Thank You for the Memories: American Heritage Tour Comes to a Close

• June 18, 2025
• News

The Alfond Youth & Community Center regrets to announce the cancellation of the American Heritage Tour, a long-standing tradition that has inspired hundreds of local eighth-grade students with an unforgettable journey through the foundations of American History. After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to discontinue the program due to rising travel and accommodation costs, as well as new YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) chaperone requirements, which would significantly increase overall expenses. Since resuming the trip post-COVID, the program has been evaluated annually for sustainability. Unfortunately, with known mandatory changes combined with educated assumptions, we will not be able to continue.

Since its inception in 1984, the American Heritage Tour has provided youth with the unique opportunity to explore historical landmarks across the eastern United States, including stops in New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C., while fostering lifelong friendships and deeper appreciation for our nation’s heritage. We are proud of the impact this program has had on our community and remain committed to finding new ways to engage youth in meaningful educational and leadership experiences. This commitment continues through our expanding in-house teen programs, including our Restorative Justice and Alternative to Suspension initiatives, as well as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) programming we support across Kennebec, Somerset, Oxford, Lincoln, and Franklin counties.

Thank you to all who have supported the American Heritage Tour over the past four decades.

Contact:  Abbie Charrier, Senior Youth Programs Director – acharrier@clubaycc.org