Wonders of Washington
National 4-H Youth Conference Center
7100 Connecticut Ave.
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Phone: 301.961.2801

FAQ

Who can participate in a WOW?
When can we go?
What is the cost?
What do we see?
Can we plan our own itinerary?
Do you arrange White House tours?
Can you arrange our transportation?
Are their discounts for groups over a certain size?
Who will lead the program?
Where will we be staying?
Does the National 4-H Youth Conference Center have security on-site?
What should my child bring on the trip?
Can you meet dietary restrictions?
Will there be time to shop for souvenirs?
How long have you been in business?
How can we reach our child in case of an emergency?
How is the trip chaperoned?
Can I pick my roommates?
What is the weather like in Washington D.C.?
What will we do on the trip?

Who can participate in a WOW?
WOWs are open to any group of youth and adults of 25 people or more. WOW tours are perfect for schools, scouting programs, church groups or other youth organizations.
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When can we go?
 Anytime! WOW programs are available year-round for 2-6 nights.
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What is the cost?
WOW costs per person are determined by the length of the program and the occupancy level of our guest rooms, and are competitive with other DC youth programs. For specific pricing information please contact our Sales Office.
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What do we see?
WOW programs include the major DC sites including the Smithsonian, Arlington Cemetery, the Capital Building, the monuments, Ford's Theater and many more! Check our sample itineraries page for specific sites by program. Longer trips can include days outside Washington at places such as Baltimore Inner Harbor or Gettysburg (additional costs maybe required). Check out our sample itineraries.
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Can we plan our own itinerary?
WOW itineraries are not a la cart, however we do have flexibility to change some aspects of the tour to fit specific requests. The WOW itineraries have been designed to ensure your youth experience as much of DC as possible over the program length, and ensure meaningful experiences at each site.
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Do you arrange White House tours?
A: No outside tour operators are currently able to arrange these tours due to increased security precautions. White House tours must be arranged by your group through your congressional or senatorial representative's office. If such a tour is arranged we will make sure to create time in your itinerary for this fantastic experience!
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Can you arrange our transportation?
Yes! We can arrange your tour buses to pick you up at the airport or train station once you have reached DC, and drop you off after your tour. Travel to and from Washington, DC is at the group's discretion. Once your WOW program starts, you will travel around the city in a tour bus. A WOW program assistant will be with you at all times to help navigate the city. Ask our Sales Office for more information.
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Are their discounts for groups over a certain size?
For every 30 people in your group you will receive a discount based upon one person at the quad occupancy pricing level of your tour length. Ask our Sales Office for more information.
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Who will lead the program?
Each group has a Program Assistant to serve as your trip's tour guide and facilitator. PAs are trained in leadership, group dynamics and facilitation. They take the Washington DC tour guide certification exam, so they are fully licensed city guides. Your Program Assistant is a young adult, either still in college or just recently graduated and serves as a role model for your young people.
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Where will we be staying?
Wonders of Washington is proud to call the National 4-H Youth Conference Center its home. Youth will be staying in rooms at the Center, and eating some of their meals in the Clover Cafe. Please visit the National 4-H Youth Conference Center's web site for more information.
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Does the National 4-H Youth Conference Center have security on-site?
Yes. We take the security of our young guests very seriously, which is why we have security staff on property 24 hours per day from a highly respected security company. Additional security officers can be rented for your group's room blocks. Ask our Sales Office for more information.
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What should my child bring on the trip?
Please see the suggested packing list available on the Resources page. In addition to this, please check the weather prior to departure and pack accordingly. One of the most important things to remember to pack is comfortable shoes. Here is a suggested packing list.
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Can you meet dietary restrictions?
Group coordinators should notify their conference service manager when making arrangements of any dietary restrictions. We can accommodate most dietary restrictions. Our entire facility is nut free.
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Will there be time to shop for souvenirs?
All groups will have some options to shop for souvenirs. The National 4-H Youth Conference center has a Campus Shop which has many of the souvenirs you can find at other locations in Washington D.C..
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How long have you been in business?
The National 4-H Youth Conference Center has been in business since 1959. Since that time we have been running various youth tour options in the Washington D.C. area. Nearly 30,000 young people enjoy Center each year!
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How can we reach our child in case of an emergency?
In case of an emergency at home, you may contact the National 4-H Youth Conference Center front desk at 301.961.2801. They will be able to get in contact with the group and connect you with your child.
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How is the trip chaperoned?
Wonders of Washington provides a Program Assistant who facilitates the program. Program Assistants are not considered chaperones. Each group is responsible for providing the necessary chaperones for the trip; we recommended no less than one adult per ten youth.
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Can I pick my roommates?
The trip coordinator assigns rooms prior to a group's arrival. It is up to each group how they assign rooms.
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What is the weather like in Washington D.C.?
Typically fall and spring are moderate, winter tends to get more rain than snow, and summer is hot and humid. We recommend you check the weather for Washington D.C. prior to your departure and pack accordingly, a good portion of each WOW trip is spent outside rain or shine. Listed below are average high and low temperatures for each month:

What will we do on the trip?
The specific itinerary will be chosen by your trip coordinator. Each trip coordinator works with a WOW conference service manager to develop the best possible plan for your time in DC. For more information check out our sample itineraries available here. These will give you an idea of some of the sights you might see. One thing the WOW program can guarantee is that you and your friends will have a fun and educational trip while touring our Nation's Capitol!
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