Nitschmann Middle School
Overnight Band trip
Plymouth, MA
America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Parade 2026
November 20 – November 21, 2026
Trip Summary
*Times are subject to change
November 20 – Leave for Plymouth
6:30 AM Buses depart from Nitschmann Middle
11:30AM Arrive Plimoth Patuxet Museum Tour of Plimoth Plantation
3:00 PM Thanksgiving Homestyle Buffet at Plimoth Patuxet Museum
Roasted native turkey with cornbread stuffing & giblet gravy, whipped Red Bliss mashed potatoes, oven roasted root vegetables, homestyle cranberry sauce,
pumpkin, and apple pie, lemonade, water & fresh coffee.
6:30 PM Transfer to hotel – Seacrest Beach Resort – Check into hotel
7:30 PM Welcome Ice Cream Social
11:00 PM Light’s out
November 21 – Parade Day In Plymouth
5:00 AM Wake up
6:00 AM Receive a grab & go breakfast bag
6:30 AM Depart for Plymouth, MA
9:00 AM America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Parade 2026
12:00 PM Post Parade Party with the Pilgrims
2:00 PM Awards Ceremony
3:00 PM Depart Plymouth, MA
6:30 PM Dinner stop on the way home
11:30 PM Arrive back at Nitschmann
November 20 – Leave for Plymouth
DEPARTURE 7:00 AM
Leave Nitschmann Middle School for Plymouth, MA
11:30 AM
Arrive Plimoth Patuxet Museum for Tour
In New England’s oldest town, the American Experiment took root in the 17th century. The pre-industrial societies who met along these shores of change have much to teach about living with each other in conflict and collaboration.
At Plimoth Patuxet you will discover the legacies of our ancestors, Indigenous and immigrant alike. Understanding the events that took place here in the 17th century helps us to better understand our world today and our place within it.
We’re about the memories you make here and the experiences you share as generations of families, friends, fellow citizens, and welcomed visitors who take a trip to the past and learn something new.
Inspiring journeys begin here and last for generations. Through decades of research on the Wampanoag Homeland and Plymouth Colony, we illuminate the past and share what we discover with the world.
5:00 PM
Dinner at Plentiful Café at Plimoth Patuxet
Thanksgiving Homestyle Buffet at Plimoth Patuxet Museum.
Roasted native turkey with cornbread stuffing & giblet gravy, whipped Red Bliss mashed potatoes, oven roasted root vegetables, homestyle cranberry sauce, pumpkin & apple pie, lemonade, water & fresh coffee.
DEPARTURE 6:00 PM
Drive to Hotel
CHECK-IN 6:30 PM
Sea Crest Beach Resort
Sea Crest Beach Resort is located directly on a 700-foot private stretch of Old Silver Beach along Buzzards Bay, the property offers a variety of guest, recreational, event, and dining facilities. More than a place to rest your head, our rooms, suites, and private cottages are a retreat within a retreat-bright, breezy, and steps from the sand. Each one is a reflection of Cape Cod’s coastal beauty, designed to welcome you back year after year.
Conveniences: Gift shop/newsstand, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, ATM/banking, and self-service vending.
Parking & Internet: On-site self-parking, EV charging stations, and property-wide free Wi-Fi.
5:00 PM
Sea Crest Beach Resort
7:30 PM
Ice Cream Social
Time to unpack, check in and enjoy a welcome ice cream social at the hotel.
November 21 – Parade Day in Plymouth
6:00 AM
Get a Grab and Go Breakfast Bag at the Hotel
It’s an early start of the day as you get ready to perform in America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration Parade. The Marriott Quincy has reserved a private room for students to pick up their breakfast bag that can be taken on the buses while traveling to Plymouth.
6:30 AM CHECK-OUT
Check-out from Sea Crest Beach Resort
To ensure a smooth and on-time departure, all students and chaperones must follow the schedule and responsibilities below. This is a full check-out, load, and depart morning.
6:30 AM
DEPART FOR PLYMOUTH
7:00 AM
Arrive Plymouth Waterfront for Parade Staging and Lineup
All participating bands are required to be in the parade lineup area by 7:00 am.
9:00 AM
America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Parade 2026
The Saturday morning celebration festivities begin at 9:00am with Opening Ceremonies, the
parade steps off at The Plymouth Rock at 10:00am on the Plymouth Massachusetts historic waterfront with an opening ceremony featuring a variety of top-quality entertainment.
This is one of America’s only historically accurate chronological parades, visually bringing to life America’s rich heritage representing each century from the 17th through the 21st. In showing the preservation of America’s history through the years, beginning with the Pilgrim era, we promote an appreciation among our citizens for our rich heritage.
The parade is ranked the #1 Thanksgiving parade in the nation. It features beautifully decorated floats representing historic events, honoring national anniversaries and celebrating every period of American history.
Patriotism and hope is revived in the hearts of observant adults and children as the floats, drum and bugle corps, and military bands march thru the streets honoring the courageous defenders of our country: the men and women who serve in the Army, the Navy, the Marines, the Air Force and the Coast Guard.
Educational and economic factors aside, the parade offers plenty of fun and entertainment to attract visitors from all corners of the United States and even beyond. Viewers are treated to a visual trip back to the colonial days.
12:00 PM
Post Parade Party with the Pilgrims
After the excitement of the parade, it’s time to relax, refuel, and celebrate! Join fellow bands and drum corps in historic Plymouth for a fun and casual pizza social.
Students will have the chance to connect with performers from across the region, share stories from the parade route, and build new friendships in a welcoming, high-energy atmosphere.
Directors and chaperones can enjoy a well-organized, safe environment where students can unwind and continue the experience beyond the performance.
