On August 21, 2007, the Mount Vernon Kiwanis Club chartered a commercial bus and professional driver to make a Field Trip to the Maryland Science Center in Baltimore, MD. The weather was bright and sunny, but not humid. On what turned out to be a day to remember, 20 children and 11 chaperones from the Janna Lee Neighborhood Center boarded the bus, which then stopped to pick up 21 excited children from the Sacramento Neighborhood Center and their 4 chaperones.

For most of the children aged 7 to 14, it was their first trip to Baltimore. For some, it was their first experience with morning rush hour. The stop and go of the traffic did not dampen their enthusiasm, but it did make them all the more anxious to get to their destination. Occasionally interrupted by a collective "are we there yet," staff used the opportunity to point out landmarks and share little known historical facts with the group. To help further, Sandra Medrano, Senior Youth Counselor at Janna Lee and trip coordinator, handed out cold beverages purchased the day before for this adventure. At the Maryland Science Center, Sandra purchased 56 tickets, and then the Science Center staff informed the group about the various exhibits and offered a summary about each. The children then went off to explore.

They were in awe of all they saw and touched. From the area where fossils of large mammals and sea creatures were displayed to the exhibits of the earth and other planetary bodies, the children were amazed. They learned about telecommunications, the effects of the solar system on weather, how the soil helps determine the age of fossils, the body's defense system, and other "cool" stuff.

A few hours later, the group broke away from their exploration to have lunch in the cafeteria (paid for by MV Kiwanis). After lunch, the children and their chaperones walked along Baltimore's Inner Harbor to experience the hustle and bustle of city life. They delighted in the scenery, remarked at the number of restaurants, and clamored upon seeing the Hard Rock Cafe.

Then it was time to go home. The ride home was lively as the children recounted their experiences with one another. Beverages were handed out again to the thirsty but satisfied bunch.

(Upper right: Children from the neighborhood centers participate in hands-on exhibits at the Maryland Science Museum. Upper left: Group photo in front of the bus.)