #19
May 25, 2011
Union Station: it's the big train station in D.C. We will have a couple meals in the food court. The court is loud, crowded and full of eating places catering to the many cultures in the international community. The court is located in the lowest level. We will enter the station from a parking garage and you will be given directions on how to get to the food court.
There are shops in the station, ticket sales booths, loading areas for passengers and if you go to the top of the parking garage you can see the actual train yard. Be sure to take time to enter the "great" room at the far end and you might even want to step outside to check the statues in the front of the building.
Remember, this is a working train station, much like a busy, metropolitan airport. There will be people in a hurry to catch a train and others loitering waiting on a train. It is a favorite for the pick-pocket folks, so protect your wallet, purse, etc.
Back to the food court, you will have standard American teenager food options (pizza and burgers), but you might want to think about hitting one of the other ethnic options. You will be given a food court coupon that includes one or more food options for every one of the different vendors. You just have to decide which vendor and then select from among the options they are offering for the coupon.
We will get the same type of coupon for the food court at the mall where we will eat many of the other meals.
Must Be Two Tips Tuesday
May 24, 2011
Did you miss your tip yesterday? Sorry, it was kind of busy around here getting ready for the tour. To make up for Monday's missing tip, you get two today!
Tip # 17 - Youth Day Explained - On Monday, you wear your beautiful desert brown t-shirt. We will meet in a specific location, making sure everyone is accounted for and then proceed into the huge ballroom to find our seats.
We will be greeted by rock concert lights, songs and all 1,500 students in attendance. Some states will be chanting their state cheers. DO NOT STAND on your chair. We should be seated down in the front.
There will be a welcoming speaker. The Youth Leadership Council Members will parade in with the state flags and be seated on the stage. They will introduce themselves. When the Arizona YLC member says his/her name, we will scream like little children who are seeing Santa for the first time.
There will be other speakers. The keynote speaker is a gentleman who won Olympic medals. He also won them by rolling his wheelchair around a basketball court. He will share with you how he got in the chair and how it has impacted his life.
When the event is over, we will stay in the ballroom for a while and work our way out of the ballroom and head to the bus.
What I am writing next I want you to be sure to read carefully -- there will be 1,400 students trying to leave the ballroom.
Unfortunately, that means the escalators can become dangerous - very dangerous. NEVER, NEVER stop walking when you step off the escalators. KEEP MOVING. There will be many students from other states wanting to trade for your state stickers, just don't do it near the ingress, egress areas around the escalators. Get far away from the escalators.
Unfortunately, some states use "rally" points near the escalators and that creates a problem with those still riding the escalators.
Tip # 18 - Visiting Graves & Finding Wall Names - When we visit Arlington National Cemetery Saturday morning, you will be given a ticket to board the open-air shuttle which will take you to the three locations: the Kennedy graves, the Tomb of the Unknown and the Lee Mansion. Typically, the shuttle makes a stop, stays for four-five minutes and then moves on to the next site. They are designed to have another shuttle come by in about 15-20 minutes. Usually, you have time to make the Kennedy grave and the Tomb for the changing of the guard ceremony and hopefully the mansion.
You are at a Cemetery, a very special one. You will conduct yourself with the utmost respect. You will talk in your "inside" voice. You will keep your mouth shut completely while watching the ceremony at the Tomb.
For those of you who have family/friends buried in the cemetery, you can visit their grave. But, you will need to walk and know where you are going. Inside the visitors center, there is a small office where you can bring proper name, dates of birth and death, branch of service and they will look up the section number and grave number for you and mark it on a map. They have had a computer kiosk that does the same thing in the same general area. But, you need all of this information to locate the grave. Also, if you visit a grave, you will have to walk and will likely miss the other items (Kennedy, Tomb and Mansion).
When you visit the Viet Nam War Memorial, they have large books, much like a metropolitan phone book, housed along the walkway where you can look up a name. The listing will give you the stone number and line number so you can locate a person's name. The gift shops (shacks) sell paper slips that you can use for rubbings of the names.
Tip #16
May 20, 2011
Sleep: This one is fairly simple. Get plenty of it before the trip. Get a great night's sleep the day before our trip. In fact, sleep as much as you can a week before the trip.
