Affordable community field trip to Aquaworld, Oarai

A couple of months ago, my two elementary school aged children came home excitedly with a letter about a community field trip. Both said they wanted to go on the trip. I agreed before even reading the letter, but I was delighted when the letter revealed that it was a particularly affordable trip.

It was the first trip of this nature from our town. The letter came through the school, but it has nothing to do with the school. It is organized by the town sport's association in conjunction with the parent's association. Not the school parent's association, but the town's parent's association. Yes, we have both. I don't know how common this is, but it is both a blessing and a curse!  

That community field trip was today. They went to Aqua World in Oarai town, Ibaraki Prefecture. Which is approximately 141 kilometers away. The trip per child was only 1500 yen. That included the coach fare, entrance into Aqua World and insurance. Normally the entrance into Aqua World alone is 1100 yen per child. They got a group discount because there were 60 children and 18 supervisors. 

They had a great time and both have said they would like to go on another trip of this type. However, as one of them is entering Junior High School in April, she probably won't be able to go next year if they have it again. It was only open to elementary school children from grades 3 to 6. Does your town organize trips like this? I think they are a great idea, especially for children. I do hope there will be more in the future.