2012 Youth Ambassador Trip to begin 6/19

The selected Youth Ambassadors will head for Okayama on June 19, leaving from San Francisco Airport and flying to Tokyo Haneda airport. After a short rest, they will fly to Okayama to begin their visit. In Okayama, the youth will get to see senior care facillities, a biotech maker of joint replacements, the sponsoring high school, a junior high, learn about Okayama, try their hand at Bizen pottery making, meet the Mayor, go to a Bhudhist temple and try meditation … all this in a very short time. (Kind of Japanese style of trip). But the reason for the trip is not for travel experience, it is about being an ambassador in the best way: People to People. On Friday the youth will meet families in the Okayama community that asked to be homestay families for them. The City reports that while some came from the Gakugaikan High School, many responded to publication about the visit in local papers. We are very hopeful that the short home experience of the youth will be a stepping stone to further friendship for all involved. Watch for our blog (we will try to post from Japan). See where else we are visiting while in the country. Bob and Kazuko Green, officers in our Sister City group will accompany the youth.