Participants come home saying they were tired. When you get to the hotel at night--get ready for bed and go to bed. Don't stay up until 2 a.m. talking.
Ah, but you say you are still on Arizona time....well, change your time before the trip! About a week before the trip, just set your alarm in the morning three hours earlier. Get up and go to bed earlier that night. Repeat that for a week and you will already be on East Coast time.
Do not put off your packing until the day before the trip and stay up all night because you are excited abot the trip. That is a prescription for an unpleasant trip.
Have a great weekend.
No Tip Thursday, But Good News
May 19, 2011
Headed into a meeting in a little bit, but wanted to share some great news we got yesterday.
We are going to the National Cathedral!!!
Rose window, here we come!
We are scheduled to do the tour Friday afternoon. With it comes a drive down Embassy Row.
Keep walking...
Tip #15
May 18, 2011
Wow, three weeks and one-day away...
CULTURE: We will have a couple events on our trip designed to bring culture into our lives...
First up is the Friday evening concert we will be enjoying courtesy of the United States Air Force Band. We will head to the USAF Memorial for the event and there we will be entertained by the Airmen of Note, the bands premier jazz ensemble which was created in 1950 to carry on the tradition of Major Glenn Miller's Army Air Corps dance band. If you love jazz, you will love the evening. If you have never listened to jazz, you will be in for a treat.
Learn more here: http://www.usafband.af.mil/ensembles/BandEnsembleBio.asp?EnsembleID=58
Let's spend just a few seconds on how you will conduct yourself during this live performance...with attention devoted to the band and with your MOUTH shut. Some of the students had a problem with that last part last year and I want to make sure you know the rules ahead of time. Live performance means closed lips.
The second culture event will be Saturday night when we head out to see a murder mystery comedy -- Fashion To Die For!
Here is the write-up for the event:
The world of high fashion is a buzz! Editors from Mademoiselle to Vogue are having an utter tizzy. Sylvia Skrong, Chief Editor of Eurogirl magazine has scored the coup of coups. She secretly set up a showdown of Haute Couture. A design contest between newcomer Cara Mia Puccaria and super designer, Pupi Pastorini. To the winner will be bestowed the title,”Designer of the Year.” Winning could make young miss Puccaria a star, and could only help boost Pupi’s sagging career. Cara Mia’s assistant has been running around like the proverbial chicken with no head, and the boys backstage are about ready to pluck a few feathers. There are designers who would just kill for this opportunity. Who knows, Vera or Giorgio may be waiting in the wings, just in case something might happen to one of our contestants. Puccaria and Pastorini are bound to pull out all the stops to wins this thing, so sit back and be prepared to see some fashion to die for!
Learn more here: http://www.mysterydinner.com/washington-dc/
Keep up your walking, get those new shoes in shape...
Tip #14
May 17, 2011
If you want to start that walking program I told you about during orientatiom, it is not too late to start.
Speaking of health, if your health has changed since you filled out the forms, please let me know. 602-796-5753.
On to our tip: leave room in your carry on bag for some items. At the pre-trip meeting on the 9th, you will be given an envelope. It will have rooming lists, schedule, a variety of other papers, your beautiful desert brown t-shirt, a luggage tag, bag ribbons, nametag, xerox copy of Thomas Miller's Iwo Jima book, and a few other items.
When you get your envelope, you need to go through it. Some items, like the ribbons and luggage tag go on your luggage, the tshirt goes in. The nametag goes around your neck. The other papers probably go in your carry on bag since they will make great reading material for our 4 hour flight to Baltimore. Oh, yeah, the yearbook will be in the envelope too and that will definitely be worth studying on the plane.
Finally, we are working on our mailing and should have it ready to make the mail this Friday. It will contain the itinerary.
Trip Tip #13
May 16, 2011
You don't need to buy new luggage for this trip. The main thing you need to be able to do is physically move your luggage by yourself. Wheels or no wheels, you need to be able to lift, carry or roll it.
Obviously, wheels or casters makes it easier. But, remember what I told you during the orientation, airlines are not responsible for damaged wheels or casters.
