First trip in June of 1995.

This trip goes hand in hand with what we do in 8th Grade History. I believe travel is a great teacher. It teaches us about ourselves and others, it teaches time, place and context. It teaches responsibility, self assuredness, and kindness. This kind of travel teaches American History and culture- not just our own. I love it! I learn something new every year. I have made great friends taking this trip through the years. Taking this trip I have made history come alive for over 1400 students who have traveled with me. I love to see the lightbulbs go on in students minds when they see first hand some of the things we have talked about in class. 

That 1995 trip sold me on taking students to DC. We were at Arlington House- home to Robert E. Lee, now home to Arlington National Cemetery. We were in the upstairs of the house when the tour person said, "This is the floor Robert E Lee paced trying to decide whether to stay with the Union or go with the Conferderacy." A little girl grabbed my arm excitedly and pronounced, "Mr. Irvine, I actually learned something in your class! I thought you were making all that stuff up!" If that was the impact I had to keep doing the trip.

Same place in 2015- another young lady came up to me and said, "Mr. Irvine, I can't believe I have learned so much while having this much fun!"

My Primary Care Physician sent his two kids with me (both are now out of college), every time I go in to see him he always brings up a conversation he recently had with one of the two where one of them references the trip when they were 8th graders!

This is a labor of love for me!

I have taken all my grown kids, my Bride, and my dad on the trip. This year I am going to bring along my almost 11 year old Scott with us!

Parents are welcome to come along as tourists, no responsibility on the trip. Parents usually have the most fun out of anyone on the trip. No room checks, no curfews! Teachers usually serve as chaperones.