You are going to have the best time in the world! I have a billion tips for you. Tips that we didn't get, but had to learn ahead of time. First:

Clothes- You do not need as much as you think. 2 airs of Khakis lasts 4-5 days, maybe more. Khaki's are a good thing to bring! Always wear nice clothes. The teachers will tell a little more detail, but make sure your clothes are comfortable, and not hot-because Tokyo is very humid. Comfortable shos that stay on well are a must, because you walk A LOT and sometimes you need to hurry.

Gifts- Something we all worry about. Bring as many as you can. You will make friends, and you will want to give them stuff. They will also give you some gifts too, so it is always good to have something to give in return. I reccomed bracelets, necklaces, Beef Jerkey, Dreamcatchers, Pencils (Mariners pencils are good for boys!), things representing Port Angeles, etc... They will like them, no matter what. Bring an extra bag for gifts, you will need the extra room. Duffle bags are great. Don't stress.

Food- Make sure you eat! And drink! You don't want to get sick, and after all the walking and eating you do, you will feel healthier, and hungrier! If you don't want to eat everything, don't. They eat a lot in Japan. The food is great. Try everything, it's all good. Mr. Edwards will definately tell you to drink water and eat on a regular schedule. Believe me, once you get used to trying new things, it's not hard and you probably will miss new things.

Money- I only had $260.00, because for some reason, I had a $100.00 bill that they wouldn't let me exchange. I got by okay, but I would reccomed over $300.00, because you will probably want to get nice gifts for your family. Don't worry too much, Mutsu is cheaper than Tokyo, and neither one is TOO expensive. You should be fine, as long as you don't blow all your money at the beginning.

Language- Learning the language is not an issue on this trip, so don't freak if you don't know many sayings or phrases. You can communicate in other ways besides speaking, and most of the students there will speak pretty good English. Making friends is 110% more important, and you will make a lot of friends!

Smiling- Be sure to smile a lot, and as much as you can. Practice your smile so that you can do it well, and for a long time. You'll be happy enough to smile a lot, anyway. The students love it when you do, so smile...smile...smile...smile...smile!

This is the best, most fun experience you will ever have. The feeling cannot be replicated or written on paper (or printed on a website!) Cry at the farewell dinner, do absolutely everything you can, it is so great.

And onother thing, make friends with all the delegates going. This type of thing will give you friends for a very long time. Oh, and if you are like me and about every other delegate, you will not do homework. Bring maybe one or two books, at the most. It will save a lot of space, because you won't do it anyway. Don't tell your teachers I said this, though.

If this letter doesn't give you all the info you think you need, don't freak out. It is so much fun learning everything for yourself. Just have fun! I know you will! Sincerely,
Adrienne McCabe.

P.S. Talk with the adults also. They can be just as much fun as the kids, and more informational!