Okinawa Spotlight

June 7, 2018 · mccsokinawa.com

Father’s

Father's Day at the Clubs

DAY

SPECIALS See pg. 2

Doughnuts with Dad

BondDLegion/bigstock.com, Celia Vine/bigstock.com

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P

e’s been there for you, a pillar of strength and your guiding light for as long as you can remember. He taught you the importance of getting up after you fall, brushing off the dirt and never giving up. He also taught you how to ride your beloved bicycle! In honor of dad and his strength, courage and love, MCCS Clubs & Restaurants cordially invite you and your papa to a hearty Father’s Day Breakfast or Brunch Buffet June 17.

Breakfast buffets will take place at Camp Foster’s Ocean Breeze (645-3666) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and at the Habu Pit on MCAS Futenma (636-3081) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Prices for adults are $9.95, children 5 to 11 eat for $4.95 and kids under 5 dine for FREE. Brunch buffets with be held at Camp Courtney’s Tengan Castle (622-9413) and the Surfside on Camp Kinser (637-3137) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Prices for

inside

adults are $17, children 5 to 11 eat for $8.50 and kids under 5 eat for FREE. A premium Father’s Day Brunch Buffet will be held at the Butler Officers’ Club (645-7530) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Adults can enjoy an exquisite meal for $19. Children ages 5 through 11 are $9.50 and children under 5 eat for FREE. Reservations are highly recommended for all brunch buffet offerings.

Taiyo Steakhouse will be offering an a la carte brunch menu from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Seating will be available on the balcony so you can enjoy your meal in the beautiful Okinawa outdoors, weather permitting. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling 622-2020.

For more information on these offerings, visit mccsokinawa.com/clubs.

Doughnuts with Dad | 1 & 3 Sunrise Breakfast Scramble | 3 Yanbaru Kayaking Tour | 5 Summer Aquathlon Series | 7

ut in a special liberty request at work for Doughnuts with Dad on June 9 from 10 to 11 a.m. Why? Because he’s your dad and all dads love doughnuts, right? That morning, Camps Courtney, Foster and Kinser Libraries will be celebrating Father’s Day with a special gathering for children and their fathers to listen to poems and stories, sing songs and decorate a custom mousepad (while supplies last) for that special dad or father-like figure in their lives!

Of course, everyone will also get to enjoy some yummy doughnuts during all the activities. Doughnuts with Dad is tailored to children ages 4–10, but children of all ages are welcome to attend! (cont. on page 3)

North of Nago Dive Charters | 9 MCCS Tours+ | 11 Semper Fit Events | 11

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livingatlarge Doughnuts with Dad (cont. from page 1)

While you’re at the library, make sure you ask about this year’s Summer Reading Program. Reading Takes You Everywhere! (open to all ages) runs from June 17 to August 1.

All you have to do is read and log their minutes to win great prizes!

Your local MCCS Library also has daily classes for smaller children, specific teen reading programs and an entire collection of graphic novels to keep your “tweenager” occupied this summer. What’s more, the libraries host weekly classes for adults as well, covering a variety of locally themed crafts and topics. For more information about these and other events at your local MCCS Library, go to mccsokinawa. com/libraries or follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/mccs okinawa.educationandlibraries.

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Sunrise Breakfast Scramble

Sonyae/bigstock.com, MichalBednarek/bigstock.com

C

alling all golfers; we’ve got an early bird special for you! On Saturday, June 23, start your day with a light-hearted scramble tournament and breakfast buffet for only $20.

Everyone, no matter their skill level, is invited.

This tournament was designed with every golfer in mind. In a scramble, a team is formed by four players. Each team member hits a drive, then the shots are compared and the best selected. The golfers play the next shot by the position of the selected ball, placing each ball within one club-length of where the selected ball lies. This is continued until the completion of each hole.

A scramble is excellent practice, especially if you’re not an experienced golfer or you’re a little rusty.

No handicaps are needed for this event, which will begin with a shotgun start at 5:15 a.m. There’s no pressure, and if you don’t do well,

your teammates can make up for it.

