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WILL members commit to participate in all WILL activities, which typically take place once or twice a month, usually on Saturdays. Extended trips, such as the Wilderness Expedition or Chesapeake Bay Adventure, are exceptions (see below). No WILL activities interfere with members' regular school schedules. And all activities, whether a trip to the XM Satellite Radio studios, the theatre, college admissions forum, service project, or high adventure on the Chesapeake Bay or Appalachian Trail, enlarge the life experiences, and build character and the leadership potential of our members.

1. Challenge/Ropes Course - On two wonderful fall Saturdays in October and November 2006, WILL kicked off its 2006 - 2007 year with a challenge/ropes course. The day features various challenges that help to form a cohesive WILL unit built on trust and teamwork. The day begins with ice breakers and other getting-acquainted activities and moves to "low ropes" challenges designed to build trust and foster teamwork among newly acquainted WILL members. The afternoon's "high ropes" challenge reinforces the mornings lessons and calls WILL members to reach beyond their comfort zones for new horizons.


"WILL has taught me that there’s always going to be challenges in life because nothing good comes easily. So I should be prepared to face different obstacles and all I have to do is stay strong and believe in myself." — Mankah	"The ropes course was a time where we didn't know each other and we started to trust each other more after that day. I set some goals to complete and I did." — Olester

2. Parents Orientation - Early in the fall, WILL holds an orientation for parents and new WILL members. See "Parents" page for details (click here).

3. On Board the Susquehanna to Learn How to Keep the Bay Healthy - On the two Saturdays before Thanksgiving, WILL goes aboard the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's (CBF's) boat, "The Susquehanna," to learn about the importance of the Bay to the region, the integral role that the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers play in keeping the Bay healthy, and how our lives on land impact these vital waterways. WILL members pair up to perform different water quality tests and then describe their results to the group. We also pull fish from the rivers to learn how to identify and handle them, an exciting new experience for most WILL members. The Susquehanna is a workboat originally designed for crabbing and dredging oysters on the Chesapeake. It is a great way to spend a fall day--and educational, too.

"We need to know more about our rivers and see how bad they are and how we can help improve it." — Lashawn

4. WILL's Holiday Party - Each December, WILL members and their families gather together to celebrate the holiday season with a festive party. WILL members arrive early and decorate the party room in true holiday style. The families then join for a tasty meal and festivities which include a special, personal gift for each WILL member commemorating the first part of his/her year-long WILL adventure. On December 9, 2006, 75 WILL members and their families celebrated this special day together..

7. A Day at the Lanes. On February 19, 2007, WILL members took advantage of a scheduled day off from school by bowling at DC's Lucky Strike bowling lanes. It was a day of good fun and camaraderie, which helped the group grow closer.

"We went bowling to loosen up and get to know each other better… and have fun doing it." — Rolando

"One thing the bowling experience can give a person as a leader is participating, communicating, supporting each other, and having fun as a group." — Samrawit

8. Afro-Cuban Music. On March 17, 2007, WILL had the good fortune to learn about the roots of Afro-Cuban music and to experience the music of Cuba and other Latin American cultures from Steve, Kike, and Miguel, a/k/a Sweet Saludos. This trio is renowned in the DC area and countries around the globe, and has graced the Millennium Stage. It was a wonderful day of cultural exchange and interactive learning, as WILL members were taught how to play the instruments, and got to play them along with our musical ambassadors.

9. Spring Break on the Bay - During spring break, we spent three days with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) at one of its four Environmental Education Centers on the Bay, learning more about Bay ecology and the watershed. To further our members' knowledge of the Bay, WILL traveled to the Karen Noonan Center for three days and two nights, staying in what had formerly been an old hunting lodge, now converted to an educational facility for the CBF. We explored and helped clean barrier islands, dredged oysters, made s'mores, and expanded our growing knowledge and appreciation of the Bay's importance to our region and of our role in the Bay's future.

"It was a time for us to separate ourselves from the loud city and enjoy the bay. Lying in the marsh at night was quiet, relaxing, and peaceful. I really appreciate all that the program has done for us." —Rolando

"We came down here to escape from our own worlds and get into the world of nature. I got to do FUN things that I never did at home. Watching the sunset and sunrise was beautiful and relaxing." — Mankah

10. Kennedy Center - On April 14, WILL members were graciously hosted by Mickey Berra, Vice President of Production, for a unique view behind the scenes at The Kennedy Center. Mickey has worked at The Kennedy Center since it opened rising from stage hand to his current position running the production side of the Kennedy Center – without question, no one knows the inside of the Kennedy Center better than Mickey. It was truly an amazing day, as we learned what it takes to bring a production to the stage—from load-in to opening night. We saw stage crews hard at work, seamstresses making costumes, the change out of operas from the opera performed the night before to the one to be performed that night starring Placido Domingo; peeked into Mr. Domingo's dressing room; were on stage where the Royal Shakespeare Theatre was performing Coriolanus; played with props from the show, visited the Sheer Madness set, and ate in The Kennedy Center Mess. It was an exceptional day and we all owe Mickey many thanks for making it happen.

