WHEN: last Saturday in January to first Sunday in February (9 days)

 

  We will be departing from the front of Wilson High School some time Saturday morning (exact time will be determined when we get flight departure times) and traveling by deluxe motorcoach, a.k.a. school bus, to Philadelphia International Airport.  All participants will go on the bus (no exceptions).  Say goodbye to parents and loved ones at the school.  We then will fly to Montego Bay, Jamaica, arriving sometime Saturday afternoon.

 

  After nine glorious, exhausting, educational, fun days in Jamaica, we will be departing for the U.S. late Sunday morning or early Sunday afternoon (exact times not available yet).  We will arrive at Philadelphia International Airport to find our trusty school bus waiting to escort us back to the verdant hilltops of Wilson High School (all participants will ride the bus back to school; no exceptions).  After tears of joyful reunions have been shed, parents will escort their exhausted, but much more worldly, students home.

 

WHERE: St. Ann's Bay Marine Lab, Priory, St. Ann's Bay, Jamaica.

 

  We will be staying at SABML which is located at the Hunny Bay Resort.  This is a small hotel that is used almost exclusively  for its Marine Lab.  Accommodations are modest but comfortable.  Rooms, each with private bath, will be shared by two students.  St. Ann's Bay is a small fishing village located on the north shore of Jamaica, about eight miles west of Ocho Rios.

 

COST: $2100 (approximate)

 

  This price includes all meals, transportation, lodging, entry fees, taxes, and tips.  The only money your son or daughter will need is for souvenirs and snacks.  Things are a little expensive in Jamaica (e.g. soda is one U.S. dollar a bottle) but unless they wish to bring back several souvenirs, $50 to $100 should be enough spending money.

 

  A $500 deposit is due by the first Friday in October.  Teacher recommendation forms must also be received by Mr. Dahms by this date.

 

  A second payment of $500 is due by October 31, and the final balance of is due by the first Friday in December.  (all checks payable to Wilson High School; all information and money should be given to Mr. Dahms)

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

 1. Participation in this trip is limited and we will let you know by Monday after first deposits are in if your child was fortunate enough to be recommended.  Selection will be based primarily on teacher recommendations with seniors and juniors receiving priority over sophomores.

 

 2. Your son or daughter must have a Passport.  ('How to Apply for a U.S. Passport information sheet enclosed)  Please apply for one as soon as possible.  They also will need a mask, snorkel and fins. (see Mr. Dahms for recommendations)

 

 3. This is a school-sponsored trip and proper school behavior is expected.

 

 4. All forms, i.e. permission and emergency treatment, and payments must be turned in (to Mr. Dahms) by December 5.

 

 5. In the event of a problem that prevents your child from going at the last minute, we might have a waiting list.  If we can replace your child, we will do so at a nominal fee to you for change of ticket costs (probably about $50).  If there is no replacement, we will refund you as much of the money as possible (probably about 70%).  If you would like to purchase trip insurance against this possibility, please contact your own insurance agents.

 

 6. Jamaica is not a very modernized country.  However, SABML has U.S. and Canadian-trained physicians on call, and if an emergency should arise where your son or daughter would need medical attention, every effort will be made to contact you first.  You will also have to make arrangements to pay by credit card over the telephone since they will not accept any U.S. insurance carriers.  You may then submit your bills to your carrier at home.