Minooka Eagle Scout to Travel to Japan Next Summer

Ben Trouvais, 13, 8th grader at

Meteorologists are predicting a harsh winter with an abundance of snow. Are you a person that would rather pay someone to shovel your driveway?

Look no further than resident, Ben Trouvais. He will clear your driveway of the white stuff. Then he will come back in the spring and do yard work. Anything for a couple bucks to help fund his trip to Japan next summer.

Trouvais is one of only a handful of students in the area selected to attend an educational tour of Japan as a participant of the Minooka Travel Abroad Program (TAP).

According to Trouvais, the 12-day trip will allow him and his fellow students time to absorb the Asian culture through sightseeing and visiting different landmarks.

“I’m glad to be going to Japan,” said Trouvais, adding that this trip will be the second time he has traveled out of the United States. A few years ago he visited Canada. 

“I’m very interested in learning the language, culture and everyday life,” Trouvais said. “I’m not nervous. I’m very excited.”

Minooka TAP is a year and a half long program for eighth graders that prepares them for every aspect of travel. High school credit is given to students for their participation in the program. To be considered for TAP, a student has to have good grades and letters of recommendations from teachers.

Recently, Trouvais was recognized for becoming one of Illinois' youngest Eagle Scouts. To earn this title, he had to complete all the ranks of Boys Scouts up to Eagle Scouts. He also had to earn 21 merit badges and complete a leadership project on his own that would benefit a community organization other than Boy Scouts.

Trouvais built outside benches and an alter for his church, . The furniture is used during outdoor services in the wooded area along church.

As an Eagle Scout, Trouvais attends Cub Scout meetings every week and helps at the meetings.

“My scout master is an important figure to me,” Trouvais said. “He is very supported of me and my troop.”

On top of traveling overseas and being a leader, Trouvais is a stellar student. He also plays French horn in the school’s honor band and last year he participated in the drama club.

Trouvais has a strong interest in U.S. History - enough to one day pursue a career in the subject. He enjoys reading historical fiction and watching both the Discovery and History Channels.

When he is not busy with school life, Trouvais likes to hang out with his friends and take care of his two dogs. 

Studying Japanese is also included in his daily agenda. He is going to have eventually learn how to ask for a Dr. Pepper, his favorite drink when he is dining in Japan.