Discussion: USA juniors summer Europe trip

We had a good call last week with parents and others generous with their time to help us think through the junior trip to Europe this coming summer.

We are fortunate to have connections in Finland (Bretons, Eero's family), in Norway (Cristina), and in Bulgaria (Brautigam, Sergiev). Erin would like to take juniors on a longer well-paced training trip with some competition, to develop a rhythm, build skills, peak physically for JWOC, develop the teamwork to support each other in development, and so on.

The rough schedule is:
6/9 arrive in Finland; train near Jukola
6/14-15 Jukola
6/16-17 more training
6/18 travel to Helsinki area
6/19-21 train near Helsinki
6/22 travel to Norway
6/23-26 train on JWOC 2015 terrain
6/27-9 Norsk O-Fest
6/30-7/2 exploration
7/3 travel to Bulgaria
then train in Bulgaria, and compete at JWOC (7/21-7/27)

This is very tentative - we are now working to see if we can get help to make the trip affordable. After figuring out some more of the logistics, we'll ask to see how many juniors can go. This is targeted at JST level juniors. I haven't talked to Erin about it, but I imagine we'd be open to have juniors from other countries - certainly Canada.

We're hoping to find another coach to travel with the team, depending on size, but definitely once the full team gathers for the training in Bulgaria. We'd like to make local connections to gain expertise from coaches local to the area and meet other juniors. We'd love to hear about opportunities to do community service in the places we visit - teach kids English - take kids out orienteering - etc.

Thanks

Compliments to Erin for choosing the Jukola. Of all the possible formative experiences, this one is perhaps only second behind JWOC.

"open to have juniors from other countries"---that can be a real plus, especially from a cultural standpoint.

This schedule looks great! I agree with Vlad that Jukola will be a great experience for the juniors. Will they sign up and run as an all-junior team (or more)?

I also really like the schedule and the ratio of racing to training, as well as the training on JWOC 2015 terrain. It is very exciting to see what Erin, Barb, and co. are doing!

I have some time off during this time. I would be interested in working with some of the juniors if possible and time permitting. My plans deviate from this plan as well. Please let me know.

Wow, that would be great!

Yeah, I agree. I am on the sidelines but hope it works out

Very excited to see Jordan might be able to participate!