Middle School Retreat at the Reagan Boyhood Home in Dixon

Who? Middle School Students
When? April 14-15, 2023
Where? The Reagan Boyhood Home in Dixon, Illinois
The cost? Only $30
The details? Click here for the FAQs.

This two-day program will help students grapple with important questions about American history and better equip them to understand and defend the principles of freedom.

This program will give middle school students insight into the people, places, and ideas that shaped our 40th President, allowing them to better understand why and how Ronald Reagan changed the country and the world and how they can do the same. The very essence of President Reagan’s character is found at the Boyhood Home—his humility, optimism, hard work, love for freedom, and belief in the American Dream.

At this transformational program, students will –

•  Learn from accomplished and engaging teachers about free enterprise and American history
• Tour the home that shaped young Ronald Reagan and set him on a trajectory to the White House
• Discover how to become a young leader with well-founded principles
• Improve critical thinking and debate skills
• Engage with other students and families who care about the future of freedom

Throughout this program, students will learn from some of the brightest minds and most engaging teachers, discover why America is truly exceptional and why free market principles work, participate in interactive hands-on activities, and be inspired by the humble home that built Ronald Reagan.

This educational program will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, April 14, and will conclude at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 15.

WHAT’S INCLUDED? The registration fee of $30 includes Friday dinner and Saturday lunch, educational materials, and transportation to and from the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home for students.

ARE OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS INCLUDED? No, Young America’s Foundation does not provide hotel accommodations for this program. However, families traveling from out of town and in need of financial assistance may apply for a travel waiver to offset hotel costs. Details about how to apply can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions. We recommend booking at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites (301 E 2nd St, Rock Falls, IL 61071), which is about 20 minutes from Dixon.

ARE PARENTS INVOVLED? Parents are invited to the opening dinner banquet on Friday and to a special concluding session on Saturday afternoon at 4:00 p.m.

IS TUITION ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE? Tuition assistance may be available on a case-by-case basis for those with demonstrable financial need. Please check the Frequently Asked Questions below for instructions about how to apply.

WHAT IF WE ARE TRAVELING FROM OUT OF TOWN? While travel assistance is never guaranteed, Young America’s Foundation will gladly consider all completed requests to alleviate the cost of student flights and hotel stays. Travel assistance may be available on a case-by-case basis for those with financial need, and please check the Frequently Asked Questions below for instructions about how to apply.

WHERE DO I FIND MORE DETAILS? For details about applying for travel or tuition assistance, discounted hotel rates, dress code, retreat activities, and more, please check the program Frequently Asked Questions