About five years ago, we got to BWI and one of the students didn't have any luggage show up at the carousel. We went to the office and they finally came out with her luggage...it had split entirely in
half. You could see everything she had packed including her nice frilly undies. The airline gave her a choice, she could have her damaged bag back and make a claim or she could take a similar bag they
would give her. I told her she wasn't likely to get paid back by the airline in time to buy one on the trip. Unless she had available funds on hand, I suggested the replacement luggage might be a smart choice.
That is what she ended up doing.
One caution - I have seen students use nylon sports bags for luggage. If they are loaded down with shoes and heavy items, those can rip open. Think heavy duty sports bags if that is what you are considering.
New WWII Memorial
I have been told the reflecting pool has been pumped dry for repairs. The pool extends from the front of the Lincoln Memorial to the WWII Memorial. It is a great place to take photos of the Washington Monument extending up in the sky and then you can have a reflection of it in the water.
Anyway, the WWII Memorial is just several years old and I want to caution you about your behavior while you are there. The first year I visited the site I came upon three high school students who were playing hacky-sack and having a heck of a time laughing and shouting as they kept the sack going. I approached them and reminded them they were at a MEMORIAL and they needed to act like it.
Here is a link http://media.causes.com/1060527?p_id=175378540 to something I hope you get to see in November.
Tip # 12
May 13, 2011
Tip #12 – This tip comes from experience. It is an experience I had Wednesday and Thursday. My Wednesday evening flight was cancelled after I sat in the plane for roughly four hours. It was late at night, in fact after midnight.
Unfortunately, my clothes, my toiletries and my reading material were in my “checked” luggage and the airline indicated they were holding the luggage and planned to ship it to our destination on the next available flight with luggage space. The only thing was I would not be able to accompany that flight. I would have to take another flight later on Thursday.
So, I was basically stranded. Luckily I did have my medication packed in my carry-on bag. So, I wasn’t going to die.
I did have to wear my clothes for two days. I was fine with my shirt and pants, but I sure wish I had packed some socks and underwear. And a toothbrush would have been nice also!
Lesson learned: Make sure your carry-on luggage has your medication and others things needed for a day.
Also, be mindful of the size limitations for your carry-on. Check out this website: http://www.usairways.com/en-US/traveltools/baggage/baggagepolicies.html
Tip #11, Bad News and Good News
May 11, 2011
Bad news first: We are not going to visit the National Cathedral. We have tried reworking our schedule several time to find a slot of time we could go the the Cathedral, but we have exhausted the openings we have available.
Good news second: We are going to visit Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. Get your cameras out and ready, so you can have your picture taken with the President. In fact, you can have it taken with many of the past presidents. Guys, you can have your pic taken with Angelina Jolie! Ladies, don't worry, you can have yours taken with Brad!
Now, for Tip #11 - Meeting the students from the other states is easy, just keep a stash of the clothe stickers in a pocket. Eash of you will be given a certain number of the stickers. Each state has their own design and the concept is that by trading these stickers you have opportunity to meet the kids from Alabama, Alaska, Ohio, Texas and everywhere in between. Just one caution, don't make fun of the way they talk.
Tip #10
May 10, 2011
A quick word about the yearbook, I have only sent five out as of today....if you want a copy, you have to request it. See how to do so by reading all of the tips.
Tip #10 - I give this one from experience and it wasn't fun. Get a couple large plastic trash bags. Place one in your bag - presto, you now have a dirty clothes hamper. Do let your dirty clothes pile up in a corner of the hotel room. Open one up and place it into your luggage so the opening is situated so you can put your clothing in it as you pack. You are basicly using the bag as a water proof protector for your clean, packed clothes. As long as you don't rip the bag, you can use the same bag on the return trip to protect all of your new t-shirts, glass paperweights and other items you are returning home with. I say experience...a couple years ago on our return flight, just as we got aboard, a huge thunderstorm rolled over the airport and it poured. The flight was delayed about 40 minutes. Unfortunately, all of the luggage was still on the carts waiting to be loaded onto the plane. When I got home, I opened my luggage and poured about a half gallon of water OUT of it. Everything was wet. I didn't care about my dirty clothes, but the rest of the stuff I had collected on the trip, think about paper, brochures, receipts and the like were completely soaked. Take a couple bags, they weigh next to nothing and they can protect your stuff.
