Iowa Youth Tour

Tour Tip #7: Hotel Rules = Happy Rooms!
Respect roommates, keep noise down, and be in your room by curfew. Room checks happen nightly, and quiet time helps everyone recharge.

Bonus tip!

Meet Tristian!

We’re excited to welcome Tristian back to Youth Tour—this time as our Youth Tour Intern. He went on Youth Tour a few years ago and is returning this year in a leadersihp role. Tristian is also a student at Simpson College, bringing great energy and teamwork to the group.

Here’s a little fun get-to-know-you with Tristian:

Youth Tours attended:
This will be his second time on the trip.

Stop he’s most excited for:
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier — beautiful, emotional, and very moving.

Theme song if he entered a room:
“Hey Ya!” by OutKast

First job:
Working for a cow farmer as a farmhand.

Pet peeve he’d make illegal:
People opening a bag of chips (or anything crunchy) in a quiet environment.

Oldest shoes in his closet:
About three years old.

Favorite snack:
Trail mix (for now — it changes all the time).

Most useless talent:
Knowing a lot about wetlands.

One song he could listen to forever:
“Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd.

We’re thrilled to have Tristian back with us and can’t wait for an amazing Youth Tour experience.

Let’s stay present! Scrolling on your phone is discouraged during tours, while visiting memorials, and participating in activities. Enjoy the moment! Take photos – memories count!

Meet Shelly!
If you’ve been part of Iowa Youth Tour anytime in the last decade-plus, chances are you’ve met Shelly. She’s been our Youth Tour Director since around 2010 and is heading into her 15th Youth Tour—proof that she loves this program as much as the students who make it special. What does she look forward to most every year? Easy answer: the student delegates.

Here’s a quick get-to-know-you with Shelly:
• Youth Tour count: 15 trips
• Stop she’s most excited for: Arlington National Cemetery—no question
• Theme song on entrance: Shut Up and Dance by Walk the Moon
• First job: Working in a pro shop at a golf course
• Biggest pet peeve: Repetitive noises (you’ve been warned)
• Go-to snack right now: Nerds Gummy Clusters

A few questions are still under debate—like how old that oldest pair of shoes really is, and which one song she could listen to forever—but that just gives us something to ask her on the bus.

Youth Tour Tip #5: Name Tag = VIP Access!
Wear your name tag anytime you’re not in your hotel room. It helps staff, chaperones, and keeps everyone accounted for.

Meet Jay!

Say hello to Jay, a Youth Tour newbie and someone we’re excited to have along for the ride this year. A Nebraska native and proud Simpson College graduate, Jay serves as the Advocacy Coordinator at the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives. Let’s get to know him a little better.

Youth Tour experience:
This will be Jay’s first time.

First job:
Lifeguard.

Favorite snack:
Mustard-flavored pretzels.

Most useless talent:
He can wiggle his ears.

One song he could listen to forever:
“Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears.

We’re glad to have Jay joining the Youth Tour team this year and can’t wait to see his first trip in action.

Looking forward to meeting the Iowa Youth Tour 2026 delegates!

Youth Tour Tip #4: All In, All Together!
Participation is key! Delegates stay with the group and take part in all planned activities—no solo side quests on this tour.

Say hello to Thresa, our Iowa Youth Tour Co-Director and a big reason each year’s trip is such a success. We tossed her a few random questions—here’s how she answered them!

Youth Tour count:
This will be her 5th year.

Most-anticipated stop:
Udvar-Hazy is always a favorite, and for food… Ben’s Chili Bowl.

Theme song on entrance:
“Happy” by Pharrell Williams.

First job:
Fast food at Jack in the Box.

Oldest shoes in her closet:
A pair of Coach wedges, about 20 years old.

Favorite snack:
Frosted sugar cookies.

We’re lucky to have Thresa helping lead the way—get ready for another great Youth Tour year.