JASDFW Holds Its Inaugural Destination Japan Summer Camp

PLANO, July 20, 2022 – The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth (JASDFW) hosted its first iteration of the Destination Japan Summer Camp from Monday, June 6 through Friday, June 10. This camp gave local children ages 8 to 12 the opportunity to spend one week of their summer exploring the wonders of Japan!

Seventeen young campers immersed themselves in all things Japan through language lessons, cultural activities, and engaging programs. They learned about Japanese food culture through chopstick lessons and sushi-making, played Japanese games like Janken (じゃん拳, the Japanese version of Rock Paper Scissors) and Karuta (かるた, a Japanese card game and popular New Year’s Tradition), and created their own multi-pieced origami projects. Guest artists and presenters were also brought in to guide the campers through interactive workshops, including Kakizome Calligraphy (by Machiko Hanafusa at Kouka Calligraphy Studio) and Japanese Tea Ceremony & Tasting (by Michiyo Fitzgerald from Chado Urasenke Tanko-kai Dallas Fort Worth Association).

Each day was devoted to two months of the calendar, taking campers on a journey through Japanese traditions and holidays as they are experienced throughout the year. These activities included Bon Odori Dancing (performed during the Obon Festival in August) and Omen Mask Making (a popular tradition at Japanese summer festivals). The camp culminated with Otanoshimikai (お楽しみ会), a closing celebration for the campers, their families, and the camp staff with food, games, and prizes!

To view full gallery from summer camp, please visit jasdfw.smugmug.com/Website/n-FMJr7C/2022-Destination-Japan-Summer-Camp

This program reflected JASDFW’s mission to further understanding between Japanese and Americans. When asked what interested their child in joining the camp, one parent responded “We have Japanese ancestry, but since we’re 4th generation, we don’t know our culture. With things like anime being so popular in current media, our son has become more interested, so he really wanted to join!” A camper added, “I liked Japanese, and I wanted to learn about the culture before I go there someday!”

If you would like to know more about future camps and Japan-America Society’s family-friendly activities, please subscribe to the newsletter and visit our social media pages and content channels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube. Updates will also be shared on our website at www.jasdfw.org or you can always email us at info@jasdfw.org.

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