Tip #9
May 9, 2011
Wow, we are one month away! Anyone excited?
In the 11 years of doing this tour, I have had three students who backed out and decided not to go. If you have any hint that you may not want to go on the trip, let me offer you a bit of advice. Make that decision today! Don't be a self-centered teenager and make that same decision a day before we leave on the trip. There are already costs involved on your behalf and to not give proper notice to your cooperative/utility so they can find another deserving student to take your place on this trip would be rude. There, I am done with that.
On to a real tip.
Tip #9 - We will have a couple periods to see things around the Smithsonian Mall. If you really want to see any of these sites (Washington Monument, Engraving/Printing, Holocaust, Ford's Theater or Archives), then you need to find a partner and be ready to jog. These sites are located "off" the mall and you need to get there and get back quickly. You can not walk at a leisurely pace and expect to get to these locations, see anything and get back. Remember, during the orientation, I said those students who get the most out of the trip are the ones who spend time on the internet looking at the internet sites before the trip so they know what is located and where it is located. That means you have to do a little planning.
See you in a month.
Happy Mother's Day and Tip #8
May 8, 2011
If you still have a mother, remember today is when "she" is the "one." Do something nice for her. I will have to do that June 11 when we visit Arlington National Cemetery.
Tip #8 - If you read this today or just a week or so before our trip, let me encourage you to get out of the house and start walking. Walk everywhere. Park at the far end of the parking lot. Walk some more.
Every year, I hear "Mr. Donahue, I didn't believe you when you said we do this much walking."
You have been advised. Get walking.
Tip #7, Security and Yearbook
May 7, 2011
First, let's talk security...
I have been in communications with the folks from the national organization in VA and they report there is more security since last week's news of OBL's death. It seems there are more people being examimed in greater detail if they get blip while going through the metal detectors. We can deal with that.
We will have rally points for every stop. And back-up rally points.
And, we will keep informed about the processes at the various locations we visit.
Yearbook - I am beginning to feel upset. I have had ONLY TWO requests for the yearbook and it has been available a couple days....this leads me to believe 1) you don't care who your roommate is going to be or 2) you are not looking at this site. You will remember, I told you during the orientation sessions that you needed to be checking this every other day as we approach the trip.
Tip #7 - This one is simple...take advantage of the facilities, always. Before you get on the bus, before you get on the plane, after we get off the bus, after we get off the train, before you leave the museum.......we will be on the bus, sometimes for as long as 45-60 minutes, and we are not going to stop just because you need to "go" and didn't take advantage of the available facilities. When there are bathroom breaks, take them!
Have a great "rest of your weekend."
Trip Tip #5
May 6, 2011
This one is quick and short...
Tip #5 - Have you ever walked a lot, like out hiking in the desert? As unpleasant as it is, I bet your feet got hot and, well, smelly. Your feet will do the same thing when we are in D.C. I said this when I did the orientation and I'm wondering if many remembered - the average distance walked on the tour is eight miles a day. So, here is what I do....pack twice the number of sock you would normally wear. Yeah, after walking on my feet all morning and half the afternoon, I find a restroom or park bench to sit on and I pull the shoes off. Old, stinky socks go in a ziplock bag and stuffed in my pack. The new, soft ones make it onto my stinky toes. I'm ready to go for the rest of the day!
Just one more reminder, I will try to get the yearbook to you if you follow the instructions on the preceding tip for yesterday. So far, only one person has requested it...
Here is the room list for the Hyatt Regency.
Have a great weekend!
Trip Tip #4, Hyatt Rooming List, Yearbook and Facebook
May 5, 2011
Happy Cinco de Mayo to you!
We have three items for you today....
Trip Tip #4 - Mount Vernon is the home of President Geo. Washington. We will tour it on Sunday morning. There are four main things to see: the visitor center, the home, the gravesite and the museum. We will have several hours there. You can probably get three of them done.
