June 15, 2017 · mccsokinawa.com
Thomas Alan Smilie
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n Okinawa you can camp just about anywhere. It just depends on what you want out of your trip. Some locations are more inclined towards hiking, lounging, sightseeing, star gazing, lone-wolfing it, philosophizing, parties or fishing. Some places are established campsites and some are there for you to discover. But as long as you have a tent, you can be the keeper of hot dogs and the ruler of sand castles at any beautiful spot on island. Whatever your reason to forgo the comforts of advanced society for a night or two, Okinawa’s beaches and parks are ideal in the summer. With temperatures in the mid-seventies at night, a
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fruitful excursion can be had with nothing more than a backpack stuffed with a tent, some franks and s’more supplies. While beach camping might seem like the most obvious choice, there are a variety of camping options on island. If you want a less sandy experience, Comprehensive Park (26°30'42.163"N, 127°54'21.622"E) has camp sites, as well as the Okinawa Prefectural Forest Park (26°30'12.1N, 127°54'38.6"E). Forest Azaela Park (26°38'23.687"N, 128°9'33.185"E) and Hiji Falls (26°42'40.504"N, 128°11'6.497"E) are two other woodsy camp spots available. And don’t forget about the cabins available at White Beach
Outdoor Rec Rentals | 3 Firecracker Softball Tournament | 3 Island Adventure: Forest Adventure Park | 5 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 5
Get out under the night sky this summer. Naval Base, as well as Okuma. Before you go, make sure you have everything you need. All camping necessities can be rented at Semper Fit Outdoor Recreation for a very reasonable fee. Go to mccsokinawa.com/outdoor_ recreation for more information.
Pick of the Week: Radiator Flush Workshop | 7 Summer Reading | 9 MCCS Hot Jobs | 11 Semper Fit Events | 11
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Outdoor Rec Rentals
pace is a premium here, and what often gets left behind during a PCS are those bulky items you couldn’t find room for—your prized eight-person tent, a mega cooler perfect for barbeques, even those collapsible camp chairs. But don’t let this keep you from hosting an outdoor party or taking a camping trip over the weekend. MCCS Outdoor Recreation has all the gear you need. Large canopies are available for rent for $20 per day (plus a $15 delivery/pickup fee), as are tables ($3 per day) and chairs. Three sizes of ice chests are also on hand. For the outdoor enthusiasts looking to spend some quality time in nature, Outdoor Recreation provides lanterns, two-burner stoves, collapsible picnic tables, cooking kits, small grills and several sizes of tents (from $3 to $8 per day). MCCS Outdoor Recreation Cen-
ters are located on Camp Courtney and Camp Hansen in the camps’ respective gyms and on Camp Foster in Building 5913 behind Gunners
Fitness Center. Visit mccsokinawa.com/outdoor_ recreation for more information. Questions? Comments? Please e-mail OLW@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
events&happenings
From top to bottom: Thomas Alan Smilie, ingimage.com
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Firecracker Softball Tournament
t’s almost time for the softball tournament of all tournaments— the 2017 Pacific-wide Firecracker! Whether you are a fan or a player, this action-packed Fourth of July weekend event cannot not be missed. Semper Fit will be hosting the tournament at the Camp Foster softball fields from June 29 to July 4. The toughest teams in the Pacific will gather on Okinawa to test their skills and endurance for this nonstop, five-day event to prove who will reign supreme on the diamond. This tournament will be a single round robin followed by double elimination. Team and individual awards will be given to the top three teams in both male and female divisions. All tournament players, skills competition winners, male and female MVP players and coaches will also receive awards. Teams interested in taking part
in the biggest softball competition in the Pacific must register by 1 p.m. on June 19 at any MCCS Fitness Center for $275 per team. So oil up your glove, grab your Big League
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER | Jim Kassebaum MANAGING EDITOR | Ryan Anastoplus ART DIRECTOR | Catherine Newquist CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALIST | Ayako Kawamitsu GRAPHIC ARTS MANAGER | Henry Ortega GRAPHIC DESIGNERS | Margie Shimabukuro, Lisa Miyagi, Hector Nieves, Jongeun Spencer EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | Mike Daley WRITER/EDITORS | Ashley Snipes, Shelbie Thilmony DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER | Thomas Alan Smilie AD/SPONSORSHIP MANAGER | Roy Forster AD SALES | Yoshihiro Shinzato, Yoriko Yamashiro, DISTRIBUTION | Kelli Kreider, Desiree Adams MARKETING ACCOUNTS MANAGER | Andrew Menges ACCOUNTS & RESEARCH | Marissa DeSmet, Ashley Herring, Kristen Wong, Allison Dixon BROADCAST | Kathlene Millette, Gabriel Archer, Emi Komiya
Chew and get ready for your chance at softball glory. For details and information, visit mccsokinawa.com/semperfit or call 645-3521.
