Japan Trip Opportunity

We were contacted by Des Plaines Valley Council (LaGrange, IL) about filling a few openings they have left on a scout trek to Japan. This opportunity is open to Eagle Scouts and Venturers (boys and girls). Below is a list of activities and the dates. If you'd like an application let me know (I haven't figured out how to attach them here yet).

Dear Eagle Scouts and Venturers:

One of the greatest and most rewarding experiences in Scouting is the opportunity to meet others in the movement, to gain knowledge of their lives and experiences, and to learn more of the world. I am pleased to tell you that you are eligible to take advantage of a truly rare chance to do just that in a big way!

I would like to personally invite you to be a part of our official Des Plaines Valley Council Contingent, visiting the exotic and beautiful country and culture of Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun, for 14 days from Thursday, July 16 to Wednesday, July 29, 2009. Those on this trip will be ambassadors of the U.S. Scouting program, sharing your experiences, background and skills with Scouts, leadership and families in Japan. Our Council has participated in such exchanges with Japanese Scouts for several years and all involved have been thrilled, excited, and deeply moved by the experience.

This is your opportunity to share in this rare, perhaps once in a lifetime, experience. Program details are as follows.

1. Duration: July 16, Thursday (Departure Chicago-O’Hare) –July 29, 2009, Wednesday

2. Number of Participants: Up to 30 Eagle Scouts and/or Venturers and 5 Adult Leaders.

3. Program:
(a) Camp: Attend Tokyo Council Venture Scout Joint Camp.
(b) Overnight Mt. Fuji Expedition (Climbing to the top of the mountain)
(c) Home Hospitality Program at scouts’ homes.
(d) Sightseeing of Tokyo
(e) Experience traditional tea ceremony “Chanou”

4. Your Financial Responsibilities - $2,750 payable to the Des Plaines Valley Council, Boy Scouts of America; included in this fee are the round trip plane tickets, domestic transportation in Japan, lodging and meals, Tokyo Council Summer Camp Fee, and Accidental and Health Insurance during stay in Japan. We suggest an additional $300 personal spending money.

Please complete the enclosed form and mail it along with a $250 non-refundable deposit. Interviews will be conducted in order of receipt of application and deposit. This event will fill up fast, so get your application and check in as soon as possible. I hope you can join us in the unique adventure and am looking forward to receiving your response.

Yours truly,
William P. Sarther SarthAssoc@AOL.com or 630-915-5050
Chairman, International Scouting