Welcome to Mission Moment, a series from CEO Amy Vendt where she highlights moments from around the Bath Area Family YMCA that exemplify our association’s commitment to our mission of promoting the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
Every year, when our Freedom Tour buses pull out of the Bath Area Family YMCA parking lot, I’m reminded that this program is about so much more than a trip. It’s about giving young people opportunities to grow, connect, and discover who they are and who they can become.
For over 26 years, the Bath Area Family YMCA’s Freedom Tour has taken 8th grade students beyond the walls of their classrooms and into places where history comes alive. This year, because of the upcoming World Cup, both Freedom Tour trips were held in April rather than our traditional April and June schedule. Together, 129 students and 35 adult leaders traveled through New York City, Gettysburg, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia, visiting landmarks and memorials that help tell the story of our country.
But what makes this program special is not simply where they go — it is what happens along the way.
At the Y, we believe young people grow most through shared experiences, supportive relationships, and opportunities that challenge them to step outside of their comfort zones. For many students, the Freedom Tour is their first time traveling outside the state of Maine. As they walk through Gettysburg, stand quietly at Arlington National Cemetery, visit the Marine Corp “Iwo Jima” Memorial, or reflect at the 9/11 Memorial, students begin making connections between the past and the world they live in today.
What stays with me the most, however, are often the moments that are never written into the itinerary.
This year, one student came on the trip struggling socially and having difficulty finding his place among his peers. One of our team leaders intentionally stepped in to support and encourage him throughout the week. There were challenges along the way, but by the final day, that same student was observed sitting at dinner, laughing, and connecting with a group of classmates who had fully welcomed him in.
That moment captures exactly why this program is such an important part of our youth development work.
Another powerful moment this year came during the visit to the Holocaust Museum. Many students chose to spend significant time reading exhibits carefully, asking thoughtful questions, and quietly reflecting on what they were seeing. Trip leader Annie Colaluca shared that “watching young people engage so deeply with difficult history reminded all of us why experiential learning matters so much”.
After the trip, students shared reflections that reinforced the impact this experience had on them:
- “Seeing places in person that we had only seen in movies, books, or on the news.”
- “Making new friends and becoming closer with classmates during the trip.”
- “Having the opportunity to travel outside of Bath and experience new environments.”
- “Feeling proud of and more connected to our country after visiting these historic places.”
Programs like the Freedom Tour reflect the very heart of the YMCA mission. They help us develop thoughtful, engaged, and compassionate young people while building relationships and experiences that strengthen our community.
– Amy
Amy Vendt
Chief Executive Officer