With great food, great company, and plenty of memorable moments, this is the perfect way to cap off an unforgettable day – you never know who you might meet or what connections you’ll make!
2:00 PM
Awards Ceremony
Every participating band will be proudly recognized for their role in the America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration 2026, honoring the dedication, talent, and hard work of each ensemble.
The celebration continues with a special awards presentation, where the Top 3 marching bands will be honored with trophies and cash prizes based on their performances in front of our distinguished judges in the VIP Viewing Area, as well as their televised showcase on WCVB.
For students, it’s an exciting opportunity to be recognized on a major stage. For directors and parents, it’s a moment to celebrate achievement, excellence, and the impact of music
Education – all as part of one of the nation’s most iconic Thanksgiving events.
3:00 PM
Return Home to Nitschmann Middle School
Following the conclusion of the awards ceremony, all groups will transition efficiently to bus loading for the return trip home. A smooth and organized departure is essential to ensure a safe and timely journey back to Bethlehem, PA.
Trip Overview & Lodging
The band is traveling to Plymouth, MA, the weekend of November 20, 2026, to march in
America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Parade on Saturday, November 21, 2026.
· Transportation: Round-trip travel via coach bus.
· Accommodations: Sea Crest Beach Resort (traditional interior-hallway hotel rooms with no exterior balconies).
· Student Rooms: 4 students per room (same gender) with two double beds. Students select their roommates.
· Chaperone Rooms: 2 chaperones per room with two double beds. Chaperones select their roommates.
· Chaperone Information We welcome parent chaperones! However, due to bus seat and hotel room limitations, student registration takes priority.
To express interest in chaperoning, please complete these steps:
1. All participants must be registered by September 20: Complete the chaperone section of your student’s trip registration form at the time of signup. Chaperone spots will be allocated based on remaining space.
2. Submit Clearances by October 2, 2026: All required background checks must be on file in the main office. Specific clearance requirements can be found on the BASD Volunteer Clearance Info Sheet.
Payment Due Dates – Amount Due – Amount Due – Cancellation Terms & Fees
September 9, 2026 $50.00
September 23, 2026 $150.00
· Cancellations Sept 26 – Oct 9: $75 per person fee (unless substitute found).
October 7, 2026 $150.00
· Cancellations Oct 10 – Oct 30: $125 per person fee (unless substitute found).
October 23, 2026 $150.00
· Cancellations after Oct 30: No refund (unless substitute found).
*All costs from the 2025 – 2026 school year need to be paid BEFORE you register for this trip.
Travel Insurance Information
This document contains information on how to purchase optional travel insurance for your student’s school trip through Travel Insured.
There are two (2) attachments to review.
1. Attachment “Your High School Name” contains a website link specific to your school to purchase the optional travel insurance. Please click on this link to visit Travel Insured if interested to purchase the travel insurance.
2. Attachment “SD23” is a flyer which outlines the pricing and terms and conditions. There is a telephone number for Travel Insured on this flyer if you have any further questions please contact them directly.
Importation Information:
· DO NOT call to try and book since you may not get the student policy/pricing and your policy will not be linked to the group.
· Please make sure the policy you are trying to purchase is made through the link below to get the student pricing. DO NOT copy the below link and paste in a web browser. You MUST click the link below or you will NOT go to the correct student pricing. Below is a screen shot of what the correct screen looks like. If you are NOT on this page then you need to check the link you are clicking.
The “Cancel For Any Reason” is an option as shown on the flyer. If the “Cancel For Any Reason” option is wanted, IT MUST be purchased within 14 days of when the initial deposit for the trip is due to the tour operator, “World Class Vacations”. There is a checkbox you can click to add this option. Once the checkbox is clicked, the insurance premium will auto update to the new premium cost including the cost for this added option. Please see the screenshot on the next page. Unfortunately this cannot be added at a later date and is regulated by the travel insurance company.
If you are wanting to purchase the travel insurance outside the 14 day window, you can still purchase basic travel insurance coverage (ex-medical illness) up until you pay your final payment to the school. However it would not include the “Cancel For Any Reason” option. NO travel insurance can be purchased once final payment has been made to the school. If a family pays their trip in full as example at first deposit they will not be able to purchase the travel insurance.
You will be required to provide deposit/payment dates to Travel Insured. These will be the dates you make your payments to the school for deposits/final payment. Please refer to your school advisor on trip due dates for deposits and final payment. Please keep track of all payments made to the school, if a claim is placed later you will need to provide receipts to the insurance company (Example 9/21/26, Ck #275 for $500).
IMPORTANT REMINDER: If the “Cancel For Any Reason” option is wanted, IT MUST be purchased within 14 days of when the initial deposit for the trip is due to the tour operator, “World Class Vacations” at latest date.
Note: When purchasing a policy online, when asked for “initial trip deposit date” please value the current date you are purchasing the policy but make sure you are purchasing prior to the date listed.
o Purchase by: OCTOBER 8, 2026
*Policy must be purchased BY THIS DATE if the “Cancel For Any Reason” option is wanted. Basic travel insurance coverage (ex-medical illness) can still be purchased if purchasing a policy outside of this date. No exceptions can be made.
If you decide to purchase the insurance please list FULL first and last name of traveler as shown on photo ID. (Ex- Suzy Smith; Name on photo ID shows Suzanne Smith; book Suzanne Smith)
VISIT TRAVEL INSURED TO PURCHASE A POLICY BY CLICKING BELOW LINK:
https://www.travelinsured.com/group.signup?group=168126&guid=ce36a7ba595f4e0fa32319abe43703dd
Any further questions or if you need help, please contact Travel Insured directly.
