When the kids at a San Francisco elementary school returned from their April field trip, they weren't just buzzing with excitement—they were glowing.
"The kids had so much fun. Seeing the joy on their faces as they participated in the different activities was priceless," the school's principal wrote in a thank-you note. "The parents were so grateful, and the kids can't stop talking about their experience. They are loving their sweaters, too!"
They brought home the sweaters—cozy hoodies—each stamped with a quote from Francis of Assisi.
The field trip, A Day of Perfect Joy, is Francis in the Schools' (FIS) signature offering. It is part of Following Francis, a non-profit organization founded in 2011 by the late Dr. Carol Weyland Conner of Walnut Creek. Over 27,000 children have participated in these trips.
Though inspired by the life and values of Francis of Assisi, Following Francis is completely non-religious.
"It's a universal message," says Following Francis Executive Director Terry Johnson. "If we see someone in need, we serve them as members of our own family."
While the schools initially participating in the field trip programs were Catholic, many more public schools, especially in disadvantaged neighborhoods, have since joined.
Most field trips have been held in the East Bay, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and New York.
A Day of Perfect Joy is more than a field trip. It also comprises musical plays complete with original songs, dancers, and giant puppets staged by volunteers. These plays, based on the life of Francis of Assisi or other inspiring historical figures, tell stories of courage and loving service.
After the play, the children are welcomed into an outdoor "faire" with face painting, flower arranging, various games, and sometimes even a petting zoo. The children also get to talk to the cast of the musical plays, and every child receives a beautifully wrapped edible gift treat.
FIS' mission goes beyond fun and games. Sometimes, principals and teachers request support for their students' families. In response, FIS has provided individualized gift bags for each student filled with educational supplies and toys, clothing, shoes, and more.
Sometimes, FIS transforms local playgrounds into open-air grocery stores where parents can get as much as two weeks' worth of free dairy, meats, fresh produce, and other essentials.
During major emergencies, FIS has used its school contacts to reach out to families in need with cash gifts of $800 to $1,400. This was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic and, most recently, during the Los Angeles fires.
Terry and several volunteers headed to Altadena and Pasadena and worked with two school officials to arrange personal delivery of cash gifts and gift cards for food.
Nathan Pastor of the Pastor Law Group, PC, in Walnut Creek, an FIS board member, says attending Following Francis events has always been the highlight of his year.
Nathan has never missed an FIS field trip, regardless of its location.
"Throughout the day, FIS showers them with love and touches their hearts, and it's not just for the participants and recipients; it's for the volunteers, too," says Nathan. "That is why I joined the board."
Visit: Followingfrancis.org/