The USS Midway Museum’s mission is to honor service and inspire future generations, and over the past several months, I’ve had the privilege of seeing that mission come to life through our Youth Leadership programs.
Watching young people explore what it means to lead with purpose, empathy and courage, aboard one of the most iconic ships in modern history, has been both humbling and inspiring. Unlike our curriculum-based daytime programs, which focus on STEM and social studies for grades 2-8, our youth programs cultivate leadership, teamwork and civic engagement for youth of all ages. They run longer, go deeper into the content, and invite participants to step into new roles – roles of responsibility, service and self-discovery.
From our Overnight Adventure program, that challenges young people to live and sleep like Midway sailors, to our Leadership ARCH workshop, which explores the values of action, responsibility, communication and humility, each program is immersive by design. Students don’t just learn about leadership, they rehearse it. They take risks, make decisions and reflect on their growth while navigating the Midway’s history-rich spaces.
Each weekend brings new stories. During my first Radio Merit Badge program observation, one scout spoke live with a ham radio operator in Scotland, and another with someone in Israel. As one of the few places where scouts can complete the badge, it’s an experience made possible by our dedicated radio team volunteers, whose technical expertise and mentoring help transform an introduction to amateur radio into a lesson in global connection.
In our Girl Scout Operation WingScout program, participants explore flight science, spend time in our Flight Academy simulators and meet women working in aviation and related fields. This gives girls a chance to see real-world career paths in action.
In our Aviation Overnight program, lessons might come from navigating the “city at sea” or from working through a team survival challenge. No matter the program, students leave with more than just a patch or a checklist. They leave with new experiences, questions worth asking, and a growing sense of what they’re capable of.
The one night every year that stands apart from all other education activities on Midway is our Gold Star Overnight event.
Held in early December, the Gold Star Overnight is a special version of our Overnight Adventure program specifically for Gold Star families; those who have lost a loved one in military service.
In partnership with the Navy’s Gold Star Program, we welcome families for a full evening of remembrance and connection. From a holiday dinner and behind-the-scenes tours to ornament-making and the Gold Star tree dedication ceremony, every element of the program is carefully designed to ensure families have a memorable holiday experience.
This past year, as families were boarding for the night, I saw two young girls meet for the first time. I overheard them asking each other the usual get-to-know-you questions: their names, school grades, and favorite colors. By the end of the evening they were inseparable – paired up for every activity, and moving through the ship like longtime friends. The next morning, as we made our way toward the tree dedication, I watched them walk hand in hand and heard them sharing stories about their fathers. It was quiet, yet profound.
There’s a phrase often used online, “IYKYK”—meaning “if you know, you know.” For those two girls, there was no need to explain themselves. They knew. By finding each other, they were no longer alone in their experiences. That is the heart of the Gold Star Overnight. It’s not just about honoring the past; it’s about building community and resilience in the present.
As I reflect on my first seven months serving in with Midway’s education team, I am continually struck by the depth and diversity of learning in our youth programs. Yes, students gain knowledge through their time on board, but more importantly, they gain confidence, empathy and a deeper understanding of service and leadership.
By honoring the past and those who served, we have an opportunity to help the next generation grow into leaders who lead with purpose and understanding.
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