Program Details

When you participate in a Student Summit, you'll set out each day with trained Expedition Leaders and National Geographic Experts on dynamic field expeditions to monuments, museums, and leading policy-making institutions. You'll step behind the scenes at National Geographic headquarters, meeting editors, researchers, cartographers, and explorers.

You'll have the opportunity to learn about our nation's heritage and the story of D.C. itself through the lenses of our daily themes: storytelling, conservation, geoliteracy, cultural heritage, exploration, and stewardship.

At each point along the way, you'll be having fun and getting to know fellow students from other schools around the country. You'll learn to use reporting techniques to tell the story of your and your fellow travelers' experiences; and after the trip, you'll have the option to share what you've learned on the National Geographic Student Summit blog.

Sample Itinerary

The following is a sample itinerary for our week-long programs. Your group's exact itinerary may differ based on program length, your teacher's activity choices, or to take advantage of timely D.C. events such as the National Geographic Museum's exhibition of China's terra-cotta warriors (through March 31) or the D.C. Environmental Film Festival (March 16-28).

Day 1 — Sunday
Our Approach to Exploration and Storytelling

Welcome to Washington! A National Geographic expert's introduction kicks-off the Summit. On your first field expedition, you'll explore D.C.'s famous sites by night, including the Washington Monument and the Lincoln, the Korean War, Vietnam Veterans, and World War II Memorials. Practice your photography and reporting skills at these national landmarks.

Day 2 — Monday
Mapmaking and Geoliteracy

It's off to the Museum of Natural History, where dinosaur bones, Darwin's notes, and deep sea displays help tell the story of our planet. Then take a behind-the-scenes tour of National Geographic headquarters and meet with a National Geographic cartographer. Finally hit the streets of D.C. and begin crafting your own D.C. Mega-Map!

Day 3 — Tuesday
Exploration and Discovery

Meet the famous pandas and other animals at the National Zoo. After lunch and a photography session with a National Geographic photographer, you'll work alongside our National Geographic imaging experts to deploy a TripCam — a remote camera triggered by the animals — in Rock Creek Park. End the day with a career panel, where you'll meet journalists, scientists, academics, and government officials; and participate in a dynamic discussion.

Day 4 — Wednesday
Leadership and Public Policy

Today we climb Capitol Hill! See where the laws that govern our nation are made; you might even have the chance to meet with a congressperson or staffer. Next, tour the Supreme Court, then head over to the Library of Congress to see some of our country's most powerful primary sources. Finally, you'll visit the Museum of American History to learn the story of our nation from artifacts, exhibits, and even actors. After a stop to view the White House, an evening of comedy or theatre caps off the day.

Day 5 — Thursday
Conservation: Environmental Protection and Cultural Heritage

Learn how to make a difference as a National Geographic magazine editor discusses a recent conservation topic covered in the magazine, then visit the Environmental Protection Agency. Your afternoon field expedition might include the National Museum of the American Indian, the Arlington Cemetery, the Museum of American Art, or the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. Tonight, head out to a game at Nationals Ballpark.

Day 6 — Friday
Community Service, Stewardship, and Wrap-up

Begin the day with a community-service project, then get ready for the Geography Hunt. You'll apply all you've learned during the Summit by collecting geographic, photographic, and written information on a scavenger hunt throughout the city. At our closing ceremony, a National Geographic expert will tell you about opportunities to publish your stories, maps, and photos on the Student Summit website and blog. Then we'll celebrate at the farewell party!

Day 7 — Saturday
Departure

Bid D.C. a fond farewell and head home to share all that you've learned.