Boy Scouts from La Grange Council Visiting Japan

A contingent of 14 Boy Scouts and four leaders from the Boy Scouts of America, Des Plaines Valley Council, in La Grange, began a two-week visit July 21 to Japan.

On arrival, they visited a historic Tokyo temple where the Scouts and leaders participated in a traditional welcoming tea ceremony with their hosts, including Japanese Scouts and leaders.

During their stay, the Scouts will climb Mount Fuji, hike in Japan’s wilderness areas, visit a Japanese Scout Camp, and stay with host families, among other activities.

This is part of an ongoing, multiyear exchange program in which a Scouting contingent from Japan visited in 2011, including tours of the Chicago area, a stay at a Des Plaines Valley Council camp in Wisconsin, and were hosted by local Scouting families in their homes.

The Des Plaines Valley Council serves youth in 42 communities in the Chicago’s west and southwestern suburbs.