Page 10 - Sojourner Newsletter FALL 2022

10 THE SOJOURNER

YOUTH

VALLEY FORGE, PA.– Over 40 National Sojourners®, Inc. sponsored students traveled to Valley Forge,
Pennsylvania, to attend the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge’s Spirit of America Youth Leadership
program, a transformative four-day residential program that engages high school students from across the
country with the first principles of freedom.

Both Freedoms Foundation and National Sojourners, Inc. have partnered for many years to provide students
the unique opportunity to travel to historic Valley Forge and participate in several inspiring and educational
activities, including a mock congressional debate, free enterprise challenge, workshops, and historical site
visits while developing their leadership skills. The experience inspires students to secure the blessings of
liberty daily in their own communities.

“Our children are our future, and the Spirit of America program provides them with a great opportunity to
connect on a personal level with our country’s history and founding documents,” said National Sojourners
President Denny Norris, MGySgt, USMC (Ret.). “They obtain a better understanding on how their
government works, and how to be an active, responsible citizen. Through various activities and conversations
with scholars and historical figures – like Thomas Jefferson – we have seen the students engage and absorb
information they can bring home and share with their families and communities. We appreciate the hard work
of our chapters and members for sponsoring our students and giving them this incredible opportunity.”

“I am happy to return to Freedoms Foundation and participate in this outstanding civic education program
for students,” said National Sojourners’ Americanism Chair, LTC Michael Wertz. “In addition to obtaining a
valuable education on our government, students are also connecting directly with history as they visit historic
sites in Valley Forge and Philadelphia. I look forward to helping our Chapters continue sponsoring and
recruiting more young Americans for this valuable experience.”