THE GOOSE STORY
Author Unknown
Next fall, when you see geese heading south for the winter, flying along in ‘V formation, think about what science has learned about why they fly that way.
As each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the bird immediately following it.
By flying in a ‘V formation, the whole flock can fly at least 71% farther than if each bird flew on its own.
Perhaps people who share a common direction can get where they are going quicker and easier if they cooperate.
When a goose falls out of formation, it feels the resistance of trying to go it alone, and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of flying with the flock.
If we have as much sense as a goose, we will work with others who are going the same way we are.
When the lead goose gets tired, he rotates back in the wing and another goose flies on the point.
It pays to take turns doing hard jobs for our group.
The geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.
Finally, (get this) when a goose weakens or is wounded and falls out of formation, two geese fall out with him to help and protect him.
They stay with him until he is either able to fly or until he is dead, and they then set out on their own or in another formation until they catch up with the group.
If we had the sense of a goose, we would stand by each other like that.
OBSERVATIONS and LIFE LESSONS
Observation #1: As each goose flutters its wings, it creates an updraft for the bird following it in the V-formation of migration. By flying in this V-formation, the geese are able to migrate further than if each bird flew unaccompanied.
Observation #2: When the lead goose tires, it peels off the point position and rotates back into the V-formation. Another goose then steps up and takes its turn fighting in the wind from the point position.
Observation #3: The lead goose (on the point) never honks. The geese behind the leader continue to honk praise and encouragement to the lead goose.
Observation #4: Sometimes two or three geese break away from the formation in order to look for a better wind current or a more creative and better way to fly.
Observation #5: When a goose gets sick or wounded and has to go down to land. Two other geese fall out of the formation and go with it to support and protect it. They stay with it until it dies or is able to return to the formation. Then the “escort” geese try to catch up with their own flock or another formation of geese. Life’s Lesson #1: People who share a common vision and sense of a common direction go further and faster by supporting one another.
Life Lesson#2: It pays to take turns delegating critical task to team members. It also allows everyone in an organization to grow.
Life Lesson #3: The power of praise plus recognition is critical to success as people work together on significant projects in an organization.
Life Lesson #4: An effective organization believes in constantly experimenting with new ways at methods. In today’s environment, teamwork is an absolute necessity.
Life Lesson #5: When tasks are tough we need to support one another. Delegation plus teamwork require follow-up, dialogue and support.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Day 5: A Day of Respect to Our Country's Famous Leaders and Those Who Have Served
The morning began with a visit to the Iwo Jima also known as the Marine Corp memorial. Here we watched the Marines practice for their Sunset Parade.
Next, we headed to Arlington National Cemetery. Our tour took us to President John F. Kennedy's grave, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers and the Arlington House. We watched the reverent ceremony of the changing of the guards and we witnessed a fighter jet fly over for the burial of a veteran. It was a beautiful but sobering experience.
After our tour we headed to the National Archives this is where the original drafts of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights are kept. They are in a large room for viewing, but these documents can be protected from disasters and attacks because they are placed in secured vaults.
We spent the rest of the afternoon touring the memorials and monuments. We saw the World War II, Washington, Lincoln, Vietnam War, and Korean War memorials. We also, drove past the Albert Einstein statue. Then it was off to the Pentagon City Mall for dinner, shopping and relaxation!
Next, we headed to Arlington National Cemetery. Our tour took us to President John F. Kennedy's grave, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers and the Arlington House. We watched the reverent ceremony of the changing of the guards and we witnessed a fighter jet fly over for the burial of a veteran. It was a beautiful but sobering experience.
After our tour we headed to the National Archives this is where the original drafts of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights are kept. They are in a large room for viewing, but these documents can be protected from disasters and attacks because they are placed in secured vaults.
We spent the rest of the afternoon touring the memorials and monuments. We saw the World War II, Washington, Lincoln, Vietnam War, and Korean War memorials. We also, drove past the Albert Einstein statue. Then it was off to the Pentagon City Mall for dinner, shopping and relaxation!
