Last week, 47 students from across the country gathered in our nation’s capital for one purpose – to attend NRA's Youth Education Summit. Summiteers explored historic monuments, visited NRA Headquarters, met political figures, and most importantly – learned more about their American rights and freedoms.
The 2016 YES class walked away with an experience they’ll never forget and friendships that’ll last a lifetime. Check out how these students spent their week:
After an informative meeting with NRA staff, students break for lunch at the NRA Café for Taco Tuesday before experiencing their very own mock Friends of NRA event.
Students experienced firearms history at its finest, with a guided tour at the NRA National Firearms Museum. They were greeted by Y.E.S alum, Logan Metesh, who is now a Firearms Specialist for the NRA National Firearms Museum.
So many guns to look at and never enough time to look at them! Students spent a good hour admiring famous, historical and rare collections of firearms the NRA National Firearms Museum.
A trip to NRA Headquarters wouldn’t be complete without making a stop at the NRA HQ Range. Students received first-class instruction by a certified instructor, a firearms safety brief, and got the opportunity to shoot a variety of firearms.
After a busy day in the city, students gathered in groups to talk about current events such as firearms, higher education, and U.S. and foreign policy.
Y.E.S. students made a unique visit to Hillsdale College where they spent the first half of their day debating previously assigned topics with their groups.
Debates are a great way for the Y.E.S. students to gain experience in public speaking and to get them comfortable debating both sides of controversial issues.
Nothing like a good ol' friendly-debate to put a smile on these summiteers faces! Even when the debates got heated, they came together in the end and continued on with the day's next activity...
Before heading to the National Museum of Marine Corps in Quantico, VA, students took a brief physical fitness test from one of their chaperones to prepare them for the trip!
The National Museum of Marine Corps was a fantastic visit for the students, giving them a time to reflect and appreciate what the brave men and women have done for them and protecting their freedom.
George Washington's Mount Vernon is a historic estate that includes not only the Mount Vernon Mansion - George and Martha Washington's home, but also a host of colonial era buildings, beautiful gardens, a working distillery and gritsmill, and museum and education center.
With the Potomac River running behind them, students take in one last view from the backside of the Washington’s home before making their way to the tomb of both President George Washington and First Lady Martha Washington to pay their respects.