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Washington, D.C.

Spy Kids: Sleuths & Secrets With Your Grandchild

Program No. 23214RJ
Decode D.C.’s history of espionage with your spy kid grandchild, as you visit the city’s most notorious spy sites and learn about investigative gadgets from former CIA and NSA agents.

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We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Washington, DC
Program Concludes
Washington, DC
Meals
13 ( 5B, 4L, 4D )
Activity Level
Invite your grandchild to join the ranks of Harriet the Spy, Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys and Encyclopedia Brown as they transform into student sleuths and spy kids during a week of mysterious adventure. Together, you’ll investigate Washington D.C.’s cryptic history during visits to the city’s most notorious spy sites, as well as the International Spy Museum and the Cryptologic Museum at the NSA Headquarters. Meet former CIA agents, and learn about different spying devices and decoding tactics on this covert adventure!
Best of all, you'll...
  • Enjoy a private, hands-on presentation on the art of espionage from a former intelligence officer.
  • View rare spy artifacts and learn all about the art of espionage at the International Spy Museum.
  • Decode D.C.’s history of espionage at Mount Vernon as you learn about the Culper Ring, America’s first network of spies, coordinated by George Washington himself.
Profile Image
Ira Deutsch
Ira Deutsch was born and grew up in Brooklyn, New York. At age 20, he moved to Israel and joined the Israeli military, retiring with the rank of LTC after 26 years of military service. His service included international affairs, coordinating relationships with multiple countries including the United States military. Ira’s last assignment before retiring was as a Foreign Liaison Officer to the U.S. National Guard and FEMA, stationed in Washington, DC. His coordinating experience makes him uniquely qualified to serve as a Group Leader.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Profile Image of Brian Hilton
Brian Hilton
Brian Hilton was a guide and researcher at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate for 10 years, and has portrayed George Washington as a historical interpreter since 2007. He was selected as the James Madison Fellow for the Commonwealth of Virginia from 2021-2022, and currently is the official George Washington for the City of Alexandria, Virginia. He is, first and foremost, an educator and academic portraying Washington with the goal and intention of informing, inspiring and interacting with audiences across the country and around the world.
Profile Image of Rick Salamida
Rick Salamida
Richard J. Salamida holds an M.S. in manufacturing systems engineering from Lehigh University, a B.S. in Computer Science from Rochester Institute of Technology, and an A.A.S. in mathematics from Herkimer County Community College. His career spans both the commercial and service industries, with over 30 years in consulting, business process improvement, and technical analysis in HR/payroll systems. He also owned and operated businesses in the restaurant and technology sectors, later transitioning into the travel industry as a group leader.
Profile Image of Dennis Diggins
Dennis Diggins
Dennis Diggins is a passionate exploration leader dedicated to connecting people through shared experiences. A U.S. Air Force veteran, he earned a B.A. in history from San Jose State University. His love for storytelling has taken him across America’s iconic cities and breathtaking national parks. Whether leading tours through New England’s vibrant fall foliage or the majestic landscapes of the West, he finds joy in fostering meaningful connections. An avid reader and traveler, Dennis believes the heart of every journey lies in its people.
Profile Image of Rosanna Minchew
Rosanna Minchew
Rosanna Minchew has over twenty years of experience in intelligence, security, and risk, including 15 years with the CIA in operational and leadership positions around the world. Today, Rosanna delivers scenario-based training in the intelligence space and has provided subject matter expertise to interdiction efforts at the U.S. border and corporate insider risk investigations. In 2021, Rosanna founded Spyher, offering clients spy-themed experiences that maximize learning and engagement.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Program involves walking up to two full miles each day, taking Washington, D.C. public transportation, and getting on/off motor coach.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (10 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
Enroll with Confidence
Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.






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