The home usually has a long line to walk through. It is interesting from a historical point of view and from a late 1700's point of view of how people lived. If the line is too long, consider a walk around it, take some pictures and move on.
The visitor center has a model of the home - that moves! Spend five mintues checking it out. The center also has a theater. If you don't know why Washington was a key figure in our nation's history BEFORE the Revolutionary War, then take in the movie - if they are showing it. If I recall correctly, they have a couple movies and they don't always show the same one.
The grave site is located away from the site. It will eat up some time getting there, but you have to get a picture of it.
The museum is cool. They have one small theater that shows a war battle. The chairs shake and smoke fills the room. Lots of interesting stuff. I once spent five hours at the museum, so there is lots to see.
Plan your visit by hitting the internet once you get the itinerary.
Hyatt Rooming List - It is attached. Again, the last names are reflected by initials. As yesterday's post noted, a full, complete list will be available just prior to our trip.
Yearbook - We completed it yesterday. I have made a pdf, but it is a huge file, just under 10 megs. If you want a copy prior to our trip, you have to email me 1) from the email address you originally submitted on the one-page sheet you completed back in February. You have to include 2) "WYT: 2010 Yearbook" in the subject line. You have to include 3) your full name in the body of the email.
I have a business trip beginning Monday and it continues through Friday and I won't really have the ability to send it while out. So, get your request in over the next couple days and I will send it out. Oh, make sure you can recieve such a file size, I don't want a bunch of bounced, returned messages in my in-box. A printed, bound copy will be here just before the trip. (Chaperones, a copy will be mailed to you early next week.)
Facebook - Anna from Trico sent me an email last night. She has set up a Facebook page for the group. Kudos for her. You should be able to access it at https://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_162875773773302 Let me offer a word of caution - one, don't post the Yearbook to this site as it contains personal information!!! I am sure you are all aware about the inherent privacy issues and potential for bad behavior on Facebook, so be warned. The dates of our trip are on the net, so if folks (bad guys) can find out who you are, where you live, then the combination of that information can spell trouble. I am aware of folks in the Phoenix area who posted on Facebook about their great trip to San Diego while they were on the trip. When they came home, it was empty.
Tip #3 and Rooming List for First & Last Nights
May 4, 2011
Another gracious good morning to the fellow participants on the Arizona Washington Youth Tour. It is time for another tip....
Tip #3 - Note Pad and Pencil, with Small Manila Envelope: This is for those of you who are writers and scrappers, so please pay attention. You won't be able to remember all that you see, hear or experience. So, bring a small notebook, include a pen or pencil and take notes along the trip. If you are someone who writes in a journal, works on scrapbooks or want to enter the post-trip essay contest, the pad and your scribbles will play an important part when you are home. You will read/hear facts along the trip, write them down. You will experience things, write them down.
A quick word about the essay contest, I usually have about a fourth of the students enter so the competition isn't real great. There is money for the first three place finishers. The winner gets their essay published in our statewide publication, Currents, which goes to 55,000 homes across the desert southwest. Imagine being able to write "I had an essay published in a regional magazine which goes to 55,000 homes" on your college scholarship applications. Pretty neat, huh?
Oh, the envelope? Most of the places we go have small brochures that you can collect and those are real keepers for those of you that scrapbook. You need an envelope to keep them in near pristine condition before you attack them when you get home with your pinking shears!
First/Last Night Rooming List - Click here for the list. No need to bring it when I see you on the 9th. A copy with last names will be included in your material.
Finally, I still haven't heard about a facebook group and questions are always welcomed.
Jim
Trip Tip #2 and Chaperone Assignments
May 3, 2011
We're getting closer, anyone getting more excited?
Trip Tip #2: Back packs are good. You don't need one of those huge 5,000 cubic inch week-long in the wilderness things, so think mid-size or smaller. Here is what it needs to be able to carry....water bottle, umbrella or small poncho, wallet, camera, maybe a candy bar, small note pad and pen, cell phone. Really, that is all you need to be carrying.
We will have so many stops that you will get very tired of the "security" putting your backpack through an X-ray machine that by the end of the trip, you will be tired of it. At the Smithsonian Museums, you will be required to open up your back pack for hand/wand inspection.