To advertise in Okinawa Living Weekly, call 645-2245, fax 645-0975, or email sales@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. MCCS is not responsible for designing and editing outside ads. No Department of Defense, U.S. Marine Corps or Marine Corps Community Services endorsement of commercial advertisers or sponsors implied.
This publication printed with
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japanese phrase of the week
Koko wa doko? Where am I?
Clockwise from the top left: ingimage.com, Sarah Head
For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs-Resources at 645-2104/2106.
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Forest Adventure Park
hen some people peer deep into Okinawa’s lush timberland, they can only think of one thing: I would like nothing more than to zip-line though all this forest. If you are one of those people then Forest Adventure Park in Onna Villiage is the place for you. Popular for years throughout Europe where the sport was born, Okinawa residents now experience zip-lining through the woodlands in Onna Village. You will, however, be required to wear more than a loincloth. There are a number of different obstacles one must overcome before he or she reaches the end of the course and is thenceforth labeled King of the Forest. This is the perfect time of year to go zipping through the dense forests of Okinawa and feel the breeze through your hair to ease the heat. See the woods through a different perspective as you glide 30 meters above ground and traverse through
obstacles with names like the Tibetan Bridge, Small Stepping Stone, Tank Trap, Grandpa’s Crossing, Tarzan Swing, Double Stirrups, Log Swing and the Half Trapeze. Get your discount tickets to this
attraction at your nearest MCCS Tours+ office. Get individual tickets or family packages for a price you can only find at MCCS. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/ tours or forest-adventure-onna.jp.
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contact info
pickoftheweek
S Typhoon Motors on Camp Foster is hosting a Radiator Flush and Coolant Sytem Maintenance Care Care Workshop
June 21 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information and to RSVP, call 645-7169 or visit them online at mccsokinawa.com/ typhoonmotors.
Radiator Flush Workshop
ummer is a good time to hop in the car with the windows down and let the wind blow through your hair on the way to the beach. It is not a convenient time to get stranded on the side of the road because your car is overheating. Typhoon Motors can help you avoid this unfortunate roadside situation and concentrate on better things; like basking in the sun on the beach, instead of under your car’s hood. One important service that is occasionally overlooked is a radiator flush to make sure your cooling system is in tiptop shape. Every time you drive, your radiator uses coolant fluids to help lower the temperature of the engine. Overtime as these fluids break down, your car’s coolant system can build up solid deposits that can cause your car to heat up
and easily blow a head gasket or warp a cylinder head. In less technical terms, your engine could have a major meltdown. You ve-
From top to bottom: NosorogUA/bigstock.com, Uwphotographer/bigstock.com, Thomas Alan Smilie
photooftheweek
Check out scenic spots like this one, just off Route 58 in Nago from the comfort of your air conditioned car.
hicle may also need to have the freon recharged to ensure the air conditioning is giving you frostbite, not heat stroke.
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spotlight
more
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ingimage.com
For more information about the MCCS Libraries’ Summer Reading Program, contact your local library or visit mccsokinawa.com/libraries. Please note that all prizes are available while supplies last.
Summer Reading
et ready, MCCS Libraries’ Summer Reading Program running from June 18 to July 29 will be a celebration of creativity and all those who live to create with the theme: Reading by Design. This interactive program will provide opportunities for both children and adults to read and receive great incentives. Reading by Design has six age categories: all babies aged 0 to 23 months will have a special Lapsit Program and energetic and curious ones aged 24 to 48 months are welcome to join the Tales for Tots Program. Preschool Storytime provides a half-hour program designed to prepare 4 to 6 year olds for school life. An hour-long School Age Storytime will be offered each week for those aged 6 to 11 years old. These themed programs feature stories, games and craft activities.