Simply focus on having a good time and just enjoy the sunrise.

Prizes and a breakfast buffet will follow the tournament. All SOFA status personnel are welcome.

Registration closes on June 20.

Green and cart fees are not included in the entry price. For more information, call 622-2004 or visit mccsokinawa.com/golf.

This publication printed with

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japanese phrase

islandadventure

of the week

Kayakku shini ikimashou.

Let's go kayaking.

ingimage.com, Alexpunker/bigstock.com

For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs-Resources at 645-2104/2106.

Yanbaru Kayaking Tour

O

n Sunday, June 17, join Tours+ as they venture off the beaten path with a kayaking tour through the Yanbaru Mangroves. While rowing down river through the rich jungles of Northern Okinawa, let them show you the island like you’ve never seen it before.

The tour will run from 6 a.m. to 1:30 p.m, and prices are $55 for

adults and $33 for children ages 6 through 12. Children under the age of 6 and expectant mothers are not permitted on the tour.

Mangrove forests are a remarkable phenomenon, their trees taking root in muddy, coastal areas where fresh water rivers meet the sea. This also makes for a subtropical wonderland full of exotic flora, birds and

refreshing waterfalls.

Tour goers are encouraged to bring a change of clothes, a towel, a hat, sunscreen, flip flops and lots of hydration. A packed lunch is also advised, as lunch is not included in the tour. For more information on this tour and others, contact your local Tours+ or visit mccsokinawa. com/tours.

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we’re sorry

The June issue of Okinawa Living Magazine (on p. 19) incorrectly lists the Father’s Day Bowling Special on MCAS Futenma as offering one FREE game with shoe rentals. The correct information is TWO FREE games.

Shoe rentals are a separate $1 per game for adults.

pickoftheweek

I

Summer Aquathlon Series

f you find yourself in a summer rut from too much lazing at the beach or the summer heat is cramping your style, perhaps you should shake things up a bit by working toward your fitness goals and staying cool at the same time.

Well, you’re in luck this summer—MCCS Aquatics is hosting an Aquathlon Series at the Camp Foster 50M Pool!

What’s an aquathlon? That can’t actually be a word, right? Aquathlons are run-swim-run events; basically a triathlon without the biking leg. The Foster Aquathlon Series consists of non-competitive events open to everyone from veteran athletes working on improving their race time to beginners getting their first taste of amphibious fitness. The events will be held on July 2, July 16 and July 30.

Each day will include two runswim-run races. The first race, on all three days, will be a 420m run,

100m swim and another 420m run; followed by a 1.8km run, 200m swim and 1.8km run (July 2); a 1.8km run, 400m swim and 1.8km run (July 16); or a 3.6km run, 400m swim and 1.8km run (July 30).

Register for FREE on race day at the Camp Foster 50M Pool from 4:30 to 5 p.m. Aquathlons are open to participants islandwide. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/aquatics.

chris-herzog/bigstock.com, Pavel1401/bigstock.com, Roderica Mathis

photooftheweek

Bronze mermaid located at Hotel Moon Beach created by renowned local artist, Naka Bokunen. See more of his work at his museum in Mihama American Village.

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didyou know?

Natatasha/bigstock.com, vectorfusionart/bigstock.com

Tsunami Scuba also conducts dive and snorkeling tours together with Destiny Charters.

To inquire about these trips, visit Tsunami Scuba online or call them at 645-4206.

indepth

J

North of Nago Dive Charters

oin Tsunami Scuba as they journey to northern Okinawa for an underwater adventure of a lifetime!

On July 3 and 28 beginning at 8 a.m., Tsunami Scuba will team up with North of Nago Charters and take divers to three of the island’s most spectacular points—Hedo Point, the Northern Reefs and the USS Emmons.

Hedo Point, the northern-most point of the island, is home to multitudes of fish, tunicate colonies, abundant coral, sponges, crinoids, starfish and lobster. The next point is located in Okinawa’s Northern Reefs where explorers can float above gardens of coral teeming with life.

