Okinawa Living Magazine June 2024

8

Honoring & Remembering

MCCS Tours+ Battle Sites Tour

Every year, on June 23, Okinawans observe Ireino-Hi, or Memorial Day. Join them this month in honoring and remembering the lives lost during the Battle of Okinawa on the MCCS Tours+ Battle Sites Tour.

16

Saving the Sea Turtles

Takes a Churamura (Beautiful Village)

Sea turtles, being a keystone species, play a crucial role in the ocean’s ecosystem.

Learn how Churamura, a local Non-Profit Organization (NPO), is working tirelessly along the central Okinawa coastline to protect resident and transitory sea turtles.

56

Excellence Gymnastics Academy

Taking on the World with Poise, Grace and Dedication

The gymnasts of Excellence Gymnastics Academy (EGA) continue to take on the world as all 18 competing athletes placed on the podium at the 2024 Thai Canadian Moose Games in Bangkok, Thailand.

restaurant review

42

Beach Gang Island Grill

Beach Gang Island Grill manages to artfully convey the flavors of the Pacific islands by melding aloha, håfa adai and haisai through char-grilled perfection.

dining + entertainment

services

49

Keep your Vehicle Running Cool in the Summer Heat

If you will be spending a lot of time exploring the island this summer, it’s important to make sure your engine is running cool to prevent getting stranded on the side of the road. Luckily, Typhoon Motors on Camps Kinser, Courtney and Hansen will be offering 20% off oil changes all-month-long!

51

Gear up for Summer with MCCS Outdoor Recreation Rentals

27 Batter Up!

The Firecracker Softball Classic

Now in its 29th year, the Firecracker will gather the toughest teams on the island, test their skills and endurance in a non-stop, six-day event. Will your team reign supreme on the diamond?

27

Aquathlon Time! No Bike? No Problem! Not quite ready to take on a triathlon, but want to up the ante? Sign up for an aquathlon—a land and water event combining both running and swimming.

29

In a Bit of a Pickle?

Maybe it’s Time for a Game of Pickleball! This fun competitive sport, which combines tennis, badminton and ping-pong, is all the rage. It’s time to jump onto the pickleball bandwagon at the Foster Open Pickleball Tournament.

marines + families

33

Kickstart Your Summer Reading Goals

Want to foster a love of reading for your kids and/ or yourself? Join the Summer Reading Program hosted by MCCS Libraries island wide! This year’s theme is Read, Renew, Recycle.

35 Pride Dance Party

Celebrate Your LGBTQIA+ Family

Commemorate Pride Month by donning your colorful rainbow gear and joining MCCS Health Promotion for two FREE blood pumping dance sessions at the Pride Dance Party!

39

Father’s Day Brunches

Show Dad How Brunch You Love Him What can you do for the dude who always shows up for you? Our recommendation—feed him! Whether a gamer, an adventurer, a book worm or just a laidback kind of guy, the dad in your life will surely find joy in one of the many feasts MCCS Clubs are offering up for Father’s Day on Sunday, June 16.

41

Foster Festival

Food, Fun, Music and More!

Celebrate Uncle Sam’s birthday with a two-day festival extravaganza bursting with family fun, carnival rides and a plethora of food options. This year’s entertainment will be sizzling hot with a performance from rapper, singer and record producer CeeLo Green along with a fireworks display.

kids + parents

45

Sign Up Your Little Fish for... Summer League Swim Camp

Have a little swimmer in the family that you have to practically fish out of the pool or beach?

Encourage their love of swimming by signing them up for the Summer League Swim Camp!

45 Baby Boot Camp

Ease your worries as a soon-to-be parent by signing up for the New Parent Support Program Baby Boot Camp class. Prepare for the arrival of your bundle of joy by learning about newborn care, infant development and safety, available resources and more!

5 Mensôre

70 Marketplace Guide 45

This season includes a number of holidays that are best spent outdoors! Whether you’ve got a beach camping trip in mind or a backyard bash in the books this summer, MCCS Outdoor Recreation can hook you up with their wide variety of rentals. extras

9 Feedback & Show Us!

67

Living on Okinawa

JUNE 2024 | ISSUE 316

COMMANDING GENERAL, MCIPAC

Major General Stephen E. Liszewski

ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAFF, MCCS, MCIPAC

Edward S. Hutsell

DEPUTY ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAFF, MCCS

DIRECTOR, MCCS, MCB CAMP BUTLER

Michael S. Gieseck

DEPUTY MCCS DIRECTOR

MARINE & FAMILY PROGRAMS

Carlos J. Saldaña

DEPUTY MCCS DIRECTOR

BUSINESS & SUPPORT

Hyun Woo Chang

CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

Jim Kassebaum

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Mike Daley

MCCS ART DIRECTOR

Henry C. Ortega

OKINAWA LIVING ART DIRECTOR

Meghan Johnson

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Alora Wilson, James Rieth , Airi Igarashi

DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER

Thomas Alan Smilie

PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER

Mia Cox

EDITORIAL

Swetha Gogue, Laura C. Pita

DIGITAL & SOCIAL MEDIA

Tiara Supakit, Claire Wilkinson, Lauren Thobe

CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALIST

Ayako Kawamitsu

ADVERTISING SALES & SPONSORSHIP MANAGER

John Dailey

ADVERTISING SALES & SPONSORSHIP

Yoshihiro Shinzato, Hiromitsu Horikawa

Ada Tovar, Tsutomu McCoy, Aimee Taira

MARKETING ACCOUNTS MANAGER

Andrew Menges

MARKETING ACCOUNTS

Amber A. Padilla, Laura Parada

DISTRIBUTION

Wataru Yamanoha, Shohei Ikene

MARKETING INTERN

Austin Martinez

We welcome your comments. Please send letters to editor@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org

For advertising | 広告掲載のお問い合わせ (日本語可) 098-970-2245 (phone) | 098-970-0975 (fax) sales@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org (email)

See our advertising rates at okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/advertise

MCCS MARKETING BRANCH

MCB Camp S.D. Butler. Unit 35023, FPO AP 96378-5023

mensôre

“Welcome” to Okinawa Living

Ah...Summertime!

