One of the most active groups preparing for Washington 2006, the next U.S. international exhibition with FIP patronage, is the Youth Committee headed by Nancy Clark.

The layout for Washington 2006 includes a 4,000 square foot area set aside for youth and beginner activities. The carpeted "Stamp Zone" is expected to handle hundreds of youngsters and visitors at a time.

Bus loads of students will be welcomed first in a special reception area sporting foam-filled mailbags which double as pillows as they wait their turn to enter the zone. At least three shadowbox stands filled with free stamps on and off cover await them next where they can select items of interest. Then it's on to 50+ tables and chairs for a variety of formal presentations.

"Exploration" is the general theme for the area, with special emphasis on the historical Lewis and Clark expeditions which took place between 1804 and 1806, eventually leading to America's expansion in the West.

Decorations and displays are still in the preliminary stages. Planned are a series of Plexiglas domes covering buildings and landmarks representing different regions of the US, of course all covered in stamps. A hands-on "Kid's Post Office" is being discussed, as are various artwork panoramas.

High-tech equipment will also be featured in the Stamp Zone. Computers, electronic games, digital display panels, and more will keep everyone actively involved with learning about stamps.

Several other prominent youth and beginner activists are assisting Nancy Clark on the committee. They include Kim Kowalczyk, APS; Linda Hounchel, USPS; Joan Bleakley, stamp resources; Betsy Towle, Postal History Foundation; and Cheryl Edgcomb, Stamp Camp USA.

Washington 2006 welcomes donations of stamps and covers for Stamp Zone give-aways during the show. Begin saving these items now for mailing in 2005 and 2006. Shipping instructions will be published in upcoming press releases.

For details about Washington 2006, taking place May 27-June 3, 2006 at the Washington, DC Convention Center, see the show's web page