Page 32 - Sojourner Newsletter-Fall 2025v2

32 THE SOJOURNER

FOUNDING FORWARD
"Ensuring a Future Rooted in Liberty"
by
Brother Leonard Tippett, Camp Lejeune Chapter #329

The 2025 Youth Leadership Conference at FOUNDING
FORWARD ~ Valley Forge was a huge success with the
attendance of over 90 students and chaperones in
total. Camp Lejeune Chapter #329 sponsored four students
this year: Sara Bundle and Lillie Anson from North
Carolina and Jacee Briggs and Derrick Dickerson from the
North Carolina Masonic Home for Children at Oxford.

The conference had seven speakers in all from Thomas
Jefferson to George Washington, who spoke about the
L-R: Derrick Dickerson, Sara Bundle, Lillie Anson, and Declaration of Independence, the winter encampment at
Jaycee Briggs Valley Forge, the history of the signers, Civil Rights, and
how bills are made and the process involved. The students
were divided into eight groups, each assigned to accomplish tasks to include Vespers, news reporting, awards,
and a free enterprise challenge.

The Freedom Summit provided a lively interaction about Civil rights, the 1st, 2nd, and 4th amendments, and
new arguments based on those amendments; Bills passed and the impact they had on society and what they
mean today. The debate throughout the day was fierce and engaging for the students but also provided a sense
of ownership to their ideas and how it could shape a future in America.

The National Americanism Chairman, Brother Max Snell, assisted the JROTC students in the morning, raising
the American Flag and the thirteen colonial flags, followed by a ‘Building of the Flag’ presentation by the
local Heroes.

That evening, the students hosted an awards banquet
followed by an address by the keynote speaker,
Colonel John C. Church.

To top off the weekend, the students spent one
afternoon at Valley Forge Park getting a guided tour
of Washington's Winter encampment, and a morning
tour of Philadelphia to include the Liberty Bell,
Independence Hall, Betsy Ross House, and other
Revolutionary spots.

The weekend was jammed-packed and provided a
deep sense of enlightenment as the students were
engaged and filled with the excitement of learning
and being a part of history. New friends were made,
numbers exchanged, and the ride back from Valley
Forge was filled with continuous laughter, gossip,
and excitement. I want to thank those who donate to
this program. Your efforts indeed have a great
impact on our future by providing the students with
the knowledge of how it all started 250 years ago.