Heat soaring into the 90s, the delightful sensation of warm, sugar-fne sand between your toes, snorkeling or diving in crystal-clear emerald and azure waters, the reverberating thunder of taiko drums and festival freworks flling the evening skies (well, hopefully considering that we’re also entering typhoon season)... summer is ofcially here!

Te evenings are balmy with gentle breezes perfumed with the scent of abundant verdant greenery. Conditions are perfect for twilight walks, and unfortunately, ideal for a local scaled inhabitant called the habu.

Okinawa is home to a vast variety of reptiles, from the tiny gecko to venomous vipers such as the Okinawan habu. Everyone should know the best way to deal with snakebite is simple—don’t get biten in the frst place! Rule #1 in lessening your chances of this is to pay atention to your surroundings when outdoors. Watch not only where you step— especially in areas where there is heavy vegetation, rocks, stones and piles of debris—but also be cautious when reaching into that rock crevice to pick up the can of bug repellent you just dropped. You may also want to clear away overgrown bushes in your yard, mow the lawn regularly, get rid of that small mountain of rocks (use a long, sturdy stick) and adequately light the area around your home in the evenings.

Habu are among many creatures that receive undue bad publicity, and although considering them “cute and cuddly” may be a stretch, they are defnitely deserving of respect…and tons of caution.

As always, we thank you for picking up this issue of Okinawa Living Magazine. Now, time to turn the page and let your journey begin!

Mike Daley Editor-In-Chief

Araha Deluxe Beach House

Araha No Ma

C-Side Annex Suite

Araha Loyalty

Araha Bali Sweet

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHURAPHOTOS

Six out of seven sea turtle species are classifed as threatened or endangered, largely due to human activity including poaching, pollution, coastal development and climate change. Te vast majority of hatchlings do not survive to adulthood, but the females that make it through, in a full circle moment, return to the very same beach where they hatched just as their mothers did before them.

During the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Carl Bastian, Munehisa Machida and Yoshiichi Yogi. found themselves spending a lot of time on the beaches around Yomitan Village. One day while at Uza Beach, suspicious tracks in the sand caught their atention, they reached out to Yoshiichi Yogi, who had been patrolling beaches for almost a decade and confrmed the tracks were made by a sea turtle.

“We found the eggs and called around all of these places to get the experts on the scene. We called the Yomitan Village Ofce, the Fishery Department, the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, the Prefectural Government Ofce, and the verdict was…nobody was taking care of the sea turtles in this area,” Bastian shared. Machida-san, who has spent his entire life in Yomitan Village, had never heard of turtle activity in the central Okinawa coastline.

Te duo roped of the nest and put together a sign with wood scraps from Bastian’s backyard that read “Turtle Nest, Please Respect” in both English and Japanese, with the hope of protecting the vulnerable nest. Tey didn’t know it then, but that would be the very frst sea turtle nest under Churamura’s protection.

Bastian and Machida-san chalked the nesting up to a positive efect of the pandemic. With the absence of sunscreen-lathered humans, loud jet skis were no longer buzzing around the shore. And, with many hotels lacking customers, their loud and bright freworks displays ceased. Suddenly the beaches were dark and quiet, seagrass began to regrow and the turtles seemed to have found themselves in a safe space to lay their eggs. With no authorities coming to aid the nests, Bastian and Machida-san felt a big sense of responsibility—despite not knowing anything about sea turtles. Tey took it upon themselves to do what they could, which meant spending the next four months camping out on the beach. By the end of their frst nesting season, the team had protected a total of 10 sea turtle nests, marking the beginning of Churamura’s conservation movement.

During those four months they educated themselves, learning about the three species that frequent Okinawa’s shores—the green turtle, the loggerhead turtle and the hawksbill turtle—all of which are on the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Treatened Species. While on the beach that summer, they were approached by many curious folks and took every opportunity to share their story, and most importantly, teach them what they had learned about sea turtles. A number of them showed interest in joining the cause, which prompted both the team and their conservation eforts to grow exponentially in the last four years.

“I don’t want to say everyone…but the majority of people in this world want to do something, want to help, want to give back. Especially the foreigners here like us, we want to do something to say thank you for the hospitality. We’ve created a foundation for them to come and be active. We wouldn’t be anything without our community,” commented Bastian.

Churamura Sea Turtle Conservation is now a community based volunteer non-proft organization (NPO) based in Yomitan Village, dedicated to the preservation of Okinawa’s natural coastal areas with a special focus on protecting both resident and transitory sea turtles.

