Parent / Guardian Application

Sunday, July 26 - Saturday, August 1
Parent / Guardian Application
What is The Freedom Tour?

For the past 30 years, S.H.A.P.E. Community Center has taken youth and elders on The Freedom Tour, a 7-day summer pilgrimage across the Deep South to significant landmarks and historical sites from the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. The trip seeks to honor the spirit and efforts of the "foot soldiers"--often the young people of their communities--and symbolically re-traces their footsteps, fostering a sense of awareness & connection to Black history & culture.

Freedom Tour 2026: Road to Alabama

This year, we're taking an immersive journey through Alabama's Black Belt, Gulf Coast, and Industrial Heartlands to explore the region's rich historical depths, and understand its unique contributions to Black culture & Civil Rights history.

Summer Freedom Institute

Travelers will become familiar with the region prior to departure and work with their group-mates to conduct a community presentation at The Freedom Tour Family Reunion upon their return.

Freedom Institute classes will take place every Friday, from June 8 - July 24 (no class on July 3) from 3 pm - 5 pm at S.H.A.P.E. - 3903 Almeda Rd., Houston, TX 77004.

*Travelers who are not participating in S.H.A.P.E.'s Summer Youth Enrichment Program (SYEP) may attend via Zoom.

Who should apply?

Anyone ages 11-16 who wants to:
- Discover how valuable & powerful they are--both as individuals and as one of many descendents of Civil Rights warriors!
- Learn about Black music, fashion, relationships, neighborhoods, family life, politics, and culture from the perspectives of Black kids & teens in the 1950s and 1960s--and how racism influenced their everyday lives.
- Travel to new cities, experience new cultures, make new memories, and have a fun summer experience with their peers and elders.
- Commit to a sense of curiosity, community, joy, responsibility, service, and a love for all.
Fees

$500 per student

Includes meals, lodging, transportation & activities.

Payment plans and financial assistance available.

For additional information, contact:

Jada F. Smith

Freedom Tour Coordinator

S.H.A.P.E. Community Center

FreedomTour@shape.org

832-656-2654
Parent / Guardian Name

First NameLast Name
Parent / Guardian Name

First NameLast Name
Parent / Guardian Email Address
example@example.com
Parent / Guardian Email Address
example@example.com
Parent / Guardian Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Parent / Guardian Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Parent / Guardian Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Parent / Guardian Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Child's Name

First NameLast Name
Child's Age
Must be 11-16 years old
Child's School Grade
What grade will you be in when schools starts in the Fall of 2026?
Child's Gender
Child's T-Shirt Size
About Your Child
Does your child have any allergies, medical conditions, or health & well-being routines that we should be aware of? Please include any accessibility or support accommodations your child may need.
Does your child have any food allergies or dietary sensitivities/challenges/restrictions that we should be aware of?
Does your child have any weekly appointments or routines they may want to maintain during the course of the trip? (religious or spiritual observations, tutoring/study/practice regimens, online counseling appointments, etc.)
Your Child on the Freedom Tour
Is your child permitted to swim?
Has your child completed swimming lessons?
What do you hope for your child to gain from their Freedom Tour experience?
Does your child have any strengths we can help sharpen, or challenges we can help support while on The Freedom Tour?
Does your child have any behavioral or regulatory characteristics we should be aware of?
Freedom Tour Season Calendar

June - July

June 12 - July 24 (Fridays)

S.H.A.P.E.'s Summer Freedom Institute

3 pm - 5 pm | Travelers will become familiar with the region prior to departure by attending weekly classes at S.H.A.P.E.’s Summer Freedom Institute.

Freedom Institute classes will take place every Friday, from June 12 - July 24 (no class June 19 or July 3) from 3 pm - 5 pm at S.H.A.P.E. - 3903 Almeda Rd., Houston, TX 77004.

*Travelers who are not participating in S.H.A.P.E.'s Summer Youth Enrichment Program (SYEP) may attend via Zoom.

June

Friday, July 24

Send-off + Community Prep-Day

7 pm | Pre-trip community prep session + send-off. Help us pack and prepare for the trip.

Sunday, July 26 - Saturday, August 1

Freedom Tour 2026: Road to Alabama

TBD am | Student drop-off

TBD pm | Student pick-up times

August

Saturday, August 15

Freedom Tour Family Reunion

5 pm | Live trip recap, presentation, and community close-out party.
Additional Ways to Support
Are you available to help volunteer with fundraisers, community events, and preparation activities for The Freedom Tour?
Donation & Sponsorship Opportunities
Foot Soldier

Under $500

All Foot Soldier donations go toward The Freedom Tour Fund (operational costs). Foot Soldiers receive:
- Freedom Tour 2026 Commeorative Postcard (1)
- Recognition at the Freedom Tour Family Reunion
Freedom Conductor

$500

Freedom Conductors donations cover the full cost of a child to attend The Freedom Tour. Freedom Conductors receive:
- Freedom Tour 2026 Commeorative Postcard (1)
- Hand-written trip summary & thank-you letter
- 20% discount on the Official Freedom Tour 2026 Yearbook
- Reconition at the Freedom Tour Family Reunion
Pullman Porters

$500-$9,999

Pullman Porter donations support The Freedom Tour Fund (operational costs). Pullman Porters receive:
- Freedom Tour Commeorative Postcard (1)
- Trip summary & hand-written thank-you letter
- 20% discount on the Freedom Tour Yearbook
- Freedom Tour t-shirt (1)
- Recognition at the Freedom Tour Family Reunion
North Stars

$10,000+

North Stars serve as marquee Freedom Tour sponsors and receive:
- Freedom Tour Commeorative Postcard (2)
- Trip summary & hand-written thank-you letter
- Recognition on Freedom Tour t-shirt, signage & sponsor materials.
- Signed copy of the Freedom Tour Yearbook by the class of 2026
- Freedom Tour t-shirt (2)
- Recognition & remarks at the Freedom Tour Family Reunion
Payment Options
Should be Empty:

Sunday, July 26 - Saturday, August 1

About Your Child

Your Child on the Freedom Tour

Freedom Tour Season Calendar

June - July

June 12 - July 24 (Fridays)

S.H.A.P.E.'s Summer Freedom Institute

June

Friday, July 24

Send-off + Community Prep-Day

Sunday, July 26 - Saturday, August 1

Freedom Tour 2026: Road to Alabama

August

Saturday, August 15

Freedom Tour Family Reunion

Additional Ways to Support

Foot Soldier

Under $500

$500

Pullman Porters