Scholars explored local sites throughout the summer. Most of the trips were designed to bring ideas that are central to the Academy to life.
June 29: Tysons Corner Mall & Beat the Bomb
BSA's first Saturday excursion kicked off at the mall in Tyson's Corner, Virginia. Students were tasked with identifying outfits that fell within a variety of categories, ranging from classroom casual to evening professional. Scholars were encouraged to make selections that both fit the occasion and reflected their unique style. While they were not required to purchase the outfits, they were asked to think about how they might present themselves professionally in different contexts. This experience was a precursor to the Wednesday evening Alumni Spotlight networking events, which had a professional dress code. The day concluded with a trip to Beat the Bomb, which offered team-based games that called for collaborative problem solving.
July 4: Hershey Park
Independence Day generally falls during the first week of classes. Recognizing that many of our scholars live too far from campus to be with their families, BSA brought the celebration to Hershey, Pennsylvania. Scholars reported that the trip gave them an opportunity to get to know their peers and ameliorated--if just temporarily--feelings of homesickness.
A scholar poses in a professional outfit from Tyson's Corner Mall.
Scholars explore the "Ready...Set...Grow!" theme with a trip to Mary's Land Farm in Ellicott City, Maryland. The piglets were a big hit, despite their proclivity for mud.
July 6: Mary's Land Farm
Scholars traveled to Mary's Land Farm in Ellicott City to learn about their livestock and hydroponic operations. They learned how to milk goats, churn butter, and prepare pesto as part of their exploration into what it means to grow.
July 13: Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Tour
A BSA staple, the Harriet Tubman bus tour and National Park visit introduced scholars to notable Underground Railroad sites.
July 20: National Museum of African American History & Culture and National Mall
The Black history journey continued with a visit to the National Museum of African American History & Culture. Scholars worked in groups to complete a scavenger hunt, and then explored the National Mall with their mentors.
African Art Museum on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Scholars pose with their Supplemental Instructor on the deck of a boat in Baltimore Harbor.
August 2: Baltimore Harbor Dinner Cruise
Scholars celebrated their successes on the last full day of the Academy with a dinner cruise on Baltimore Harbor.
