Grinnellian Adventures: Social Justice and the Olympic Movement
October 18-29, 2024
Go on an adventure with Grinnell College faculty and your fellow alumni! In the fall of 2024, Grinnell alumni travel trips return with an exploration of the intersection of social justice and the Olympic movement throughout history. Rediscover what it was like to be a Grinnell College student and join faculty experts Will Freeman and Kesho Scott for an immersive tour of ancient and modern Olympic sites in Germany and Greece. Together the group will unpack the ways the Olympic Games has navigated the issues of racism, antisemitism, sexism, and international politics.
In Berlin, Nuremberg, and Munich the group will explore the role the Olympics played in the rise of Nazi Germany and the horrors unleashed by the Nazis thereafter. The group will then travel to Athens and Olympia to visit the sites of the original games. Along the way, enjoy meals with fellow Grinnellians, experience site visits to ancient wonders like the Parthenon, and, most importantly, learn from two of Grinnell College’s most beloved faculty members.
Visit the Grinnellian Adventures info site here.
A Virtual Journey
Senior faculty Kesho Scott and Will Freeman lead this virtual journey to ancient and modern Olympic sites in Germany and Greece. Participants in this session learn more about the role the Olympics played in the rise of Nazi Germany, while Scott and Freeman unpack the complexities of ancient and modern Olympics sites with a social justice lens.
Highlights
- Visit modern and ancient Olympic stadiums in Berlin, Munich, Athens, and ancient Olympia.
- Learn more about the role the Olympics played in the rise of Nazi Germany and visit the Topography of Terror, Nazi rally grounds, the Nuremberg Palace of Justice, and Dachau Concentration Camp.
- Enjoy exploring the beauty of Berlin and Bavaria with tours of local favorites and time for shopping and relaxation.
- Explore the wonders of ancient Athens with tours of the Acropolis, the Temple of Nike, and the Parthenon.
- In each location, hear from trip leaders Will Freeman and Kesho Scott about the connection between what you see and the theme of the trip. Discuss the complexities of each site with your fellow Grinnellians.
- Get to know your accompanying trip members before the trip by virtually gathering to watch Olympic events during the Summer 2024 Olympics in Paris on Zoom and participate in a few voluntary “Social Justice and the Olympic Movement” virtual course sessions with Will and Kesho.
This trip is fully booked.
FAQ
What travel provider is the College partnering with for the trip?
Grinnell College has contracted Winding Way Travel to provide the organization and support for this trip. Winding Way Travel is a leader in supporting unique, custom-travel trips for alumni and students. A member of Winding Way travel will accompany the group on the trip.
What can I expect on the trip?
Lots of time to reconnect with your Grinnell self as a student! This will be a fun, but also intellectually engaging adventure. You will need to be able to walk unassisted for long stretches of time as we explore sites like the Parthenon and Olympia. We will provide opportunities for rest and recovery, but some sections of the trip may be physically taxing.
We will provide a suggested packing list for all trip participants after registration closes.
Do I need travel insurance for the trip?
Yes. You can purchase travel insurance separately or from Winding Way Travel. We will need proof of your travel insurance before departure.
How many guests may I bring?
Each alum may bring up to two guests in order to ensure space for as many Grinnellians as possible. Your guests do not need to be alumni.
What if I need assistance during the trip with something?
A staff member from the Office of Development and Alumni Relations will attend the trip to support all guests and our faculty leaders.
Questions?
Contact Guinevere Natarelli, associate director of alumni and donor relations, at wallacegu@grinnell.edu or call 641-269-4633. You can also contact Shoshana Altrichter at Winding Way Travel at grinnellianadventures@windingwaytravel.com.
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