Their mission to save the sea turtles has since evolved into a yearround operation, with a significant number of offerings including a 24-hour Sea Turtle Hotline for community reports on sick, injured or deceased turtles. A Sea Turtle Stranding Response Team (STSRT) made up of volunteers responds to these calls, help turtles that need assistance, collects data for research purposes and disposes of deceased turtles under governmental permits. The NPO informs the collective through a community outreach program focusing on educating through school and group lectures, an annual Sea Turtle Festival (taking place again in October) and Summer Camps for children ages 8 to 17

Additionally, they have a project called Okinawa Turtle Spoters that runs on a Facebook group with almost 500 members with the goal of establishing a database of local and transient sea turtles. Diving and snorkeling enthusiasts are invited to capture as many photographs as possible whenever they spot one. Te Churamura team uploads these images to Hotspoter, a computer-driven photo identifcation application that uses unique markings and paterns to create an ID. Te best part? If the turtle is new to the database, the citizen-scientist earns the privilege of naming the turtle they spoted! So far, they have had over 300 reports, with nearly 200 individuals in their database.

Churamura wouldn’t be able to operate without their dedicated team of multi-national and multi-generational volunteers, a good portion of which are members of the military community.

A team of 30 patrols more than 30km of the central Okinawa coastline while a team of 15 trained and permited Nest Techs respond to crawl reports to collect data with their reports later submited up the chain to key stakeholders.

Passionate about sea turtle conservation and looking to do your part? Churamura has annual volunteering opportunities! In the fall they will begin training interested individuals for their Stranding Response Team in preparation for the winter

season, which is known for having higher numbers of strandings. In the spring they will be training interested individuals for their Beach Patroller Team in preparation for the summer nesting season. Tey are also actively seeking individuals for a variety of ofce-related positions; visit churamura.org/volunteer for more information.

Another great way to volunteer is by joining the Yomitan Beach Clean Network on their monthly clean-ups, which have garnered around 100 volunteers at a time—follow @yomitan_beach_clean_network on Instagram for information on upcoming events.

A big part of environmental conservation is educating the masses about the harsh realities of the world we live in.

Churamura achieves this through their community outreach program where they visit schools and groups both on and of base, as well as through their various social media pages, with the help of their highly involved volunteers.

One of these volunteers is artist Yukiko Yamaguchi from Oki Coast Ocean Art, known for her ocean-inspired resin pieces. Her wish to create less waste has caused her to shif and experiment with new mediums that are beter for the environment. Yamaguchi-san recently had an exhibition at Hotel Moon Beach in Onna Village titled Live. Return. Circulate. that featured her newest pieces using beach trash. Te star of the show represented the sea turtle hatchlings’

journey from the safety of their nest into the dangerous waters, where more ofen than not they fnd themselves eating trash, geting caught up in ghost nets and ultimately dying.

Te piece was accentuated by 150 beach trash turtles made by kids local to Onna Village. Before lecturing at four separate schools about the environment and Churamura’s work, Yamaguchi-san asked the children to head to their local beaches and collect their own crafing materials. She wanted them to have an opportunity to take notice of the amount of trash that can be found on the shore and understand what happens when we’re not cautious, with the hope that moving forward they appreciate the special place they get to call home. “If we just care a litle bit, we can bring change,” she shared. Follow Yamaguchi-san’s work on Instagram at @oki.coast_oceanart.

Have beach loving kiddos? Give them an unforgetable summer chockful of learning by signing them up for Churamura’s Summer Camp! Te Litle Loggerheads (ages 8–12) and Junior Rangers (ages 13–17) will get to experience ocean exploration and sea turtle conservation with hands-on (and feet-wet) education, focusing on marine science with a splash of Okinawan culture. Te camp includes an overnight stay in northern Okinawa, visits to the aquarium and coral reef farm, a waterfall hike as well as scuba diving experiences in a variety of levels. Best part? Both curriculums have been designed to align with DODEA science standards.

Churamura is actively working towards opening a Sea Turtle Rescue Center in Yomitan Village, with the long-term goal of proclaiming the Zanpa Lagoon as Japan’s first Sea Turtle Sanctuary. As a NPO, their operation is fully funded by individual and company donations, product sales, paid presentations, summer camp revenue and conservation tours. Donations go towards nest protection, rescue/ranger equipment, infrastructure, educational programs and research. For more information on how you can support Churamura’s mission to protect the Central Okinawa coastline as well as its resident and transitory sea turtles, visit churamura.org .

Batter Up!

It’s almost time for the sofball tournament of sofball tournaments—the 2024 Firecracker Sofball Classic! Now in its 29th year, the Firecracker has atracted the best of the best, giving winners the ultimate bragging rights!

Whether you are a fan or a player, this is an action-packed Fourth of July weekend event that cannot be missed. Semper Fit will be hosting the tournament at the Camp Foster sofball felds from July 4 through July 9. Te toughest teams on the island will gather to test their skills and endurance for this non-stop, six-day event to prove who will reign supreme on the diamond.

Tis tournament will be a single round robin followed by a double elimination. Team and individual awards will be given to the top

Aquathlon Time!

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 sofball competition on island must register by June 30 at okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/ adultsports for $400 per team. Tis tournament is open to all (both SOFA and non-SOFA) participants island wide 16 years of age and older. Time to oil up your glove, grab your Big League Chew and get ready for your chance at sofball glory! Tis year’s Firecracker Sofball Classic Tournament is sponsored in part by BSN Sports.

For details and information, visit okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/ adultsports or call 645-3521.

