The IDLF Program culminates each year with an amazing journey to Gettysburg, PA and Washington, D.C.
After nine months in the classroom, students board a bus for an 8-day trip of a lifetime! This is where everything comes together for the students, as students walk the battlefields of Gettysburg, take a behind the scenes tour of the U.S. Supreme Court, visit the U.S. Capitol and the floor of Congress, explore select national monuments and museums, as well as hear from Christian leaders in the media, politics and civil rights, including Shannon Bream (Fox News Anchor), Chaplain Barry Black (U.S. Senate Chaplain), Congressmen Robert Aderholt (R-Alabama), Tim Goeglein (Vice President for External Relations for Focus on the Family), Bob Woodson (President of The Woodson Center), and Dede Winkfield (daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Press Secretary).
Gettysburg National Cemetery
The most meaningful thing was standing in the cemetery because I realized how many people risked their life for the enslaved Africans impacting my future and America’s future as a whole in a very positive way.”
—Jordan, Class of 2019
The Long Mile
“The most interesting [part of Gettysburg] to me was the 6 essentials of a leader talk [by Mr. Murray] and walking “The Long Mile” and imagining how many men died where we were walking –especially after watching [Pickett’s Charge] in the movie Gettysburg.”
—Sarah, Class of 2018
Bob Woodson, President of the Woodson Center
“My favorite speaker was Bob Woodson. I really loved how he was actually doing the things that all the government officials “say” they will do. His passion was amazing and I really connected with him.”
—Noah, Class of 2017
The U.S. Capitol
“My favorite place in D.C. was being on the House Floor and getting the tour of the US Capitol and seeing what it was like to be a congressman—seeing how they work and getting advice from them.”
—Gigi, Class of 2018
U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black
“Chaplain Black gave great examples of how he struggled in high school and how when he started living as a Christian—doing everything twice, praying for wisdom and the Holy Spirit—the LORD used him mightily.”
—Jonathan, Class of 2018
Tim Goeglein, Vice President of External Affairs, Focus on the Family
“My favorite speaker was Tim G. He was very interactive and asked us lots of questions, while also teaching us about history and good character.”
—Julia, Class of 2017
National Museum of African-American History and Culture (NMAAHC)
“The Museum was very information and VERY emotional. Just to see what my ancestors had to go through so we could be free and equal made me cry.”
—R.J., Class of 2017
The Lincoln Memorial
“The most meaningful thing to me was reading the ‘I Have A Dream Speech’ [on the spot] where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his speech. People came up to us and told us that it impacted them and touched their hearts.”
—Brysan, Class of 2019
Museum of the Bible
“The Bible Museum was [like] nothing I had seen before. With the [special] effects and the stories, it was obvious that time had been put into the creating of it.”
—Taniya, Class of 2019
Shannon Bream, Fox News Anchor
“I liked her story of how she overcame.”
—Grace, Class of 2019
Dede Winkfield, Civil Rights Speaker
“[Growing up with a mom who worked for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.], Dede Winkfield had a very interesting perspective on the Civil Rights movement—especially the man she called ‘Uncle Martin.’”
—Addie, Class of 2019
Cal Thomas, Nationally Syndicated Columnist
“Cal is a really smart guy and had a lot of funny stories and is still making an impact for Christ.”
—Sam, Class of 2018
U.S. Supreme Court
“I didn’t know much about the Judicial Branch and learned a lot of new things and got to see a lot most people don’t get to see.”
—Gavin, Class of 2018