Sparking new friendships at summer camp Published Aug. 13, 2008 By Senior Airman Nestor Cruz 18th Medical Group diagnostics and therapeutic flight NCOIC KADENA AB, Japan -- Approximately 60 students from both American and Okinawan schools met Aug. 7 for an afternoon of fun, games and cultural interaction at the Tamagusuku Youth Center. The cultural exchange was part of English Summer Camp activities for middle school students from Naha district schools. "The English Summer Camp is an annual event hosted by the Naha Board of Education during summer break," said Keiko Toma, 18th Wing Public Affairs community relations specialist. "This is the first time Kadena teens joined in the program for a cultural exchange with them." The activity was coordinated with the Naha Board of Education by Ms. Toma and Kadena's Teen Center Millennium staff. The purpose of participating in the activity was to give American teens the chance to experience and learn about another culture, said Tammy Taylor, 18th Force Support Squadron teen center manager. "I heard nothing but positive feedback from our teen center members and staff about the entire experience," Ms. Taylor said. "I would like to continue participating in events like this and other cultural exchange programs." During the cultural exchange, American and Okinawan students were divided into smaller groups to get better acquainted during a group introduction session, followed by games and singing. The activity was considered an overall success by both American and Okinawan attendees. "It was a wonderful opportunity for our teens to learn about the Okinawan culture and to make new friends," said Ms. Taylor.