Running and swimming are both great cardiovascular activities that keep your blood circulating and provide numerous health benefts including helping one get a good night’s rest, building/maintaining muscle and much, much more.

Running makes you feel alive as the wind thrashes against your sweaty brows; swimming reminds us that there are workouts that don’t include smelly sweat-stained t-shirts.

How about combining these physical activities to get the best of both worlds? Head to Camp Foster as they host Aquathlons on June 10 and June 24 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Foster Aquatic Center for those interested in participating in this land and water event.

Participants will follow a run-swim-run format, similar to a triathlon without the bike leg. Both dates ofer two courses that vary by distance. Te shorter course includes a lap around the tennis court, a swim (100m) followed by another lap. Te longer course swaps the lap around the tennis court for one around the sofball feld followed by a swim (400m) and another lap. For a change in running distance, participants can increase the number of laps. Lace up your shoes and prepare to run anywhere from 1.5–3km.

Each course will have a diferent commencement time that allows contenders to double their workouts and fnish both routes.

Aquathlons are FREE and open to SOFA ID card holders island wide. For questions, information, event regulations, race map and registration, visit okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/ aquatics, email mccsaquatics@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org or call 645-2211/098-970-2211 No Bike? No Problem!

The Firecracker Softball Classic

Commander s Cup Events

Te combined Commanding General’s and Camp Commander’s Cup Programs are aimed at providing an opportunity for Marines and Sailors to participate in all types of sports and competitive activities—even bowling! Tere’s no equipment required—unless you happen to be a hardcore bowler with your own ball, shoes and killer neon-orange shirt. If not, never fear, MCCS Bowling Centers have everything you need, so all you have to do is show up and have a blast with your buddies!

Tis month, lane-warriors can roll some strikes with their comrade-in-arms either on July 10 for

northern camps (Schwab, Hansen and Courtney) or July 11 for southern camps (Kinser, MCAS Futenma and Foster). Both tournaments will take place on the lanes of the Foster Bowling Center and prizes will be awarded for 1st and 2nd place. Te Camp Commander’s Cup Program is FREE and open to Marine and Navy personnel atached to eligible units within the program. To register for either of these tournaments, visit okinawa.usmcmccs.org/adultsports by July 3 at 1 p.m. For more information, contact Semper Fit Adult Sports via email at adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org

In a Bit of a Pickle?

Maybe it’s Time for a Game of Pickleball!

What is pickleball, you say? It’s a fun and competitive sport that combines tennis, badminton and ping-pong. According to usapickleball.org , pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle, Washington. Three dads—Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum—are credited for creating a game to entertain their bored kids. Since then, the sport has evolved into a popular activity throughout the US, Canada and internationally as well! It’s time to jump onto the pickleball bandwagon at the Foster Open Pickleball Tournament. Taking place June 22 at the Camp Foster tennis courts, this tournament is open to participants island wide 16 and older. Awards will be given to 1 st, 2 nd and 3 rd place winners. Be sure to register before June 17 ( 11 : 30 p.m.) via Eventbrite for $20 per participant to secure your slot. For more information on the Foster Open Pickleball Tournament, call 645 -4866, email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org or visit okinawa.usmc-mccs. org/adultsports

Shorin

Ryu Karate

For Adult Athletes

Moving to Okinawa usually involves the creation of a never-ending bucket list, featuring places to visit and things to experience that we want to cram into our short stay. If learning karate has been on your list since watching those Karate Kid movies or maybe the more recent Kobra Kai TV show, look no further.

Te Ryukyu Kingdom is the birthplace of karate, a martial art that is practiced by more than 130 million enthusiasts worldwide. Te exact origins of karate (which translates to “empty hand”) were either not recorded or lost in the destruction of WWII, but it is believed to have evolved from ti—an ancient Okinawan form of self-defense—combined with martial arts that were introduced to the kingdom while trading with neighboring countries. Tere isn’t a more perfect time to give karate a try than while stationed on Okinawa!

Semper Fit ofers a variety of martial arts classes at ftness centers island wide, and this month their Shorin Ryu karate class will welcome a new instructor—David King. Karate training is known for developing agility, strength and speed, allowing for fast and efective techniques that ultimately improve muscle tone and endurance. Shorin Ryu specifcally features elements of free fghting, pressure point atacks and grappling. Classes will be taking place Tuesdays and Tursdays from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Gunners Fitness Center on Camp Foster for $50 a month. For more information on Shorin Ryu karate, and other Semper Fit martial arts oferings, call 098-970-3985 or email ftnesscenters@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.

Get Back into Nature with…

…the Yanbaru Kayaking Tour

Do you spend your weekdays counting down the days until the weekend and crossing your fingers for good weather so that you can explore the great outdoors? Well, we have the perfect tour for you! Jump on the MCCS Tours+ bus at the Camp Foster Bowling Center on June 29 at 8 : 30 a.m., then sit back and enjoy the ride up to the Yanbaru National Park in Higashi Village.

Once you arrive, it’s time to get your muscles moving as you kayak down the river lined by mangrove trees for approximately two-and-a-half hours while you learn more about this rare ecosystem in Japan. We recommend wearing a long-sleeve top to protect yourself from both the sun and bugs as well as a hat and footwear that can get wet. Lifejackets will be provided. Make sure to also pack a change of clothes, a towel, a packed lunch and enough water to stay hydrated throughout the day—the bus will be bringing you back to Foster at 4 : 30 p.m.