Day 4: Youth Day, Smithsonian and Boat Cruise
The day was jammed pack with exciting activities. We started with the Youth Rally.
Emily was introduce on stage as our 2008 Youth Leadership Council Representative! She made Louisiana proud. The rest of us livened up the place by chanting our cheer!
During the rally, we were introduced to how the electric cooperatives got their start. Actor David Landis reenacted Senator Norris's life story about his life growing up on a farm with no electricity and how he went to Congress to make a difference.
We also learned about the NRECA's Our Energy, Our Future campaign. We were encourage to go to Capitol Hill and ask the tough questions that will make a difference in our futures and our energy bills.
The rally ended with a motiviational speech from Mike Schlappi. He had an inspiring message for every American, young or old: "Just because you can't stand up, doesn't mean you can't stand out." At the age of 14, Schlappi was student body president and an Eagle Scout, and was dreaming of a career as a top American athlete when he was involved in a tragic shooting accident. Doctors told him he would never walk again, but after months of rigorous therapy, he began playing basketball from his wheelchair and went on to become an athletic standout.
Schlappi is a four-time Paralympic Medalist and two-time World Champion in Wheelchair Basketball. The only wheelchair basketball player in the United States to be on four consecutive summer Paralympic teams, Schlappi was honored by the state of Utah in 2000 as one of its Top 50 athletes of the past century.
After the rally we spent the afternoon at the Smithsonian. We were allowed to explore the many museums in the area. Everyone found something they were interested in whether it was the Air and Space , Natural History, Native American, are one of the many art museums. Unfortunately, at the same time we were scheduled to board the bus and huge storm came through. Some of us got very wet, but we all made it back to the bus safely and we headed back to the hotel to get ready for the boat cruise.
Luck was on our side! When we arrived at the docks the weather cleared up and the boat was able to sail. We had a blast. Some of us enjoyed partying on the dance floor. Some watched the beautiful city go by from the observation deck as we sailed down the Potomac River. It was great to meet some many people from different states. We traded beads and pins while getting to know about other people's homes and cultures.
Emily was introduce on stage as our 2008 Youth Leadership Council Representative! She made Louisiana proud. The rest of us livened up the place by chanting our cheer!
During the rally, we were introduced to how the electric cooperatives got their start. Actor David Landis reenacted Senator Norris's life story about his life growing up on a farm with no electricity and how he went to Congress to make a difference.
We also learned about the NRECA's Our Energy, Our Future campaign. We were encourage to go to Capitol Hill and ask the tough questions that will make a difference in our futures and our energy bills.
The rally ended with a motiviational speech from Mike Schlappi. He had an inspiring message for every American, young or old: "Just because you can't stand up, doesn't mean you can't stand out." At the age of 14, Schlappi was student body president and an Eagle Scout, and was dreaming of a career as a top American athlete when he was involved in a tragic shooting accident. Doctors told him he would never walk again, but after months of rigorous therapy, he began playing basketball from his wheelchair and went on to become an athletic standout.
Schlappi is a four-time Paralympic Medalist and two-time World Champion in Wheelchair Basketball. The only wheelchair basketball player in the United States to be on four consecutive summer Paralympic teams, Schlappi was honored by the state of Utah in 2000 as one of its Top 50 athletes of the past century.
After the rally we spent the afternoon at the Smithsonian. We were allowed to explore the many museums in the area. Everyone found something they were interested in whether it was the Air and Space , Natural History, Native American, are one of the many art museums. Unfortunately, at the same time we were scheduled to board the bus and huge storm came through. Some of us got very wet, but we all made it back to the bus safely and we headed back to the hotel to get ready for the boat cruise.
