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As America celebrates 250 years of independence, students need more than a history lesson. They need to understand why freedom works, what freedom requires, and how they can help carry it forward right where they are.
At Young America’s Foundation’s first regional Middle School Expedition in Minnesota, students will explore how freedom, faith, personal responsibility, and service work together in a free society.
Through dynamic teaching and outdoor activities at Minnesota Horse & Hunt Club, students will learn that freedom is not selfishness or disorder. True freedom creates the conditions for service, responsibility, stewardship, human flourishing, and wise action.
Students will see that a free society depends on people who can govern themselves, serve others, follow wise instruction, and act with discipline and courage.
On this adventure, students will:
Why Attend?
Middle school is a pivotal time. Students are forming their understanding of freedom, responsibility, character, and what kind of people they want to become.
The Minnesota Middle School Expedition gives students a concrete way to see that freedom works when people are disciplined, courageous, responsible, and willing to serve others.
Students will leave with a deeper understanding of what freedom requires and a clearer sense of how they can carry it forward in their own homes, schools, churches, and communities.
Families will select their preferred Expedition day and afternoon activity track during registration.
Students may attend one day of the Minnesota Middle School Expedition: Wednesday, September 23 or Thursday, September 24. Each day includes the same teaching sessions, lunch, outdoor activities, reflection time, and closing session.
Families will also choose one of two outdoor activity tracks. Both options help students practice responsibility, discipline, self-control, and wise action in a hands-on setting.
Shooting Sports & Responsibility Track
Students in this track will participate in supervised introductory shooting sports instruction, including sporting clays, an introductory shotgun sport, and rifle instruction, led by qualified Minnesota Horse & Hunt Club instructors.
This track emphasizes safety, discipline, respect for rules, personal responsibility, and self-control.
Space is limited to 25 spots per day.
Outdoor Leadership & Responsibility Challenge
Students in this non-shooting track will take on an afternoon of archery, field teamwork, and outdoor problem-solving. They will practice focus and precision through archery, observe a live gun-dog demonstration focused on communication and trust, and then complete an active field leadership challenge with their team.
Through these hands-on experiences, students will practice discipline, self-control, teamwork, clear communication, and responsible action.
Banquet Dinner Featuring Nick Freitas
Wednesday, September 23 | 6:00 p.m.
Families attending either day of the Minnesota Middle School Expedition are invited to join us Wednesday evening for a special banquet dinner featuring Nick Freitas.
This optional add-on gives families the opportunity to gather with other Expedition participants, hear an inspiring message on courage, conviction, and living your values, and take part in a memorable evening program connected to the larger Expedition experience.
Student tickets are complimentary. Parent tickets are $35. Additional registration is required. Space is limited.
What’s Included?
The registration fee of $40 covers all program activities, materials, lunch, snacks, and afternoon outdoor activity instruction for one day, either September 23 or September 24.
Are Parents Involved?
This Expedition is designed as a student program. Parents are invited to attend the optional evening dinner program featuring Nick Freitas. Parents are also invited to the closing session at 4:00 p.m. on the day of their registration.
Sample Agenda
This sample agenda outlines the rhythm of the Expedition, including morning teaching sessions, lunch, safety briefing, and afternoon activity tracks.
Where Do I Find More Details?
For details about travel scholarships or tuition assistance, dress code, activity tracks, parent participation, and other logistics, please check the program’s Frequently Asked Questions.
Registrations are subject to approval by YAF.