Yanbaru Kayaking Tour tickets are $52 for children (6–12 years old) and $62 for adults (13 years and above) and can be purchased via Eventbrite; deadline is June 26. Children under the age of 6 and pregnant women are not permited on the tour. For more information on the Yanbaru Kayaking Tour and other upcoming MCCS Tours+ oferings, email tours@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org, call 098-971-3502 or visit okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/tours

Kickstart Your Summer Reading Goals…

…at an MCCS Library

Reading is the gateway to infnite knowledge and the gif of knowledge is a tool that helps you grow wherever you go.

Trough reading we can decipher data, and with technology being a staple in this day and age, our fngertips can research to our heart’s content and that means we can learn anything and everything (ok, not everything, but prety close to it).

Reading keeps the brain in tip-top shape as it improves memory function, promotes relaxation and can potentially decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s.

Kickstart your summer reading goals by visiting any MCCS Libraries on Camps Courtney, Foster, Hansen, Kinser, Schwab and MCAS Futenma for their Summer Reading Program which features story time for all ages—including infants!

Tis year’s theme to promote literacy is Read, Renew, Recycle,

which emphasizes conserving, recycling and reusing. Working towards a sustainable future has a multitude of benefts that not only help the earth and everyone currently living on it, it will also beneft generations to come. Activities pertaining to the theme as well as light food and refreshments will be available.

Using the Beanstack application, patrons can register themselves at the Registration Party beginning on June 8 from noon to 2 p.m. at all MCCS Libraries or pre-register starting May 15. Participants that register before June 8 can receive a reusable tote bag.

For more information on the program, registration and anything in between, email libraryprogram@okinawa.usmc-mccs. org or call 098 - 970 - 6055 / 645 - 6055. You can also visit them at okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/libraries or facebook.com/mccsokinawa. educationandlibraries .

Cookbook Book Club

For the Foodies Who Love Books

Whether your love language is puting together elaborate meals for your loved ones or you’re looking for a way to expand your kitchen skills, the Foster Library’s Cookbook Book Club may be for you! For the cooking and/or baking lovers, the club is a great opportunity to push yourself to cook something you’ve been afraid to try, expand the cuisines on your roster and maybe even introduce you to your new favorite cookbook. For those new to cooking or tired of making the same things every week, this is a great opportunity to advance your skills by following the step-by-step recipe instructions as well as trying out new ones.

Te Cookbook Book Club chooses a theme—this month it’s salsa and dips—and members get to choose a recipe from one of the library’s wide variety of cookbooks to prepare at home. Dishes are brought to the potluck-style meeting to share with their fellow foodies. Share your thoughts on the cookbook, the recipes and the end result, as well as what you liked and didn’t like about them. Pick a delicious looking salsa or dip recipe to share! Te Cookbook Book Club’s next meeting will be on Wednesday, June 26 at 6 p.m. at the Foster Library.

For more information on the Foster Library Cookbook Book Club and the wide variety of program oferings at MCCS Libraries, email your friendly neighborhood librarian at libraryprogram@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org or call 645-6055 / 098-970-6055. You can also visit them at okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/libraries or facebook.com/mccsokinawa. educationandlibraries

Summer Swim Lessons

Grab your Swimsuit, Cap and Goggles!

Summer’s here and it’s the perfect time to sign up for those much-needed swim lessons. Whether it’s for your litle one or for yourself, MCCS Aquatics has classes for all. Gear up for an adventurous summer on Okinawa and enjoy peace of mind during those upcoming beach and pool days. All swim lesson registrations are for 7–8 30-minute-long weekday classes, taken Tuesday through Friday for two weeks.

Lessons are divided based on age and skill level. Parent and Child Classes are available for parents of infants 6-months-old to children 3 years of age. Tese classes will teach swimming readiness skills and safety techniques to parents so they can guide their children beter in the water. Preschool Classes with Levels 1–3 for kids 4–6 years of age cover skills ranging from entering the pool, using pool steps and blowing bubbles, to jumping in the water, fully submerging and holding their breath. Additionally, there are Level 1–5/6 classes for kids ages 5–15 that begin with water safety and end with distance swimming using a variety of strokes. Lastly, there are Adult and Active-Duty Swim Instruction classes to help participants with basic aquatic skills, water safety and improve profciency in swimming strokes.

The Learn to Swim Summer Session 1 will be taking place from June 18 to 28. Registration is available via Eventbrite with a sign-up deadline of June 13 at 11 : 59 p.m. For a Swim Level Chart, Level Placement and to learn more about the program, visit okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/learntoswim.

Pride Dance Party

Celebrate Your LGBTQIA+ Family

Lady Gaga famously sang, “No mater gay, straight or bi, lesbian, transgender life…I’m on the right track, baby. I was born to survive,” and she’s right. We are all born into this life being who we are—we are on the right track, loving whoever our heart desires regardless of their skin color, religion or their sexual orientation. Raise those rainbow fags up high as they have become an iconic symbol because June is here, marking the beginning of Pride Month—a time to celebrate our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) family, friends and colleagues. Pride Month was established afer a series of gay liberation protests following the Stonewall riots in New York City’s Greenwich Village on June 28, 1969

Join MCCS Health Promotion at the Camp Foster Community Center

Auditorium to honor and commemorate Pride Month with a Pride Dance Party! On Friday, June 14 from 6 to 8 p.m., show up decked out in your most colorful rainbow gear and prepare to get your blood pumping as you dance the evening away during two FREE dance sessions in a group ftness activity seting.

