So, this coming August would normally be the SDSS bi-annual trip to Hawaii for Senior volleyball players. I've tentatively set Aug.21 to 28 as the potential dates (after talking to a number of interested players and looking at different cost items). I'm more reluctant than usual this time around due to the exchange rate (although, in the past, we've done trips in similar circumstances). This years trip would look something like this:
Aug.21 Depart from Vancouver, probably on Westjet (normally we fly from Bellingham, but that is no longer the deal it once was)
Aug.21 to 28 Stay at the Waikiki Banyan, 4 players to a suite. These units have kitchens, so the girls can take care of their own breakfast, lunch, and the occasional dinner.
Exhibition games vs. local Hawaiian schools would take place every second day (or more), I typically try to organize at least 3 games and as many as 5.
Our agenda is usually somewhat dictated by where the schools are that we play, but usually team outings have consisted of snorkelling trips, excursions to the North Shore beaches, the Polynesian Cultural Centre, surf lessons, the University of Hawaii NCAA Women's volleyball games, Diamond Head Hike, Pearl Harbour tour, the Aloha Swap meet and a lot of beach time.
Aug.28 Depart Honolulu for return to Vancouver. Here is the 2014 itinerary as an example.
The actual itinerary does not usually solidify until as late as July as most coaches are not in session until school starts in August. Thus far, I've never had difficulty organizing exhibition games against willing teams.
While I view this trip as an awesome opportunity for team bonding through shared experience, it's important to note that individuals who choose to go do not guarantee themselves a spot on the 2019 Snr Girls team; tryouts take place, as usual, in the first couple days back to school. Likewise, if you choose not to go, this does not hinder your ability to "make" the senior team in September.
So, the long and short of it:
After crunching the numbers, talking to Westjet, looking at van rentals, etc. I figure the cost for the trip will be in the neighbourhood of $1700 to $1800 per player. There will likely be some other minor individual costs for travel insurance and food. Obviously, the more players that go, the more affordable the trip (somewhat, multiples of 4 are good), so I think we would need at least 10-12 players to make it work. We could take more than that.
Some players have made good use of the various fundraising opportunities I run through the school (Tournaments, gr6/7 player camps) and I encourage you to continue to do so in gr.11 and gr.12. This can make a significant impact on the cost of the trip to individual players. Most players who ref their fair share and help out at the FNH camp will raise about $300 per year.
I have not yet requested permission from the school or district to run this trip (although, as it happens in August, this is normally not a problem) but will move forward on this if there is enough interest. I would like to request each player pay $500 to the school accountant by Mar.11 to hold a spot. This will allow me to make the airline reservations and we'll go from there.
Mahalo!