• Today we carried on making some plans for when we get there, we also came up with some more ideas like paperclip bracelets. We also found out about some changes that have been made to where we are going.
• We talked about fundraising ideas and more activities for the schools. We have decided to make models of our crafts.
• Hopefully in the next meeting we will have a go at one of the crafts. I'm really excited. As well as that we need to start thinking about the equipment we will use/need to take with us. Planning the activities makes the trip feel even closer. I can't wait for the trip in October!

• Today we added to the list of activities of which we will be presenting soon. We made a team mascot too for our group, group five. I need to find out which vaccinations I need to get for Sri Lanka soon too, which is a bit scary, but I'm sure I'll survive. Not looking forward to it though!
• We were given gorgeous keyrings today. They were made from paper and glitter and are stunning.
• We've made a lot more progress today, it's going to be so much fun!
• We talked about the changes in the itinerary and we made changes and added to our ideas and plans.

• So today we started to plan our fundraising ideas and we may be collaborating with Romana, Emily and Abby.
• I am excited to do the curry night and raise a lot of money hopefully it goes well.
• Super excited to be at the meeting. Time has passed so quickly, and I can't wait to get fund raising later.
• We have come up with more ideas for our activities at the schools and were really excited to do them in Sri Lanka. It's getting closer to October and our trip. I'm so excited and can't wait to go!

"Maisie organised a film evening as her fund raising for Ocean Stars Trust. 40 children and adults enjoyed a karaoke evening performance of the Showman"

• I'm really pumped up for the trip we are getting closer and closer to the date and I can't wait we are also having good ideas now.
• Today we continued to plan for the activities. I know I say this very time, but it really does feel so close and every day becomes more and more exciting as the countdown continues.
• Today we received these really delicate and pretty keyrings! We also came up with another activity that we will present to the rest of the group at a later date. I am quite nervous about the upcoming vaccinations.

 It is lovely to have a clear picture of where we are going in Sri Lanka – even if the thought of the longer journeys are a bit daunting! I am looking forward to helping in the pre-schools and have lots of ideas starting to form – I love to sing and read stories so this is definitely within my comfort zone.

After hearing about all the things that we'll be doing in the mornings at the preschools I'm really excited to be there doing it.

 It seems like it's going to be a lot of fun to come up with the games and activities to go with the theme.

Looking at the programme for the trip in more detail brings back lots of memories from last year. It's really exciting to be thinking about how we can bring the story to life and what activities we can develop this year. Its lovely to get to know the team better each time we meet.

I got a flavour of what to expect and what's expected from me. Ideas that need to be expanded re book theme/trains. Activities for children and ways to convey to them. Adapting for children- songs etc.

"We had the first meeting today and I'm so excited to go! We watched a video in the assembly and I was trying to hold back tears as it made me realise who lucky and privileged I am to be able to go on this trip."

"After seeing all the memories that the Sri Lanka 2018 team have made I can't wait to make my own. I'm even more excited than I was before!"

"I am really excited about the trip next year! The information evening was very interesting and I'm especially excited about visiting the schools and meeting the children."

"After hearing about all the things, we will be doing in Sri Lanka I am really excited. I can't wait to spend a week there learning about the culture. I'm really happy that I'm going on this trip with some of my best friends, but I'm quite anxious about fulfilling the fundraising goal! I really hope I can make a difference."

"We met the 2018 team and got to talk to them about their experience. It looked amazing, I can't wait to go on this once in a lifetime The 2018 team looked like they made so many unforgettable memories. I am so lucky to have this brilliant experience."

"I am really looking forward to the challenge of setting a new record. The thought that our journey starts now is a little daunting, but I know that no matter what happens, I will enjoy spending time with my friends, fundraising and meeting new people. Although I am worrying already about the food and the flights without my parents, I can't wait to get started!"

"Today marks the start of our journey. I am excited for this opportunity and can't wait for 2019."

"Just when I thought I was excited it's increased ten times. I'm so happy to be chosen and I feel so grateful."

"After hearing what everyone had to say I can't wait for next year and I wish it would come sooner. I can't wait to experience the culture and help out. As well as being super excited for the actual trip I am very nervous for both going to Sri Lanka and the preparation and fundraising over the next year. I hope we can make a difference to lives. I am still shocked and delighted to have been accepted on this trip and to have been given this opportunity."

"I am really excited about meeting all the school children!"

"I am really looking forward to start fundraising!"

"I can't wait to go!"

"I am really excited for this trip! Going to these schools and working with deaf people is going to be a very interesting, unique experience."

"We talked more in depth about what we will be doing in Sri Lanka. We sorted out our clothing sizes and thought a little bit about fundraising ideas and what we will do with the children. I'm very excited now."

"I am so excited, but I am nervous at the same time. We have already started raising money by selling raffle tickets to win a chance to go to the capital jingle bell ball."

"I wish I could be there already!"

"I can't wait to start planning activities, lessons and fundraising events!"

"I can't wait to start Friday Fundraising after Christmas!"

"It will be amazing to see how we can help the students and what the money we raise will go towards. I cannot wait!"

"I get more excited with each meeting! We got our fundraising pot and have started raising money. The trip is just starting to come alive!"

"I am really excited about the trip and this year leading up to it."

"I am optimistic about the trip and ready to face the challenge."

"We got our t-shirts today! I can't wait and is strange to think we are going this year! I can't wait!"

"Everyone is getting excited and planning activities to do in the schools."

"We learned about what things we should pack, medical issues etc and we got our T-shirts today. I am eager to begin planning some fundraising events with my group."

"I have started planning how I can raise money. We received our official fundraising t-shirts at the meeting and am even more excited than before."

"Learning about preparations today only made it more real. We can tell it will be really fun."

"I have currently raised £108.30! I cannot wait to do more fundraising."

"I am looking forward to going to the elephant orphanage!"

"Now that we have been given our Ocean Stars t-shirts and taken the first group photo I feel like the journey has really begun. I cannot wait for the year ahead and the fundraising and planning before we finally go on the trip. I am excited to see how much money we can make to help out in Sri Lanka."