Tis event is FREE and open to all with base access 18 years and older. Individuals ages 12–17 may atend with a parent/legal guardian present with Youth Gym Authorization. No registration is required. For more information, visit okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/healthpromotion or email mccshealthpromotions@okinawa. usmc-mccs.org. If you or someone you know requires accommodations, call 645-3910 as MCCS supports the participation of individuals of all abilities.

Dive-In Movies

Catch a Flick While You Float

Ah, movie night—let the batle begin for the one spot on the couch that ofers an optimal view of the screen (and back support)! Not in the mood to deal with your kids couch wrestling or ready for “full-contact remote control jujitsu?” Rethink your movie time venue and consider a place where not only does everyone get the best spot, but there’s no remote involved…oh, and did we mention that it involves a pool? Tis summer, let MCCS Aquatics set the scene for your weekends as you splash around in the pool or lounge poolside while viewing family favorite ficks at Dive-In Movies!

Seriously, it’s past time to trade in that old and tired family night tradition of pizza, Parcheesi and problem-solving which kid gets to

pick the movie, for a night under the stars and in the pool where the popcorn and beverages are FREE (while supplies last), and you don’t have to do a thing. Let the pressure of planning drif away in the water and choose a night that will be a splash for the whole family.

To catch a fick while you foat, visit Aquatic Centers on Camp Hansen on June 14, Camp McTureous on June 21 and Plaza Housing on June 28. All movies run from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. and are selected via vote by patrons in atendance. For more information—or to fnd out what other amazing things are happening at an MCCS Aquatic Center near you, visit okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/aquatics

Deployment Readiness and Resiliency Month

Blooming Where you are Planted

Tere’s a saying in the military community: “Bloom where you are planted.” Military families are taught to make the best of every situation—be it moving to a strange land, having a vacation cancelled at the last minute, or being separated from a deployed parent for months at a time. Yet taking all these stressors in stride is not always the easiest thing to do, and that is where resiliency comes in.

Resiliency is the ability to withstand, recover and grow in the face of stressors and changing demands. While it’s easy to just call military families resilient, it’s also important to acknowledge that resilience is a learned skillset that must be nurtured. June is Deployment Readiness and Resiliency Month, and to help you develop the skills you need, the MCCS Health Promotion team will be pushing out information via their Facebook page and at all stafed Semper Fit facilities. You can also fnd information on their webpage at okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/healthpromotion.

Father s Day Brunches

Show Dad How Brunch You Love Him

Father’s Day is our opportunity to celebrate the men in our lives who show up for us. Be they bio, step, adoptive or grand, dedicated dads deserve to be recognized. But what can you do for the dude in your life who does so much? Our recommendation—feed him! Whether a gamer, an adventurer, a bookworm or just a laidback kind of guy, the dad in your life will surely fnd joy in one of the many feasts MCCS Clubs are ofering up for Father’s Day on Sunday, June 16

For a brunch bufet that will satisfy the hungriest of dads, families can visit the Butler Ofcers’ Club on Plaza Housing from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or Surfside on Camp Kinser from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Both bufets require reservations via Eventbrite and are $21 95 for

adults, $10 95 for children (5–11) and FREE for children under 5 For dads looking for an à la carte menu, Taiyo Steakhouse, located at Taiyo Golf Club, will be open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. To up the ante on the experience, meals can be enjoyed on the beautiful balcony (weather permiting). Reservations for Taiyo are highly recommended and can be made by calling 622-2020. For more information on Father’s Day brunch oferings at MCCS Clubs and Restaurants, please visit okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/clubs

Tose of us at MCCS would like to wish a Happy Father’s Day to all the men who show up for the children in our community, every day and in every way.

Foster Festival

Food, Fun, Music and More!

Wear your most patriotic outft and come celebrate Uncle Sam’s birthday at the Camp Foster Festival—a two-day entertainment extravaganza complete with a freworks display and bursting with family fun, carnival rides and a plethora of food options—on Saturday, July 6 and Sunday, July 7 from 1 to 9 p.m. both days.

Festivalgoers can feast on savory, smoked meats from Hickory House, freshly grilled American-style burgers from Bulldogs, cheesy and sizzling-hot pizzas as well as Miami-style inspired fare from 305 Latin Bistro. In addition, MCCS food trucks, La Cocina and Chef Shack, will be on hand, serving authentic simplemente deliciosa street tacos and burritos as well as gourmet bowls, respectively. Patrons 20 years of age and older can enjoy refreshing adult beverages from Kanpai Lounge. Stop by Bonsai Coffee, located inside the Community Center Auditorium, for an

ice-cold coffee or tea before you head to the festival located at the flea market site.

You’re really going to need that ice-cold beverage because this year’s entertainment will be sizzling-hot! Rapper, singer and record producer CeeLo Green—winner of two Soul Train Music Awards, fve Grammys, fve MTV Music Video awards, an NAACP Image award and more—will be performing July 6 at 7 p.m. followed by freworks lighting up the sky at 8:15 p.m. (weather permiting).

