Belfield Students Prepare for Washington D.C. Trip

Belfield, September 23, 2025

News Summary

Junior and senior students from Belfield High School are preparing for an educational trip to Washington, D.C. organized by the Close Up Foundation. The inaugural journey, set for March, will include engaging activities such as touring the Capitol building and meeting congressional representatives. Fundraising efforts are underway to support the experience, which aims to deepen students’ understanding of civic participation and government. Community involvement has been strong, supporting these eager students to explore their nation’s capital.

Belfield Students Ready for a Big Adventure in D.C.

In the charming town of Belfield, excitement is buzzing among junior and senior students at Belfield High School as they gear up for a thrilling trip to Washington, D.C. This adventure is thanks to the Close Up Foundation, an inspiring nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching young individuals about government and civic participation. The trip promises to be a fantastic experience for the students, blending education with a touch of adventure.

What’s the Close Up Foundation All About?

The Close Up Foundation is known for organizing trips that delve deep into the heart of American history and governance. These trips aren’t just limited to Washington, D.C.; they often include visits to significant cities like Philadelphia and New York City. The organization’s mission is all about getting students engaged and understanding their role in shaping the future of their country.

The Birth of the Close Up Club

Kelli Kessel, a dedicated librarian and social studies teacher at Belfield Public Schools, took the initiative to create the Close Up Club at Belfield High School. This club was inspired by existing chapters in neighboring K-8 districts such as Billings County, South Heart, and Dickinson. Kessel believes that it’s crucial for students to experience government firsthand, and what better place to do that than in the nation’s capital?

A Look Ahead to the Upcoming Trip

The inaugural trip for the club is set for March and will be an unforgettable experience for 12 eager students. Out of these students, only one has previously explored the vibrant streets of Washington, D.C., making this trip even more exciting and educational. It will not only include tours of the iconic Capitol building but also meetings with North Dakota’s congressional representatives. Students are enthusiastic about visiting the impressive Smithsonian Institution and paying their respects at various monuments dedicated to war veterans and other historical figures.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

The Close Up trip combines structured educational activities with free time, allowing students to explore the city on their own terms. Kitty Nelson, a club member, is particularly eager to gain insight into U.S. government history and its inner workings, while Delilah O’Brien looks forward to experiencing D.C. beyond the content she sees on social media. Both students are committed to expanding their knowledge and understanding of civic engagement.

Another member, Aubrey Roberts, can hardly contain her excitement about seeing the iconic Washington Monument in person, inspired by a miniature statue gifted to her by an aunt. The total cost for this incredible adventure, including all 12 students and Kessel, stands at a whopping $27,480.

Fundraising Efforts in Full Swing

To make this trip possible, students have been busy organizing a series of fundraising events. Their initiative began with a successful bake sale and a back-to-school barbecue, keeping the energy high as they approach an upcoming breakfast event on November 9 at St. Bernard’s Parish Center in Belfield. The community’s support has been evident, particularly from the Belfield American Legion William C. Blair Post 144, which generously donated to help the Close Up Club reach its fundraising goals.

For those interested in supporting the students or wanting to learn more about the incredible adventures awaiting them, updates and information about their fundraisers are available on the club’s social media pages. Additionally, details about the Close Up Foundation can be found on their official website.

In Conclusion

The journey to Washington, D.C. with the Close Up Foundation represents a unique opportunity for Belfield students to learn, grow, and engage with the democratic process. The excitement is palpable as they prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

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Additional Resources

• The Dickinson Press: Important Experience for Students
• Wikipedia: Close Up Foundation
• The Dickinson Press: Belfield Students Adventure in D.C.
• Google Search: Washington DC Education Trips
• The Dickinson Press: Fundraising for Student Trip
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Civic Engagement

Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC

WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.