Camden — For the past 15 years, Camden-Rockport Middle School has sponsored an exchange program with the school board of Hirakawa in Aomori Prefecture, Japan.

In the spring of 2013, 10 eighth-grade students selected in a random drawing will participate in this program. Along with two middle school chaperones, they will travel to Japan as good will ambassadors representing their school, community and the state of Maine. The group fundraises the entire cost of this trip, making it accessible to any student regardless of socio-economic status. They are starting with a $5,000 grant, but have a long way to go. In the coming months they will be carrying out many fundraising events in hopes of achieving their goal.

Beginning Oct. 22 and continuing through to Christmas By The Sea, Dec. 2, these 10 students are selling hand-crafted, fragrant, 12-inch balsam fir wreaths made at Evergreen Farms in Waldoboro. They are a traditional way to decorate businesses and homes during the holiday season.

The wreaths offered are either decorated with student handmade origami; specialty decorations; frosted pinecones/crabapple and a red bow; or an undecorated wreath is offered for the do-it-yourselfers.

Camden-Rockport Middle School Principal Maria Libby said in a news release, “This wreath sale has become a tradition at CRMS, frequently kicking off the hefty fundraising effort for the Japan trip. We are thrilled to offer the opportunity for any eighth-grader at CRMS to travel overseas to Japan on this cultural exchange. The experience is truly transformative, enabling students to broaden their perspectives and expand their world. We’d love your support by buying a genuine Maine balsam wreath!”

For orders/pricing go to the Camden-Rockport Middle School website: fivetowns.net/crms/, look for the link: wreath order form. Orders are by email only, with payment due at time of delivery or pick-up.