The teen program, targeting kids ages 12 to 17 years old, rewards readers with small incentive prizes. Teen readers can accumulate points by any combination of reading, completing quizzes and attending library events. Please note MCCS Libraries’ children’s programs are only located at family camps (Courtney, Foster and
Kinser) but all MCCS Libraries offer an Adult Program for patrons 18 years and older. Registration for MCCS Libraries’ Summer Reading Program begins June 18 and runs continuously for all libraries until July 29. The end of program celebrations will be at each family camp on August 5.
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mccshotjobs Administrative Office Manager NF-03
Child and Youth Program Assistant GSE2/3/4 (CY1/2)
Motor Vehicle Operator NA-05/07
Location: Taiyo Steakhouse
Location: Camp Foster
Location: Camp Foster
Description: The position serves as the secretary/administrative office manager for their assigned club. The primary function of the position is to assist the club manager in ensuring the overall operational efficiency of club operations.
Description: Serves as a Child and Youth (CY) Program Assistant in one or more CY programs. Maintains control of and accounts for location and safety of children and youth ranging from 6 weeks to 18 years.
Description: Operates a wide variety of gasoline and diesel powered vehicles for transporting cargo and personnel. Reports maintenance repairs and accidents to supervisor. Assists with loading patrons and luggage.
Requirements: A minimum of three years’ experience in a food, club or hospitality-related operation OR as a secretary for a senior management position, OR an equivalent level of education/technical competency.
Requirements: Must be 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, have the ability to speak, read and write English, and communicate effectively orally and in writing. Must pass a pre-employment physical and annual physicals thereafter, provide evidence of immunization.
Requirements: Must be able to obtain a Government Driver’s License up to a GVW of 4,500 kg (10,000 lbs) at a level NA-05. Must be able to pass and maintain a Medical Examiners Certificate for Drivers. Must be able to accommodate flexible work schedules to include night time, weekends and holidays.
Apply by: June 26
Apply by: June 26
Apply by: June 23
For more information go to mccsokinawa.com/jobs
tours+ Father’s Day Bullfighting June 18, noon–5 p.m. Adults $35, Children (13–18) $24, (3–12) $10 (under 3) FREE Take dad out for Father’s Day and watch huge bovines clash at Uruma City Dome.
Ryukyu Ninja Show June 23, 4 p.m.–9 p.m. Adults $71 (vegetarian meal $61), Children (3–12) $29 (under 3) FREE, no meal Try out ninja shuriken or try on either samurai armor or a ninja costume for a fun experience that is popular in Japan.
*Bring yen for additional food, drinks and/or purchases. Camp Foster 646-3502 | Camp Hansen 623-6344 | Camp Kinser 637-2744
Athletics/Adult Sports
Image courtesy of Ryukyu Ninja
645-3521/3522
Aquatics 645-3180 Courtney Ironworks 622-9261/7297 Futenma Semper Fit 636-2672 Gunners Fitness Center 645-3985/2235 Hansen House of Pain 623-5558/4831 Health Promotion 645-3484/3910 Kinser Fitness Center 637-1869/1114 Schwab Power Dome 625-2654/2442 Taiyo Golf Club 622-2004 Tsunami Scuba 645-9500 Youth Sports 645-3533/3534
upcoming semperfitevents Flag Football Tournament June 23–25 Camp Courtney Bowl Field Register at any MCCS Fitness Center by June 19 at 1 p.m. for $120. This event is open to teams island-wide. Top three teams will receive awards. Details: 645-3521/3522.
Far East Bodybuilding August 6 Camp Foster Theater Register at any MCCS Fitness Center by July 17 at 1 p.m. for $75 (non-SOFA participants, call 645-3521 for registration details). This event is open to participants island-wide. Top five individuals will receive awards. Details: 645-3521/3522.
classof theweek Tabata Interval Zumba mixes body sculpting movements with Latin-inspired dance steps. The routines feature aerobic interval training with a combination of fast and slow. Dancing skills are not necessary. Camps Courtney & Foster For a full schedule and class descriptions, visit mccsokinawa.com/groupfitness.