2024 302 Tour Blog
6/6/2024
Thursday, June 6
Thursday was the first day of the 2024 302 Tour where the Blue Hens focused on New Castle County. A group started at the Humane Animal Partners for a day of service with sponsors WSFS Bank. UD student-athletes and staff were able to assist the WSFS associates with various tasks around the shelter. The group enjoyed meeting some of the cats and dogs that are available for adoption. Another group spent some time at the Community Education Building with sponsor Saul Ewing, where the team went on a tour, highlighted by the beehive where honey is produced. Lunch from Raising Cane's was next before taking on a session of learning about the Winterthur Museum's process for conserving various types of art. The squad took a break and headed back to campus for field day. From 6-8 p.m. the team enjoyed a free community event which included ice skating, swimming, and field games. The event was made possible by the generous support of Bank of America.
Fun time getting together at the Community Education Building with @SaulEwing ?? pic.twitter.com/nTlXj4LOdo
— Delaware Blue Hens (@UDBlueHens) June 6, 2024
Morning well spent with @WSFS & Human Animal Partners for some volunteering! ???? pic.twitter.com/iibjz8tOA2
— Delaware Blue Hens (@UDBlueHens) June 6, 2024
The first day of the 302 tour was awesome! We started out at the Community Education Building and got to meet so many people and were lucky enough to receive a tour! My favorite part was seeing the beehive on the roof and getting to taste the honey. Then we moved on to Winterthur museum and learned all about the restoration process that museums use. And we finally ended up at the field day! I always love those events the most because I get to meet so many kids who look up to us. Throughout my years here the volleyball team has a family who knows us all by name and it is the coolest thing to be able to hangout out with them at every event! Overall an informative first day capped off with a lot of fun.Dylan Norris, Volleyball
Friday, June 7
Day two of the tour was filled with fun starting at Welsh Elementary School and Dover AFB Middle School. The team talked to students about college and playing collegiate sports. After that, the cohort went to the Air Mobility Command Museum to check out all of the planes on site. Some got to walk through a plane used as Air Force 1 for Presidents Carter, H. W. Bush, W. Bush, and Obama. The last person to use the plane before it was retired was former first lady Michelle Obama. A drive to Fifer Orchards was next where the Hens picked blueberries and strawberries, while having the chance to play on some of the playground equipment. The night concluded with a round trip ride on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry for Rock the Boat. On the Ferry, band Glass Onions performed and the Hens danced the night away! The trip was made possible by partners Delaware River and Bay Authority.
Air Mobility Command Museum ? pic.twitter.com/RjKz01PU9X
— Delaware Blue Hens (@UDBlueHens) June 7, 2024
AMAZING! What an experience at @fiferorchards with our friends @DelawareTourism ???? pic.twitter.com/bEfcE8sIBW
— Delaware Blue Hens (@UDBlueHens) June 7, 2024
The second day of the 302 Tour was amazing! We started our day off at Dover Air Force Base’s elementary school and middle school. Personally, I chose to go to the middle school with a few other athletes to talk about how to use social media as a positive outlet. Afterwards we got to sign yearbooks and many pictures were taken with YoUDee! Then we made our way over to Fifer Orchards for strawberry and blueberry picking. Afterwards we got to play in the play area there and get ice cream. Lastly we made our way over to the Cape May-Lewes Ferry for Rock The Boat. We got to meet many UD alumni and danced the night away to the on boat band. Overall today was a 10 out of 10 day! I'm excited to see what Saturday’s adventures bring.Carly Klein, Track & Field
Saturday, June 8
The tour wrapped up Saturday with a jam-packed day. The team started bright and early at the Chicken Chase 5k at The Starboard, cheering on participants, handing out water, and donning the finishers with their medals. After the race, the Hens enjoyed a breakfast of donuts and The Starboard's famous wings. A quick trip up the coast to James Farm Ecological Preserve for a lesson on horseshoe crabs and the inland bays. Student-athletes and staff were able to pick up horseshoe crabs, with some students assisting in tagging the crabs for a national study. A short break and nap refueled the crew before heading to the beach for some interactions with the community. The tour concluded with the 302 Tour Reception at The Big Chill Beach Club with good food and great company! The cohort capped the night on the beach for a bonfire and s'mores!
Another successful Chicken Chase at The Starboard! ?????????? pic.twitter.com/1pfgAraaSI
— Delaware Blue Hens (@UDBlueHens) June 8, 2024
'Chilled' out to end the tour at @BigChillBC ??? pic.twitter.com/1tOHpgnwoh
— Delaware Blue Hens (@UDBlueHens) June 9, 2024
The 302 Tour has truly been an unforgettable experience. As someone not originally from Delaware, it has been amazing to explore not only the attractions of the state but also to immerse myself in its vibrant community. The day began with the 5k Chicken Chase, where people of all ages came together, radiating a refreshing sense of joy and community. Afterwards, The Starboard provided the perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment for all to celebrate. Our journey continued to the Inland Bays, where we learned about Delaware's precious waters and land, and how crucial it is to preserve them. I had the opportunity of assisting in tagging and releasing Horseshoe crabs, learning about their significance to both us and the ecosystem. Afterwards, we gathered at the beach for games and a reception, creating connections with fellow staff, coaches, alumni, and the local community. Not only am I so grateful for the connections I’ve formed with the community and the state, but I’ve also created bonds and unforgettable memories with athletes of all sports. Delaware’s athletic department creates a sense of family unlike any other. It's safe to say that after the 302 Tour, Delaware feels like a forever home to me!Regan Whitaker, Spirit
