Day 1 - Finally Here!

Everyone arrived on July 31 by 7pm. The kids all seemed to get along quite well and fit in just nicely. They played cards and chatted while the counselors had a meeting downstairs. Emily M. and Amber M. were taken over to Keiko-san's house for a special homestay for the week. In the homestay house we had a bed time of 10pm for the first night--the kids were wound up and anxious to start camp!

Rise and shine - the weather started off with a few clouds and sun, quite perfect. Alarms went off at 7:30 a.m. and the kids enjoyed a cereal breakfast, brushed their teeth and...we're late! Why? Well, the first two vehicles loaded up and left, but ME? I could NOT find my keys! No joke. Ok, slap me...they *were* in my purse. I did look at least five times--honest. I showed up about a half-hour late to Yamada Junior High School. One of the Japanese counselors rode with me, reading the Japanese map and still we still got lost LOL! We were only a couple blocks off--not that far. Rachel -my daughter- was very upset she didn't get on the first caravan. I felt so bad!

The kids started off the morning with name tags, introductions, and group assignments. They did a variation of Bingo with their names. Then the active fun kicked in with some court time in the gym. We continued more name games so the kids could memorize and learn the names in each child's group. It took some time for the kids to be vocal, speak up, and loosen up! There was rotation of basketball, dodge ball, and free time.

Lunch time rolled in and we realized the hot dogs were left back at the house! LOL What next?! Next we did a check and we didn't have napkins, plates, or forks for the relish. Don't worry, the kids didn't starve, if that's what you're thinking! We got everything just in time and the kids ate well. They got to eat "sweet breads" that were donated by KudoPan. Great snacks--typical Japanese stuff that you really enjoy! Some have cream and jam in the middle, others have pudding, some are nut flavored--all of them are yummy. So, before the kids could sit down we put them "on the spot". They couldn't go and sit back down in their same seat! They had to find a new friend and find out all they could about them--and expect to introduce them after lunch. As you can imagine, everyone had some hestitation to pure rejection of the idea. But, with some tender coaxing, they were attempting some questions. When lunch was finished, we had three groups of kids come up and introduce their new friends--they did great!! And they learned something new--work past your fears, take the time to listen, and you can always learn something about someone if you just take the time to talk.

We packed up some outdoor items and headed out to a local park on foot, only minutes from Yamada Junior High School. There was a wooden jungle gym, a small wading pool where little ones ran naked to cool off, two dirt playing fields, and lots of grass to enjoy.

The kids enjoyed free playtime for awhile, a game of soccer, hoola hoop contests and of course the counselors lost and it was the shortest contest in history-I am not sure the hoop made one rotation around their body! LOL--and they finished with a game of colors (call a color and all kids had to run to other side without getting touched).

The afternoon closed down with diary time. The kids had to write at least three things (words or phrases) they learned in the opposite language in the journals. A few of the kids were eager to share their new discoveries! It was 4:00 p.m. and the end of the first day of day-camp. But, the fun continued...

At 5:30 p.m. we had three wonderful Japanese women (one was 73 years old!) come to the homestay house and teach all of the children a bon odori dance that is unique to the Aomori area. The kids put on their festive happi coats and the instruction began. The upbeat song played and the children danced in a circle trying to mimic the fluid and beautiful movements of these women adorned in gorgeous kimonos. Some shuffled along trying very hard to get it right while others caught on quickly. It was so much fun to watch! The second dance they learned was a bit more "fun", quicker upbeat song, one that you could clap to. The kids seemed to really enjoy this (although some were quite embarrassed and "forced" to participate LOL)! Noah was the only one I couldn't get to dance--I thought for sure he would.

After the dance, the women brought delicious treats for us to try. One was lemon slices served on mochi and norizashi (rice inside a sweet outside shell that is also soy flavored a bit). While we enjoyed the goodies, Emily was pulled aside to be interviewed by a Japanese journalist from a local paper. I am sure she shared how much fun the bon odori dancing was!