Also, when you get to the Capitol tour and the entry into the congressional offices, you will be prohibited from having ANY liquids, food, lotions, creams. I have had young ladies on the trip have to leave behind their travel size bottle of Scope and more to their horror their expensive bottles of perfume. Pack light.
Chaperone Assignments: Click here for the notice that has the assignments. Chaperones, you can begin memorizing those first names. I have only put the last name initials for security reasons. When you are here to begin the trip, you all will be given a copy with full names.
Facebook: I still haven't been contacted by the young lady and her father who indicated they were setting up a Facebook page for the tour. So, if any of you want to do so, let me know and I will post the information here.
Countdown Tip #1
May 2, 2011
If it is May, it means it is time for the Countdown Tips. I will try to post these everyday in advance of our trip.
So, here is the first:
Run to the store, find the travel-size toiletries and buy the little container of baby powder. Then, when you leave the hotel bathroom, make sure you are smelling like a little baby's fanny. It will aid in keeping you comfortable when dealing with the high humidity of D.C.
And, as long as we're giving tips, here is another one:
Jeans are not cool. I like to wear them, but they are not cool. They are hot and when they get wet, they take forever to dry out. I would recommend that you don't bring blue jeans on the trip. During the orientation sessions, I mentioned that it rains on the trip. If your jeans get wet, they will be wet for days. I like to bring light, cotton pants for the trip.
Finally, we're going to begin in the next several days with some new postings of items, such as chaperone assignments and rooming lists. We are going to mark out the last names and just have the last initials on the forms. So, check back soon.
Jim Donahue
YLC Apps In Office
April 20, 2011
The mail came.
The applications for the Youth Leadership Council were due in the GCSECA office today.
Here is what we have:
Duncan Valley EC - Mackenzie W.
Graham County EC - Shayla H.
Mohave EC - Susan L.
Navopache EC - Amanda C., and Kortlynn H.
Sulphur Springs Valley EC - Roxanne M., Monti R., and Jessica S.
Trico EC - Anna S.
Good luck to all.
Deadline for YLC Applications Approaches
April 13, 2011
I know we have three applications for Youth Leadership Council in the office now. The deadline for applying is April 20. The application needs to be in the GCSECA office by the 20th.
For additional information about the YLC program, visit http://www.youthtour.coop/students/youthleadershipcouncil.htm
The application is attached.
One session done yesterday, one today and last one tomorrow
April 12, 2011
It is always a pleasure meeting the students and their parents.
The last two days have been busy with many miles driven. Yesterday, I drove from Phoenix to Lakeside-Pinetop for an orientation at 4 p.m. and then drove home. Today, I left Phoenix early and drove to Anza, California for an orientation at 3:30. After that, I drove back east to the Arizona-California border to spend the night.
Wednesday afternoon at 4 p.m. I will be in Bullhead City for the last formal orientation session. However, there will be one more for a student who missed one of the earlier sessions. That one won't involve any driving, as we'll do it by phone.
Again, thanks to all of the student for getting their folks to attend the sessions.
Keep checking back on this site as we will begin posting some of the new material such as rooming lists and chaperone assignments.
Jim
Navopache, Anza and Mohave Orientation Sessions Next
April 8, 2011
This next week is going to be very busy. I will spending time driving for three orientations.
The first is set for Monday, April 11 at 4 p.m. for the students sponsored by Navopache Electric Cooperative. The session will be held at the co-op headquarters.
The next day, Tuesday, April 12 at 3 p.m., I will be at the Anza Electric Cooperative. Again, the session is at the co-op headquarters.
On Wednesday, April 13, at 4 p.m., the last orientation session will be held at the administrative office of Mohave Electric Cooperative.
I look forward to meeting the students and parents.
Jim - Tour Coordinator
Trico EC Orientation Completed
April 5, 2011
We had a good session last night down at Sahuarita. I didn't get many questions after the orientation. I thought I would have since I kind of had my mouth moving fast in order to finish quickly. I kind of had my eye on the television screen in the back of the room that had the NCAA basketball championship game on. How did I agree to do the orientation the same time the game tipped off?
