A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words...

by Paxton Delany - Thursday, August 11, 2016

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:

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Welcome the 2016 Y.E.S Class!

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Kyle Weaver, Executive Director of NRA General Operations, welcomes the summiteers and discusses the various programs NRA offers.

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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.

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Games are a staple of Friends of NRA Events and students were more than willing to participant and join in the fun.

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Smiles are all around when you have this many tickets. Let's hope he got a good prize with all those tickets!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Nothing is better than the feeling you get when looking at your target and seeing a great grouping and sharing that excitement with your new friend.

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Smiles were infectious at the NRA Range as students saw their progression.

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Students explored the American History Museum at the Capitol on their first day in the city.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Students debated topics including, immigration, reciprocity for firearms licenses on a national level, and other current issues.

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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...

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Students enjoyed exploring the city while visiting historic monuments across town.

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One monument in particular caught the interest of many of the summiteers – the Lincoln Memorial which faces the Washington monument.

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Other memorials that were visited by the students included, the WWII Memorial, Vietnam Memorial and the Korean War Memorial.

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Group photo on the steps leading up the the Lincoln Memorial.

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The Y.E.S. students created monuments out of themselves while touring all of D.C.'s numerous monuments!

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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!

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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.

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Students were greeted by a marine who conducted a brief Q&A session with the students before heading inside.

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Summiteers had the chance to navigate through the National Museum of the Marine Corps, and even took a minute to stop for a unique photo op!

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The group’s next stop was to the home of none other, George Washington's Mount Vernon.

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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.

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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.

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Students gather for a special photo opportunity with the acclaimed Iwo Jima statue to reflect.

Meet and read more about the experience of four 2016 Y.E.S students here

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