Felix is finishing 8th grade and has the incredible opportunity to travel to Japan for nine days with the Juneau Travel & Culture Club. This trip is a dream come true for him—he’s eager to experience a real karaoke club with his friends, visit Joypolis (an indoor theme park), and immerse himself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Japan. Felix is especially excited to try authentic Japanese food and see a part of the world he’s only read and seen movies about.

This adventure comes at a pivotal time, just before Felix begins high school. He knows a couple of people in the group, but he’ll be meeting new friends and learning about a different culture and language. It’s a chance for him to challenge himself, build independence, and grow in ways that only travel can offer. We believe this experience will help him develop confidence and a broader perspective as he steps into this next chapter of his life.

Felix has been his usual industrious self, working hard to make this trip possible. He’s taken on yard work, walked dogs, and is even planning to offer pressure-washing services to our neighbors. As his mom, I’ve taken on extra projects at work to help cover the costs, and we've been making payments since last spring. Still, it’s a stretch for our family, and we’re reaching out for support from our extended family and community. You may have already donated, but any contribution will help Felix make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and show him how much his community believes in his dreams.