But the group, which includes Yellowknifers Marie-Alison Lyman, Merv Templeton, Melissa Gutland, Stuart Wray and Tiffinnea Roberts, and Rae residents Kerri-Ann Wedzin and Amy Zoe, won't be lounging on beaches all day. The contingent is taking part in a cultural work exchange through AFS Inter-culture Canada.

The six-month program gives the young people, who range from ages 18 to 25, an opportunity to learn new skills and apply them when they come home.

They will either be working in the tourism industry or carpentry in Honduras and Panama. When they return they are guaranteed a six- month work term in their area of interest.

The majority of funding for the program comes from Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) and. The trip is being co-ordinated by Yellowknife-based Genesis Group.

But the group still needs to raise $1,000 for airfare, and plan to hold a bottle drive this weekend. Other fund-raisers are also in the works.

The group leaves for the South on Feb. 21, and at least one participant is trying to keep an open mind about what to expect.

"I'm trying not to get excited. I don't want to have a palace envisioned and I don't want a shack envisioned. I just want to see what I get," said Marie-Alison Lyman.