annual excursion of young people

Since 1949 the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs have offered this grand opportunity to youth from the United States, Canada and many other countries. For young adults interested in world affairs, international relations, economics and/or political sciences, this is an opportunity of a lifetime to observe the United Nations in person while exchanging views on education, politics and religion. The experience of this trip will truly impact the lives of the young people that attend and positively shape their futures.

They, along with a contingent of adult counselors, were the first of what has turned into an annual excursion of young people each summer. Every state in the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, and every province of Canada, except one, has been represented and students have participated from Denmark, Cuba and Australia.

The Odd Fellows and Rebekahs of America feel that this pilgrimage provides exposure to the activity of governments and their work. It gives students a chance to see, hear, and question members of national delegations and specialists from various departments of the International Secretariat in briefings on a wide range of topics. In other words, it provides what classroom work alone cannot begin to provide.

Historical & Educational

Here, students enjoy a lively question and answer period that sharpens their comprehension of government affairs. On the buses enroute to New York, historical spots and tourist attractions are visited, three days are spent in the Nation's capital, and the young people also make lasting friendships along the way and in New York City.

Young people competing for delegate selection must be sophomores or juniors in high school, active in school and community affairs, spiritual motivation, willingness to report on the tour, and general physical fitness. The trip is paid for by members of the Order.