11. College Admissions Forum - On April 28, representatives from Trinity University (DC), Washington and Lee, Penn State, and Towson introduced WILL members and their families to the "mysteries" of the college admissions process and what colleges look for in prospective students. At this annual forum, WILL members are able to introduce themselves to the college representatives, who are always eager to get acquainted with exceptional young men and women early in the student identification process. This is also a good discussion relating to the financing of college tuition led by an experienced person from the student loan industry.

“The WILL College Admissions Forum was a great opportunity for students to hear about various aspects of the college admissions process from knowledgeable professionals representing diverse institutions. As an admissions officer, I especially appreciated the opportunity I had to interact one-on-one with such talented and motivated students.” — Sharon Alston, Director of Admissions, American University

12. Service Project on the banks of the Anacostia - On May 19, WILL members, along with a few volunteers from the local Washington & Lee University Alumni Chapter, participated in a full-day service project working with the Anacostia Watershed Society near Kingman Island on the Anacostia River. We learned to identify native and invasive plants in the area and removed invasive plants so that native plant species could again thrive along the banks of the Anacostia River. This project exemplifies the relationship WILL endeavors to establish with the City: to play a regular role in the upkeep and survival of such a vital resource of our Nation's capital. WILL believes it is essential for its members, as leaders, to understand and appreciate the importance of giving back to one's community.

"How many people do you know that go around saying they dug up honey suckers and helped the Anacostia River? Not that many!" — Keami

13. Scavenger Hunt on the National Mall - On June 2, WILL members had an exhilarating and educational day learning about our Nation's history depicted in many monumants and memorials and finding hidden gems in the rich museums along the Mall. The day started with a leadership exercise. WILL members were divided into teams a week in advance and had to develop plans to arrive at the Mall together and find Steve at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to receive each team's distinct list of historic items and works of art to locate, including: the number of columns around the Lincoln Memorial and what they represent (do you know?), the date the first American was killed in the Vietnam War, what the stars on the Wall of Freedom at the WW II Memorial represent, what is the name of the boat in Winslow Homer's Breezing Up, what is the weight of the Hope Diamond, fascinating sculptures in the Sculpture Garden at the National Art Gallery, and how many lions are in Reubens' Daniel in the Lions' Den. It was an invigorating day for all.

"This once-in-a-lifetime experience allowed me to explore parts of my own city that I never thought I would explore. It also unleashed the part of me that enjoys history, art, and animals." — Rolando

"My day chaperoning the WILL scavenger hunt exceeded all of my expectations. As we walked along the mall and talked about their schools, their families, and shared our stories, I saw all the potential in the world in these kids. I can't wait to help out at a future WILL event." — Meghan, WILL Volunteer

14. WILL Expedition – The long anticipated Expedition arrived during the summer. This year, WILL's size necessitated three 7-day Expeditions, one in July and two in August. In conjunction with the Baltimore-Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound Center, WILL members explored the furthest reaches of our physical, mental, and spiritual boundaries as we backpacked along the Maryland and Pennsylvania sections of the famous Appalachian Trail. We pushed beyond our perceived limits to develop greater confidence in ourselves and greater trust in each other. We also learned to appreciate even more the benefits of working as a team. Most importantly, we learned that, with commitment, we can reach the goals we set for our lives. We also learned how to properly pack our packs, as we carried all our gear and provisions on our backs, we purified our water, cooked our food, went rock climbing, and participated in other fun and informative initiatives, including the famed Outward Bound Solo. We learned how to read a map, use a compass, set up a campsite, and apply "leave no trace" ethics and techniques so that wildlife and future visitors can also enjoy the unaltered great outdoors.

"WILL has taught me that there's always going to be challenges in life because nothing good comes easily. So I should be prepared to face different obstacles and all I have to do is stay strong and believe in myself." — Mankah

15. In between the Expedition and Graduation, WILL members had a choice of activities from which to choose as the final experience before Graduation and overwhelmingly opted to return to the Museum of Natural History and the National Gallery of Art.

16. Graduation - On September 15, WILL members and their families who successfully completed the year gathered at XM Radio to celebrate their accomplishments and honor their commitment to themselves, each other, and to WILL. WILL graduates and their families toured the innovative XM facilities and witnessed live prodcasts – capping off a year of new experiences and experiential learning. WILL graduation is both a joyous and reflective time for everyone.

Each WILL year is a little different. Along with the activities and adventures described above, past events have included a tour of the U.S. Capitol, a visit to the 3rd District Metropolitan Police Station (with a ride in a police motorcycle sidecar!), a tour of the Pentagon, a visit to the Discovery Channel, and a DC United soccer match.

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