Misawa Boys and Girls Scouts interact with their Japanese counterparts

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Laura R. McFarlane
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  As part of an annual cultural exchange, more than 400 Boys and Girls Scouts from Misawa Air Base and the Japanese community came together for a day of activities and food Oct. 11.

The event took place at Edgren High School here, and involved Boys and Girls Scouts from Misawa City, Morioka, Amoroi, Hirosaki, as well as Misawa Air Base.

"It's a huge cultural and community relations event where the Girl Scouts and the Boy Scouts of America host our Japanese counterparts from the Aomori prefecture," said Cindee Parker, overseas committee chairman for Misawa Girl Scouts. "It's a good chance for our American kids to interact with their Japanese counterparts."

For more than 15 years, Misawa Air Base has hosted the event which supports and promotes relations between the local community and Misawa Air Base.

Despite the obstacle of language barriers, the children were able to participate in a variety of activities. Some of the events they played included an egg relay, litter carrying, crab soccer and bean bag toss.

The egg relay and litter carry paired both American and Japanese children in events that required coordination and teamwork without the need for extensive communication. Meanwhile, the crab soccer and bean bag toss gave children the chance to work together in small teams while still having fun.

Although the Japanese community is just outside the gate, many American children never get the opportunity to socialize with their Japanese peers, according to Ms. Parker. Events like the Boys and Girls Scouts Cultural Exchange give children that rare opportunity.

"For some, it's the only time they are able to get together with any Japanese children for a day of play," said Ms. Parker.