Foster Festival is open to SOFA/DoD ID card holders, Japanese and American citizens island wide. Non-SOFA/DoD ID card holder access is through Gates 5 & 6, and please be prepared to show a picture ID. Pets, outside alcohol, glass botles and coolers are prohibited from festival grounds. For more information and the complete entertainment schedule, visit okinawa.usmc-mccs.org /festivals

Sumo + Bonsai Drive-Thru

Serving You Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

In a hurry but want a quick Bonsai Coffee fix or a hearty burrito? Head to Sumo Burrito on Camp Foster! Recently joining forces with Bonsai Coffee with the addition of a drive-thru service, it’s your one-stop shop for caffeine and goodness wrapped in a tortilla. Open daily, the drive-thru service operates from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Breakfast is available from 6 a.m. until 10 a.m. with a menu serving breakfast-style burritos and sandwiches, bagels, croissants, cinnamon rolls as well as teas, hot and iced coffee and more to kickstart your morning energy levels.

Te lunch and dinner menu options are served from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Feast on one of seven new Sumo Signature Burritos including the Carnitas Green Chilie, Bacon Chicken Club, No-Meato, Poblano and more—available à la carte or as a combo with chips and a drink.

While Sumo Burrito’s ever-popular Build Your Own Burrito selections aren’t available via the drive-thru, they’re still available inside. What are you waiting for?

Stop by and place your orders now!

For more information, visit okinawa.usmcmccs.org/sumoburrito

A Universal Rhythm

Experience DRUM TAO with MCCS Tours+

TAO is an internationally renowned Japanese drum and dance ensemble that has been performing worldwide for the past 30 years. Teir goal? To create the best show using Japanese taiko drums, an instrument known or its unique variety of sound expressions. Teir show navigates through Japanese history from ancestral to modern times, blending Japanese traditions with those from other parts of the world.

Te troupe of over 40 percussionists put together a magical experience by pairing the synchronicity of the drums with athletic performers that incorporate martial arts movements, elaborate costumes and a spectacular audiovisual backdrop. Some numbers use only taiko drums or percussion instruments while other pieces include the use of the shinobue (Japanese fute), marimba, gongs and the koto harp.

It's been four years since TAO last performed on Okinawa, so if you’d like to experience this extraordinary production, they will be returning on June 15 with THE LIGHT at the Naha Cultural Arts Teater NAHArt! Let MCCS Tours+ take away the stress of driving down to Naha and fnding parking around the city; instead jump on their bus at the Camp Foster Bowling Center, then sit back and relax. Register for the tour via Eventbrite; deadline is June 13. If you prefer to go on your own, you can also purchase tickets to the event at the MCCS Tours+ ofce. Note that children under the age of 6 are not allowed. For more information on the DRUM TAO tour or other MCCS Tours+ oferings, email tours@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org, call 6463502 or visit okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/tours.

A Chariot-Full of Goodness…

…at The Palms on Camp Hansen

Are you hungry? We mean, really hungry like a tyrannosaurus rex kind of hungry? Well, nothing even comes close to satisfying the ravenous appetite of a carnivore than a hef y cut of beef!

Mark your calendars for the last Friday of the month to load up the little-saurs (and/or, all of your carnivore-friends) and head to The Palms on Camp Hansen from 4 to 8 p.m. because they’ll be rolling out their famed Chariot of Beef—loaded with succulent roasted prime rib carved to order. ROAR!!

Prime rib is available for $3 75 per ounce with a 6 oz. minimum (for those lightweight carnivores). Your cuts are accompanied by au jus, zesty horseradish sauce and come served with a side salad (Garden or Caesar), loaded mashed potatoes, parsley butered carrots, creamed spinach, Yorkshire pudding and a warm dinner roll with buter. For more information on the Chariot of Beef and other dining options at Te Palms, call 623-4375 or visit them online at okinawa.usmcmccs.org/thepalms

Beach Gang Island Grill

If you’ve driven on Route 58 near Camp Foster and noticed a tanned dude grilling up some serious eats in front of Chatan Dragon, you’ve probably experienced the aroma of barbeque from Beach Gang Island Grill, owned by Hiro Sakata.

A transplant from metropolitan Tokyo, Hiro-san fell in love with the island life when he visited Guam during his college days and during his frequent visits to Hawaii while living in Japan’s capital city. Afer moving to Okinawa in 2010, he wanted to share the taste of Chamorro/Hawaiian barbecue done right—and that he does.

Previously, Beach Gang Island Grill was located in Yomitan near Torii Station for fve years, but relocated to Chatan around three years ago, sharing space with Chatan Dragon.

Location 1-1-1 Kitamae

Chatan, Okinawa 904-0117

Hours of Operation Open Daily

11:30 a.m.–3 p.m. 5–9 p.m.

¥/$

Phone Number

070-8472-6575

Hiro-san conveys the favors of the Pacifc islands by using charcoal to fuel his food. Charcoal transmits a signature favor, intense and smokey, that just can’t be compared to gas-grilled food. More technical than gas grills, charcoal grills aren’t equipped with dials or butons to perfect temperature; instead, there’s a level of skill that needs to be mastered. Hiro-san does that masterfully as all his oferings are barbecued to perfection—succulent, slightly charred and downright delicious.

Beach Gang Island Grill ofers a variety of barbecue plates that can come solo or as a combo of four proteins which include kalbi beef, garlic shrimp, Kahlua pork hailing from Hawaii and chicken marinated Chamorro style. Tis style of marination originates from the island of Guam. Te word “Chamorro” is the name given to the indigenous people of the Mariana Islands and this chicken will transport your tastebuds to Tumon.