Luck was on our side! When we arrived at the docks the weather cleared up and the boat was able to sail. We had a blast. Some of us enjoyed partying on the dance floor. Some watched the beautiful city go by from the observation deck as we sailed down the Potomac River. It was great to meet some many people from different states. We traded beads and pins while getting to know about other people's homes and cultures.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Computer Problems
We are experiencing computer problems. If we can get it fixed, more post will follow. Sorry about the delay.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Day 3: Natural Bridge and Washington DC
Today was Jessica's 18th birthday. Her family surprised her with a bag full of gifts, but they were also nice enough to treat everyone in our group with candy and water guns. We are going to have lots of fun with these treats! Thank you Jessica's parents!
The Natural Bridge is one of the seven wonders of the world. We were all amazed by this beautiful work of nature.
Here are our cave dwellers!
Congratulations Emily! Emily was selected as our 2008 Youth Leadership Council Delegate. She will represent our great state of Louisiana on stage tomorrow and at the National Rural Electric Cooperative's Annual Meeting! Good Luck Emily with your duties in the upcoming year. Make us proud!
The Natural Bridge is one of the seven wonders of the world. We were all amazed by this beautiful work of nature.
Here are our cave dwellers!
Congratulations Emily! Emily was selected as our 2008 Youth Leadership Council Delegate. She will represent our great state of Louisiana on stage tomorrow and at the National Rural Electric Cooperative's Annual Meeting! Good Luck Emily with your duties in the upcoming year. Make us proud!
Day 2: On the Road...All Day
We headed out of Baton Rouge bright and early Saturday morning. We slept most of the time and watched movies. We had a good trip with great weather. We spent the night in Knoxville, TN. The highlight of the day was a festive Mexican dinner at a local restaurant. Some of us even enjoyed virgin margaritas and virgin daiquiris!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Day 1: Orientation and Getting Reacquainted
We spent the evening getting reacquainted with our friends we made in March at the Leadership Conference. We had a great dinner at the hotel and Mrs. Sandy went over the itentary and what we can expect in the upcoming week. Katherine last year's Youth Leadership Council representative came to talk about her Youth Tour trip and all the doors it opened for her this past year. We ended the night hanging out and swimming. We even enjoyed a game of Marco Polo in the pool. The trip is off to a great start! Stay tuned and check out our photo gallery at http://youthtour.smugmug.com/
Friday, June 13, 2008
Photo Gallery
Each day I will be posting photos to the Youth Tour Photo gallery. Go to the following website: http://youthtour.smugmug.com/ and click on 2008 Youth Tour Gallery. Then click on Louisiana. Enjoy! Also stay tuned to this blog.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Pack as Light as Possible
I know we are going to be gone for a long time, but remember we have to unload the bus serveral times. You might want to call your roommates and see if there are any items you all can share. You do not need to pack towels or hair dryers...the hotel provides those items. The only time you may need a towel or wet wipes is on Thursday when we are traveling home on the bus because we do not stop at a hotel that night.
Have we mentioned before to pack comfortable shoes? Yes I know you are tired of hearing us say that, but it's the most important item you will pack for this trip.
A great way to help you pack for this trip is to use the iternary along with the dress code guide Mrs. Sandy gave you. Then decide what you are going to wear for each day.
Pack for Friday, Saturday and Sunday in a small carry on bag and then pack the rest of the week in a larger bag.
Have we mentioned before to pack comfortable shoes? Yes I know you are tired of hearing us say that, but it's the most important item you will pack for this trip.
A great way to help you pack for this trip is to use the iternary along with the dress code guide Mrs. Sandy gave you. Then decide what you are going to wear for each day.
Pack for Friday, Saturday and Sunday in a small carry on bag and then pack the rest of the week in a larger bag.
Electronic Device Policy
Sometimes we just need a reminder--
Items such as cell phones, Ipod/mp3 players, laptops, DVD players etc. should only be used during appropriate times. Electronic devices should never be used while a chaperone is giving instructions, during elected official visits, meals, touring, or presentations. A chaperone will advise you when it is appropriate to use such items. Personal cell phone calls should only be made/received in your rooms before breakfast or at night after room check. (It is probably a good idea to let your parents know that you will only call them in the evenings once you have returned to your room.) We recommend you bring your cell phones with you only for emergency purposes or to assist the chaperones or other groups in locating each other. Keep in mind if you do not recognize a number calling you it may be a chaperone trying to get in touch with you.
