“Where America’s Founding Principles come to Life!”
For 25 years, Project American Life has inspired tens of thousands of students through its four-day experiential adventure. With the Founding Principles of The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution as our starting point, students begin reaching for their greatest dreams… stretching beyond the smallness of self-gratification towards the enduring magnificence of building the “Shining City on a Hill!” Soli Deo Gloria!
This founding model vividly engages hearts and minds using the still “self-evident truths” of 1776. In bringing American History to life, students develop a rich and personal connection with the ideals of our Republic. Experiential discoveries into these Founding Principles kindle heartfelt gratitude for the many sacrifices made in the shaping of our unique nation. In turn, students begin seizing their own sense of civic responsibility.
Each day of the PAL adventure begins with paradigmatic questions along with corresponding virtues: “Who, What, Where, and Why am I?” The virtues have an easy mechanism for remembrance, “The Four C’s:” Clarity, Compassion, Courage, and Commitment.
In illumining the moral vision of America’s Founders and the heroic virtues they seized and embodied, students yearn to walk in kindred shoes! In fact, tens of thousands have joined them in the Great Cause of America. After much examination and consideration, they signed their names to The Declaration of Dependence After just a week of PAL, young people reach for their own “Sacred Honor”… even with the passion of John Hancock.
The PAL Song
Testimonials
“I learned that I can do anything. I can accomplish my dreams, and I am starting now. I will remember the songs we sang, the games we played, and the things we talked about, which will always, always stay with me. This PAL Adventure has changed my life!”
~Ashley, 6th Grade
“Before I came to Project American Life, I thought I was nothing. Now I know that I am somebody special and that I live in a great country.”
~Austin, 6th Grade
"Project American Life taught me to be thankful for what I have and not just wait for life to come to you… but to grasp life and not let it go until I’ve made the best out of my life. PAL helped me realize that I may be smart but if I mess up my life, I could end up stuck in a garbage can. If I do my best though, I can soar to greatness! Please write me back! Come see us! Your friend…"
~Shawn, 5th Grade
“Project American Life is a program that embodies all of the principles that the United States of America was founded upon. This program fits so many National and State standards: character education, problem-solving, real-life situations, life skills, critical thinking skills, etc. All realms of education are covered: history, writing, the arts, science and more! All students throughout our land should have an opportunity to be a participant in this program. This program is the ultimate hands-on, minds-on program!“
~Biddie Banks
Teacher, Mt. Gap Middle
"Of all the things I do for my classes… both in school and out… Project American Life is by far the most important. It plants seeds and presents alternatives my kids can always fall back on as they get older."
~Major Gary R. Leopold, Teacher, Academy for Arts and Academics
“This is an exceptional program of remarkable value. To instill in children the concept that they can and should lead a meaningful life is beautiful. Life is a precious gift, to be lived with purpose. I teared up on several occasions, moved by the power of the concepts. To present such ideals to children at their age has the potential to change the world. I leave PAL with a renewed sense of purpose in my own life.”
~Steve O'Dell, Parent, Whitesburg Middle
“It's difficult to put into words what this program means to me and my students. I have witnessed a change and a bonding in these kids that could not have occurred in a typical classroom. I am truly impressed with all aspects of Project American Life. Thank you for renewing love of my country. I wish Project American Life would spread all across our state and nation.”
~Anne Phillips, Teacher, Altamont School