The highlight of the excursion cumulates with a dive on the USS Emmons. Sunk by Japanese forces on April 6, 1945 during the Battle of Okinawa, the USS Emmons was a destroyer/minesweeper that was discovered off the coast of Kouri Island in 2000 when a strong typhoon

caused it to shift on the bottom and release a small oil slick.

Unlike the wrecks found in places such as Truk Lagoon, the Emmons was preserved almost perfectly—with her 40mm anti-aircraft guns still pointed in a defensive posture towards the surface of the sea now far above it.

Interested in joining in on these fascinating and breathtaking adven-

tures? Sign up at any Tsunami Scuba location for $65 for two tanks or $85 for three tanks! Weather and water conditions will determine dive locations or cancellation. Refunds or option to switch charter dates will be granted if the trip is cancelled. For more information on this tour, call your local Tsunami Scuba or visit mccsokinawa.com/tsunamiscuba.

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tours+

adventure begins here West Coast Tour June 9, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Adults $43; Children (6–12) $26, (3–5) $11, (Under 3) FREE Visit Manzamo, one of the most beautiful and scenic spots on Okinawa. After Manzamo, visit the Okinawa Marriott Resort for a delicious lunch buffet. The last stop will be the Okinawa Sweets Factory where you can enjoy sweets while enjoying the view of the East China Sea. Battle Sites Tour June 10, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Adults $28; Children (3–11) $18, (Under 3) FREE Visit Hacksaw Ridge and the Battle of Okinawa Historical Society Museum on Camp Kinser. Afterwards, explore the Japanese Naval Underground Headquarters and end the day at Peace Memorial Park. Bring dollars for lunch and yen for admissions.

Kerama Snorkeling & Diving Tour June 16, 7 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Diving: Ages 10+ $88 Snorkeling: Adults $78; Children (4–11) $44 Take a boat ride to the Kerama Islands. Bring plenty of sunscreen, lunch and hydration. Tour goers must also provide their own snorkeling/ dive gear (two tanks will be provided). Divers must present proof of diving certification during sign-up. Children under 4 and expectant mothers are not allowed on the tour.

Northern Highlights Tour June 16, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Adults $39; Children (4–12) $24, (Under 4) FREE Visit the Nago Pineapple Winery, Nago Glass Factory and Orion Brewery, then enjoy lunch at Yanbaru Ikoi-no-Mura. Bring yen for the Pineapple Cart Ride (¥400), glassblowing (optional) and extra spending. Lunch is included in the tour price.

*Bring yen for additional food, drinks and/or purchases. For more information, contact MCCS Tours+: Camp Foster 646-3502 | Camp Hansen 623-6344 | Camp Kinser 637-2744

Thomas Alan Smilie, Giorez/bigstock.com

upcoming semperfitevents Open Flag Football Tournament June 22, 6 p.m.

June 23–24, 9 a.m.

Camp Kinser Register by June 18 (1 p.m.) at any staffed MCCS athletic facility for $120 per team. This event is open to all participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place teams and individuals.

For more information, call 637-1869 or email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.

Open Flag Football Tournament July 13, 6 p.m.

June 14–15, 9 a.m.

Camp Schwab Register by July 9 (1 p.m.) at any staffed MCCS athletic facility for $120 per team. This event is open to all participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place teams and individuals.

For more information, call 625-2654 or email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.

Open Softball Tournament June 22, 6 p.m.

June 23–24, 9 a.m.

Camp Hansen Register by June 18 (1 p.m.) at any staffed MCCS athletic facility for $120 per team. This event is open to all participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place teams and individuals.

For more information, call 623-5635 or email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.

Open Softball Tournament July 20, 6 p.m.

July 21–22, 9 a.m.

Camp Courtney Register by July 7 (1 p.m.) at any staffed MCCS athletic facility for $120 per team. This event is open to all participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place teams and individuals.

For more information, call 622-7297 or email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.

classof theweek

Aqua Zumba® These water-based workouts blend high-energy Zumba® moves and low-impact aqua fitness with tons of excitement and fun!

For a full group fitness schedule, visit mccsokinawa.com/groupfitness.