Q: What if we can't afford the cost of the trip?
A: That is simple! We want everyone to be able to participate regardless of their economic standing! There are two ways the Expedition Club makes this possible.
One: Fundraising, everything that is fundraised goes back to you to help subsidize the activity fee. Our most successful fundraising activity is a drafted letter, which we write, that you can send to anyone you know asking him or her to help fund your expedition. In the past members have earned as much as $1,000 dollars from this fundraiser alone. Other fundraisers such as garage sales or bake sales, the funds will be distributed evenly among all the members involved. A large portion of your activity fee can be financed this way.
Two: Scholarships, If you are a "returner" who would like to go on an expedition again, then we have a scholarship to help. The scholarship subsidizes 40% of the activity fee costs. We offer 3 of these scholarships per trip. To apply please contact the Expedition Club staff for eligibility requirements and further information about this scholarship program.
One: Fundraising, everything that is fundraised goes back to you to help subsidize the activity fee. Our most successful fundraising activity is a drafted letter, which we write, that you can send to anyone you know asking him or her to help fund your expedition. In the past members have earned as much as $1,000 dollars from this fundraiser alone. Other fundraisers such as garage sales or bake sales, the funds will be distributed evenly among all the members involved. A large portion of your activity fee can be financed this way.
Two: Scholarships, If you are a "returner" who would like to go on an expedition again, then we have a scholarship to help. The scholarship subsidizes 40% of the activity fee costs. We offer 3 of these scholarships per trip. To apply please contact the Expedition Club staff for eligibility requirements and further information about this scholarship program.
Q: How do we travel?
A: We travel together! As members who plan on going, you will deposit money into the airplane ticket account. The Expedition Club will buy everyone's tickets together so the entire group can take the same flight. If you are coming from another area in the USA or the World then it is possible to meet up with the team in Seattle or Bangkok. The Expedition Club would still be in charge of purchasing your airplane tickets in order to make the best possible connection.
Q: What are the health requirements for going to Thailand?
A: All of the participants will be required to have the shots that are currently recommended by the World Health Organization for travel in Southeast Asia. Those shots can be given locally at the County Health Department. Each participant must have on record with us individual health insurance. Extend travel insurance is available but is generally not necessary in Thailand. There is a small clinic in Phapang. There is excellent health care in Thoen (20 minutes away), Lampang and Chang Mai and perhaps the most advance hospital in all of Asia is in Bangkok.
Q: What are the rules for going overseas?
A: James Roberts has been an educator for nearly 35 years and has lead well over 200 expeditions or retreats. He has lead over 20 trips to Asia. We clearly understand that we alone ultimately are responsible for the safety and security of our team.
Based on that experience we are most comfortable with the notion that the most effective rules are not rules at all, but high expectations that are a reflection of the collective wisdom and responsibility of the team. We will be a team when we depart for over seas. Anyone that we feel is unable to meet the high expectations that the Expedition Club has set down regarding trust and responsibility will be dropped.
Based on that experience we are most comfortable with the notion that the most effective rules are not rules at all, but high expectations that are a reflection of the collective wisdom and responsibility of the team. We will be a team when we depart for over seas. Anyone that we feel is unable to meet the high expectations that the Expedition Club has set down regarding trust and responsibility will be dropped.
Q: What are some of the risks when going abroad?
A: There are always risks while traveling abroad. We have a list of common risks that are take place during an expedition on our website - here. We also will have a meeting with parents and students to discuss risks further so that we can answer all your questions in real time and in the most detail possible.
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