As I do in all of the orientation session, I reminded folks my phone number and email address can be found in the manual on page three and the same information, including my cell phone number, can be found on the first slide of the orientation handouts.
The goal is to answer all questions.
Next week brings the orientations to a conclusion for this year. Monday afternoon at Navopache Electric Cooperative. Tuesday afternoon at Anza Electric Cooperative. Wednesday afternoon at Mohave Electric Cooperative. Just a little bit of driving involved on those days.
Jim
Next Orientation at Sahuarita Monday
April 1, 2011
We kick off our orientation for the students sponsored by Trico Electric Cooperative at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 4. I look forward to seeing the students then.
This will be the fifth of the eight orientation session this spring.
Two Orientations Down, Two Today
March 28, 2011
Last week, the students from Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative and Tohono O'Odham Utility Authority participated in their pre-trip orientation sessions. The SSVEC folks met in Benson on Thursday night and the TOUA group got together on Friday morning.
There were lots of good questions from both groups.
Today, there are two sessions planned. The first will be with the students sponsored by Duncan Valley Electric Cooperative around noon and then the Graham County Electric Cooperative students at 4 p.m.
I always look forward to these sessions since parents get first-hand information about the trip and can meet the tour coordinator - me. They meet the person who is going to be responsible while their son/daughter is back east for a week in June.
Check back on this site in a couple days to see the update to the "Q&A" tab across the top of the menu bar. I have had a couple good questions during these sessions and I want to share my response.
-- Jim
Sulphur Spring Valley EC Tour Orientation on Thursday
March 21, 2011
By Jim Donahue
I am looking forward to seeing all the students sponsored on the tour by Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative this coming Thursday, March 24 in Benson. This will be the first of the orientation sessions for this year's tour. My portion of the program will last approximately an hour - but I will be on hand to answer student and parent questions as long as they are posed.
Remember, if you have questions, you can bring them to the orientation session or you can email/call me. My goal is for every student/parent to be informed and comfortable about the trip.
Second Orientation Set For Friday Morning
March 21, 2011
By Jim Donahue
Friday morning will have me visiting the fine folks at Tohono O'odham Utility Authority, just west of Sells. I will be there for the 10 a.m. orientation session.
Teresa Choyugha, the local tour coordinator, always does a great job of getting the students and their parents there and we have a great time reviewing the rules and objectives for the tour.
TOUA's orientation session will be the second for me prior to this year's tour. When completed, I will only have six more to do.
Second YLC Application Returned
March 16, 2011
We got the second application in the mail. This one is from a student sponsored by Duncan Valley Electric Cooperative. The first application was submitted by a student sponsored by Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative. The deadline for applications due in the GCSECA office is April 20.
First 2011 YLC Application Returned
March 14, 2011
The first application for the coveted title as Arizona's Youth Leadership Council representative was returned to GCSECA last week. Student applicants have until April 20 to get the completed formed returned to the GCSECA office.
Jim Donahue, tour coordinator at GCSECA, reminds students that the application has to be in his office by April 20, not just postmarked.
The Youth Leadership Council has a representative from each of the states participating in the WYT. The Arizona representative will be sent on another all-expsense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. in July and participate in the GCSECA annual meeting next winter by giving a short 5-minute speech. In addition, the representative will attend the NRECA annual meeting next winter in San Diego.
Students who have misplaced their application can download one from the documents section of this web site.
Chaperones Meet for Orientation
March 11, 2011
The 2011 chaperones gathered today for an orientation with Jim Donahue, tour coordinator, about their duties and responsibilities.
The chaperones include (see attached photo): Steve Lunt, Duncan Valley Electric Cooperative; Ellen Brown, Mohave Electric Cooperative; Mindy Skousen, Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative; Monica Pugno, Trico Electric Cooperative; Joel Skousen, Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative; and Kevin Watson, Anza Electric Cooperative (not pictured). All are employees of their cooperatives, except for Mindy who is married to Joel.
