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Washington, D.C.

Deerfield Travel Programs

Democracy and Civic Dialogue

During Long Winter Weekend, a group of students will travel to Washington, DC to learn about democracy and civic life in action. Students will have the opportunity to engage in topics of debate, advocacy, and role of museums, non-profit organizations, and government in shaping and narrating the American story. Students will leave the DC trip with a better understanding of how they can make an impact in civic life and advocacy with issues that they care about. Students will also leave with an eagerness to seek out new perspectives and develop empathy as a civic skill.

While students will have the opportunity to see the most popular sites in the capital, they will also have the opportunity to seek out some of the less told stories. While we have robust contacts and opportunities planned in Washington, D.C., the details of the itinerary will be finalized based on the interests and goals of the final group selected.  Students will leave this trip with a better understanding of how they can make an impact in civic life and advocacy with issues that they care about. 

Program Notes

  • During this trip, students will stay in hotels. Meals will be shared at hotels, restaurants, or picnic-style.
  • This travel program takes place during the entirety of Long Winter Weekend. Students will depart campus together on Thursday, Feb. 1 and return to campus together on Feb. 5.   
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Program Dates

February 1–5, 2024 (Long Winter Weekend)

Program Eligibility

This program is open to all students with a preference towards those who are interested in exploring the nation’s capital and its stories.  All interested students are encouraged to apply by November 5. Financial Aid is available to all qualifying students.

Faculty Trip Leaders

  • Mary Ellen Friends; Brian Hamilton

Approx. trip cost: $2,100 (*includes estimated round-trip train cost from MA to DC.)

Deerfield Academy’s Center for Service and Global Citizenship strives to make all of our travel programs affordable and accessible for all students while ensuring a high quality global education experience. While the costs of travel around the world have been rising steadily over the past several years, all of our trips are subsidized, and thanks to the generosity of many we are able to provide robust financial aid for qualifying students.

2024 Preliminary Itinerary

*This itinerary is subject to change

February 1:  Departure from Deerfield, MA

  • Train from Greenfield, MA to Washington, DC
  • Hotel check-in & settling in

February 2-5:

Over the course of this travel program, students may visit the following locations:

  • National Museum of the American Indian
  • National Museum of African American History and Culture
  • The National Treasury
  • Congressional Offices
  • The Supreme Court
  • National Monuments
  • Non-profits and advocacy groups
  • Attending an athletic event in a large auditorium or stadium

February 5:

  • Return to campus via train from Washington, DC – Greenfield, MA