APCC Workshop at Camp Erdman

JAs at Camp Erdman

May 4, 2019

The JASH Junior Ambassadors (JAs) stayed at Camp Erdman from Saturday, May 4th to Sunday, May 5th for an overnight retreat to build teamwork amongst the group and to prepare for their trip to Japan. Although the poor weather threatened to ruin the fun of camp, the JAs exhibited an amazing level of positivity, and the weather cleared towards the end of their experience, making their stay exciting and pleasant. At camp, the JAs practiced for the cultural performance which they will perform at the Global Bridge Festival in Fukuoka, Japan in July.

JAs practicing archery

In order to test their teamwork, the JAs attempted the YMCA’s Team Development Course in which JAs were tasked with a variety of challenges and puzzles designed by Camp Erdman staff to encourage participants to work together and trust the other members of their team.

JA Elias Kagawa and his Global Bridge Leader report on sea level rise

Prior to their stay, the JAs researched different contemporary issues in Hawaii such as GMO, marine preservation, traffic, recycling, pollution, and global warming. The purpose of these GBL reports is to enable the JAs to learn about issues in their communities and their possible solutions. Understanding that a great representative understands their home, the JAs shared these presentations with their peers and shared their research in order to build a greater collection of knowledge to take with them to Japan.

Overall, the overnight experience brought the six JAs together to form a more cohesive group, ready to take on the challenges they will face in Japan and with the confidence in their fellow JAs to support them.