Back to DC – 2015

Acclaimed as TeenPact’s oldest Alumni Event,  Back to DC combines all the integral elements of TeenPact with a unique flare that only our nation’s capital can offer. Think worship at the Lincoln Memorial, prayer time on a rooftop overlooking the city, speaker sessions with national conservative leaders,Ultimate Frisbee on the National Mall, and Rendezvous four miles away from where the President lives.

My favorite part about the week was how much time we had to just talk with each other. Mealtimes, metro rides, free time, short moments between program elements. We had so much time to get to know each other well, and to have conversations on things of substance…God worked through His people at Back to DC. – Noah Martin, VA

One of the highlights of this year’s event was the high-caliber speakers that students had the opportunity to hear from. We heard from teachers at the Leadership Institute and friends of TeenPact at The Heritage Foundation before heading off to private tours of the Capitol building led by staff from the offices of our team’s Congressmen. The following day we had the special privilege of attending FRC Action’s Values Voter Summit, a national event that showcases the nation’s top conservative leaders. Back to DC students heard from Presidential hopefuls Senator Marco Rubio, Senator Ted Cruz, Donald Trump, Dr. Ben Carson, Former Governor Mike Huckabee, Senator Rand Paul, Former Governor Rick Perry, and Former Senator Rick Santorum. Other conservative leaders were present as well, such as Senator John McCain and Kansas Governor Sam Brownback.

The opportunity to hear from and meet so many important people made the days very full. The information intake was intensely inspiring. To balance out the time in sessions, students spent a good part of the week touring the capital, another Back to DC distinctive. One evening, students donned Back to DC shirts and wove their way through the national monuments and war memorials. After taking group photos in front of the White House, making a giant circle around the Washington Monument, and walking down the Vietnam War Memorial in a reverent discipline of silence, the tour concluded with a worship set in front of the Lincoln Memorial. For many, this was the most impacting part of the week.

Being able to worship in public without anyone stopping us and some even joining us was such an awesome experience. I think God was teaching me that no matter what we should worship him, rain or shine. – Seth Martin, VA

As young Americans, most of the students had the cognitive awareness that they are free to worship the Lord anywhere, but to actually practice this freedom on a revered national landmark was not only humbling but also induced much gratefulness for the blessings that God has lavished upon our country.

As we proclaimed the Amazing Grace extended to us in front of the Lincoln Memorial, I felt the Lord pointing out to me that this is what it looks like to be Light– bold little Lights proclaiming His gospel…Experiences like this change your heart. – Bekah Runey, PA

As he addressed the students one morning, Program Director Quinton Cools said, “God’s call on your life is that which defines everything about who you are and what you do.” This event was about far more than politics, academics, or patriotism– a desire to follow Jesus outshone everything. The staff team purposed above all else to send students home not only mentally stretched but also spiritually stretched. All in all, God was kind to bless this desire.

We hope that you will join us next year for Back to DC.

Photo Creds: Tanner Henvey, Theo Stangebye