Ten high school juniors and seniors from New Jersey will get a chance re-live history and experience what the Lewis and Clark Expedition faced 200 years ago.  To earn one of the 540 slots for the all-expense paid trip to North Dakota in August 2006, New Jersey students need to write a Lewis and Clark-focused essay.

     The Lewis and Clark Youth Rendezvous essay needs to address the following question: 'In your opinion, what military value most describes the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery journey and why?'

     The military values to be included in the essay are loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage.  Descriptions of the military values are available on the www.lcyouthrendezvous.com website.

     The National Guard has emphasized the educational applications of this extraordinary American adventure during the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commemoration.  The selected essay writers will be totally immersed in history, walking in the footsteps of the Lewis and Clark expedition.

     The hands-on activities and events will take place throughout western North Dakota. The adventure will showcase daily activities of the original Lewis and Clark expedition that will create a unique educational opportunity along the trail blazed by a pair of Army engineers 200 years ago.

     High students who are juniors or seniors for the 2006-2007 school year can submit an essay either online or by mail.  The essays must be a minimum of 1,000 words, but not more than 1,500 words and must be received by National Guard Bureau before midnight Feb. 28, 2006 .

     Judges will look at clarity of expression; historical accuracy; original thought and perspective; clear thesis and organized supporting paragraphs; proper use of grammar, spelling and sentence structure and if sources are referenced, use of appropriate annotation.