Last Year's Youth Leadership Council Rep in Orlando
March 10, 2011
Jill Cole, the 2010 Arizona Washington Youth Tour participant who was selected to the NRECA Youth Leadership Council, traveled to Orlando to participate in the 2011 Annual Meeting of the national trade association. The all-expsense paid trip for Jill included a visit to Universal Studios. Her mother noted Jill noted, "Jill was so excited to share her details about the convention and several of her eye-opening experiences. She had stated that this is probably the best program she has ever been involved with and I whole-heartedly agree!"
A Showlow High senior, Jill met Lee Greenwood who performed during the opening session for the annual meeting.
Military Academy Summer Programs Deadline Approaching
March 2, 2011
The US Military Academy, US Naval Academy, and US Coast Guard Academy offer summer programs for high school juniors thinking about applying for an appointment. These summer sessions feature a week of academics, military training and physical fitness to give students a feel for life at the academy. The application deadline is April 1.
Local Utility Orientation Sessions Set
February 18, 2011
The dates have been confirmed and most of the locations and times have been set.
These ALL STUDENTS and one parent/chaperone sessions are mandatory. Even chaperones for the trip must attend.
The dates are:
- Thursday, March 24 - Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative @ Benson
- Friday, March 25 - Tohono O'odham Utility Authority @ Sells @ TOUA HQ @ 10 a.m.
- Monday, March 28 - Duncan Valley Electric Cooperative @ Duncan @ DVEC HQ @ noon
- Monday, March 28 - Graham County Electric Cooperative @ Pima @ GCEC HQ @ 4 p.m.
- Monday, April 4 - Trico Electric Cooperative @ Sahuarita @ El Charro Restaurant @ 6 p.m.
- Monday, April 11 - Navopache Electric Cooperative @ Lakeside-Pinetop @ NEC HQ @ 4 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 12 - Anza Electric Cooperative @ Anza @ AEC HQ @ 3:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, April 13 - Mohave Electric Cooperative @ Bullhead City @ MEC HQ @ 4 p.m.
The orientation sessions will last a litte more than an hour and are opportunties for lots of questions to be answered.
Student Count for 2011 Trip = 33
January 28, 2011
Today was the deadline for participating utilities to submit the numbers of students they are sponsoring for this year's trip. The total is 32.
The numbers sponsored by utility are:
Anza Electric Cooperative - 2
Duncan Valley Electric Cooperative - 4
Graham County Electric Cooperative - 3
Mohave Electric Cooperative - 2
Navopache Electric Cooperative - 4
Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative - 11
Trico Electric Cooperative - 4
Tohono O'odham Utility Authority - 3
Congratulations to the students!
Hardcopy Participant Manuals Distributed to Cooperatives and Tribal Utilities
January 7, 2011
On January 5, staff at GCSECA sent hard copies of the manuals to the participating utilities for later distribution to the actual tour participants. The manuals contain information for the participants to learn about their upcoming trip, in addition to the various forms which need to be completed to participate on the trip.
The participating utilities have options on how their staff decides to distribute the manuals. Some of the utilites mail the manuals to the participants and others present the manuals either during participant selection events or at the required parent/student orientation sessions which will be conducted in a couple months.
GCSECA provides two copies of the manual to each student participant. One copy is for the student and the other copy is for the parents/guardians' use. Chaperones are provided copies of the manual.
In the event a participant misplaces a manual, this web site has a menu option titled "Documents" which contains PDF files of the forms and the body of the manual.
Prepared by Jim Donahue, Tour Coordinator
Local WYT Coordinators Due Participant Manuals By Early January
November 18, 2010
Tour Coordinator Jim Donahue announced he is on schedule to deliver the Participant Manuals to the local tour coordinators the first week of January.
Donahue said, "I hope to have all of the suggested changes from the local coordinators shortly after the Thanksgiving holidays. I plan to incorporate those suggestions and get the book to the printer prior to Christmas. This schedule usually gets the final books in our hands before the end of the year."
The manual, according to Donahue, contains 99 percent of the information a student or chaperone needs to have a successful tour in June.
Student Selection Process Underway
November 17, 2010
During a meeting last week of various cooperative employees, most reported their co-ops were either beginning or near completion of their student selection process.