Disobeying this policy will result in you losing your cell phone the remainder of the trip. As well has having to call your parents to inform them why you no longer have a cell phone during the trip.
Items such as cell phones, Ipod/mp3 players, laptops, DVD players etc. should only be used during appropriate times. Electronic devices should never be used while a chaperone is giving instructions, during elected official visits, meals, touring, or presentations. A chaperone will advise you when it is appropriate to use such items. Personal cell phone calls should only be made/received in your rooms before breakfast or at night after room check. (It is probably a good idea to let your parents know that you will only call them in the evenings once you have returned to your room.) We recommend you bring your cell phones with you only for emergency purposes or to assist the chaperones or other groups in locating each other. Keep in mind if you do not recognize a number calling you it may be a chaperone trying to get in touch with you.
Disobeying this policy will result in you losing your cell phone the remainder of the trip. As well has having to call your parents to inform them why you no longer have a cell phone during the trip.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Movies
We will be bringing some movies for everyone to watch while we travel. Here is a list of movies we will have. If you have some movies in your collection that are not listed and you would like to bring them with you email Ms. Addie and she will post them to the blog so everyone doesn't bring the same movies. Remember the movies must be rated G, PG or PG 13 only. Remember to stay tune to the blog because I will post any movies that we add to the list!
2 Fast 2 Furious PG-13
Alvin and the Chipmunks PG
Are We Done Yet PG
Are We There Yet PG
Around the Word in 80 Days PG
Austin Powers PG-13
Bee Movie PG
Big Momma's House 2 PG-13
Bruce Almighty PG-13
Cars G
Cast Away PG-13
City Slickers PG-13
Cool Runnings PG
Diary of a Mad Black Woman PG-13
Envy PG-13
Ernest Goes to Africa PG
Ernest Goes to Camp PG
Ernest Goes to Jail PG
Ernest in the Army PG
Ernest Scared Stupid PG
Finding Nemo G
George of the Jungle 2 PG
Ghostbusters PG
Gone in 60 Seconds PG-13
Goosebumps Cry of the Cat G
Grease PG
Happy Feet PG
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire PG-13
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban PG
Herbie Fully Loaded G
Ice Age the Meltdown G
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade PG-13
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark PG
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom PG
Inspector Gadget PG
Inspector Gadget 2 G
Jaws PG
Jaws the Revenge PG-13
Jurassic Park 3 PG-13
Lilo & Stitch 2 PG
Live Free or Die Hard PG-13
Madagascar PG
Narnia PG
National Treasure PG
Princess Diaries 2 G
Radio PG
Rush Hour PG-13
RV PG
Shrek the Third PG
Slam Dunk Ernest PG
Spider Man 2 PG-13
Surf's Up PG
The Day After Tomorrow PG-13
The Princess Diaries G
The Pursuit of Happyness PG-13
The Sandlot PG
The Sandlot Heading Home PG
The Toy PG
Three Amigos PG
Top Gun PG
Tower of Terror PG
Transformers PG-13
Tremors PG-13
Tremors After Socks PG-13
Weekend at Bernie's 2 PG
Wild Hogs PG-13
13 Going on 30 PG-13
Ace Ventura Pet Detective PG-13
Ace Ventura When Nature Calls PG-13
Alex and Emma PG-13
Big Daddy PG-13
Curious George G
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels PG
French Kiss PG-13
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days PG-13
Last Holiday PG-13
Legally Blonde II PG-13
Meet Joe Black PG-13
Meet the Fockers PG-13
Mona Lisa Smile PG-13
Mr. Deeds PG-13
My Big Fat Greek Wedding PG
National Geographic Arlington Field of Honor G
National Geographic Inside the White House G
National Geographic Air Force One G
National Geographic Inside the Pentagon G
Night at the Museum PG
No Reservation PG
Oceans 11 PG-13
Oceans 12 PG-13
Open Season PG
Out to Sea PG-13
Over the Hedge PG
Robin Hood Men in Tights PG-13
Rudy PG
Runaway Bride PG
Space Balls PG
The Best of the Beverly Hillbillies TV Show G
The Beverly Hillbillies PG
The Hunt for Red October PG
The Little Rascals PG
The Nutty Professor PG-13
The Terminal PG-13
The Wedding Planner PG-13
Tommy Boy PG-13
Uncle Buck PG
What Women Want PG-13
Without a Paddle PG-13
2 Fast 2 Furious PG-13
Alvin and the Chipmunks PG
Are We Done Yet PG
Are We There Yet PG
Around the Word in 80 Days PG
Austin Powers PG-13
Bee Movie PG
Big Momma's House 2 PG-13
Bruce Almighty PG-13
Cars G
Cast Away PG-13
City Slickers PG-13
Cool Runnings PG
Diary of a Mad Black Woman PG-13
Envy PG-13
Ernest Goes to Africa PG
Ernest Goes to Camp PG
Ernest Goes to Jail PG
Ernest in the Army PG
Ernest Scared Stupid PG
Finding Nemo G
George of the Jungle 2 PG
Ghostbusters PG
Gone in 60 Seconds PG-13
Goosebumps Cry of the Cat G
Grease PG
Happy Feet PG
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire PG-13
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban PG
Herbie Fully Loaded G
Ice Age the Meltdown G
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade PG-13
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark PG
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom PG
Inspector Gadget PG
Inspector Gadget 2 G
Jaws PG
Jaws the Revenge PG-13
Jurassic Park 3 PG-13
Lilo & Stitch 2 PG
Live Free or Die Hard PG-13
Madagascar PG
Narnia PG
National Treasure PG
Princess Diaries 2 G
Radio PG
Rush Hour PG-13
RV PG
Shrek the Third PG
Slam Dunk Ernest PG
Spider Man 2 PG-13
Surf's Up PG
The Day After Tomorrow PG-13
The Princess Diaries G
The Pursuit of Happyness PG-13
The Sandlot PG
The Sandlot Heading Home PG
The Toy PG
Three Amigos PG
Top Gun PG
Tower of Terror PG
Transformers PG-13
Tremors PG-13
Tremors After Socks PG-13
Weekend at Bernie's 2 PG
Wild Hogs PG-13
13 Going on 30 PG-13
Ace Ventura Pet Detective PG-13
Ace Ventura When Nature Calls PG-13
Alex and Emma PG-13
Big Daddy PG-13
Curious George G
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels PG
French Kiss PG-13
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days PG-13
Last Holiday PG-13
Legally Blonde II PG-13
Meet Joe Black PG-13
Meet the Fockers PG-13
Mona Lisa Smile PG-13
Mr. Deeds PG-13
My Big Fat Greek Wedding PG
National Geographic Arlington Field of Honor G
National Geographic Inside the White House G
National Geographic Air Force One G
National Geographic Inside the Pentagon G
Night at the Museum PG
No Reservation PG
Oceans 11 PG-13
Oceans 12 PG-13
Open Season PG
Out to Sea PG-13
Over the Hedge PG
Robin Hood Men in Tights PG-13
Rudy PG
Runaway Bride PG
Space Balls PG
The Best of the Beverly Hillbillies TV Show G
The Beverly Hillbillies PG
The Hunt for Red October PG
The Little Rascals PG
The Nutty Professor PG-13
The Terminal PG-13
The Wedding Planner PG-13
Tommy Boy PG-13
Uncle Buck PG
What Women Want PG-13
Without a Paddle PG-13
Monday, June 2, 2008
Smithsonian Tours
We will be spending one afternoon at the Smithsonian. This link: http://www.si.edu/ is a great tool for you to use to plan what you would like to see while touring. If you have any questions, please email Ms. Addie. She has several guide books with information about the different museums.
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