Don’t know what to choose? Sample it all when you feast on the Beachgang Bomb, undoubtedly their most popular combo plater which includes all four selections on top of a heaping bed of rice, homemade Hawaiianinspired mac salad and a versatile Chamorro staple dipping sauce known as fna’denne’ which is created with equal parts vinegar/lemon, onions, soy sauce and

optional chili peppers if you like things pika (spicy). When opening up a Beachgang Bomb plate, the frst whif of aroma makes your mouth water; biting into the kalbi beef causes an eruption of umami favors—salty and sweet notes from a mix of soy sauce, sugar, aromatics and the meat carefully grilled to a slight caramelization. For the garlic fends, their plump and naturally sweet shrimp is perfectly seasoned with every bite accompanied by one of the greatest ingredients of all time—garlic. Moving on to their Kahlua pork, one bite with your eyes closed gives an illusion of a lūʻau in Hawaii, as this Kahlua pork is smokey, savory and satisfying, making you believe it was cooked in an imu (traditional Hawaiian underground oven)! Te star protein is the barbecue chicken which does a magnifcent job of translating the favors of a festa table in Guam; marinated for 12 hours, then freshly grilled before the shop opens. Trust us when we tell you this chicken will keep you coming back the entirety of your time on Okinawa! Hiro-san shared that the barbecue chicken is so popular it usually sells out —so he encourages calling in your order ahead of time.

Remember the fna’denne’? Do yourself a favor and enjoy your barbecue plater as the locals on Guam do—take some protein, preferably the chicken or kalbi, dip it in and notice yourself progressively doing a happy dance as the acidity and tanginess of the fna’denne’ marries with the barbecue superbly! Te sauce is so popular it is ofen requested to be exclusively botled and sold, Hiro-san boasted.

Beach Gang Island Grill also ofers take out delivery of base and in front of base gates as well as catering services for your next function. On the weekends, catch the food truck around bustling spots like Octopus Garden Music Cafe in Chatan and festivals. Te restaurant has limited seating, so calling in your order is highly recommended. To place an order, call 070-8472-6575, send a message on Instagram @beachgang_islandgrill or fnd them on facebook.com/beachgangislandgrill.

Text by: Swetha Gogue | Photography by: Mia Cox

Where Aloha, Håfa Adai and Haisai Meet

Sign Up Your Little Fish for...

…Summer League Swim Camp

Have a litle swimmer in the family that you have to practically fsh out of the pool or beach? Encourage their love of swimming by signing them up for the Summer League Swim Camp taking place June 11 to 14 from 8 to 10 a.m., with separate camps at Kinser, Foster, Plaza and McTureous Aquatic Centers. Tere will also be a Mock Swim Meet on Saturday, June 15 at the Foster Aquatic Center from 7 to 9 a.m.

Te Swim Camp consists of four competitive swimming skills classes that will introduce the four competitive swim strokes—freestyle (front crawl), backstroke, breaststroke and buterfy, as well as basic starts and turns. Te Summer League Swim Camp is aimed at elementary and middle school age swimmers, at least 7 years old (as

of the frst day of camp) who have not been on a swim team, and they must pass the ofcial MCCS Swim Test on the frst day of camp.

Te Swim Camp is $75 and includes four two-hour-long classes and a mock swim team tryout. Registration is available from June 5 at 7:30 a.m. to June 9 at 11:59 p.m. via Eventbrite, and there are 15 spots available per location. No walk-in registration or payment is available. MCCS Aquatics encourages and supports the participation of individuals of all abilities. Please call 645-3180 or email mccsaquatics@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org, if you need any assistance, require an accommodation, or have any questions about the Summer League Swim Camp.

Child Supervision Requirements

Follow the Guidelines

Children are one of life’s most precious gifs, and the responsibility to ensure they are cared for is our duty as parents/guardians. Did you know that there are base installation guidelines that difer from local public guidelines regarding child supervision while stationed on Okinawa? Many of these guidelines cover what age children can be lef unsupervised. If you are SOFA status and a parent, give yourself and your family a refresher on the guidelines by reviewing the III MEF/ MCIPAC-MCBB Child Supervision Requirements directive. While reviewing the guidelines, take note of diferences in public versus personal quarters and adhere accordingly.

Tese guidelines, which were produced with family members’ safety in mind, are benefcial for all parties as they entail easy-to-

follow rules, ensuring everyone is on the same page. Following the posted guidelines not only keeps you in compliance with requirements—this also provides protection for your child(ren). Inadequate supervision can lead to accidents, injuries and emotional distress for the entire family. Providing a safe space for you and your family doesn’t end with the physical world; as more and more youths are online, it is important to monitor their activity there, too. Tis way, parents/guardians can prevent cyber-bullying, protect personal information as well as monitor for age-appropriate materials.

For more information about these guidelines or parenting resources, email fapprevention@usmc.mil, visit okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/ fap or call 645-2915/098-970-2915

Let Your Children Burn off Energy…

…At Kids on the Move

Some children seem to have an infnite supply of energy—the countless bursts of random laughter, darting through rooms and playing 21 questions are all essential being a kid. A fer all, the hardest part of the day for them is winding down to go to bed (or so it seems). With these types of kids, it’s their parents that need a break.

On the other end of the spectrum, some (usually older) kids seem to concentrate their energy on being as sedentary as possible. Lef to their own (handheld) devices, these kids aren’t geting nearly as much outdoor play and exercise as they used to during those summers when they were younger balls of energy. Instead, they prefer lazy afernoons spent inside hunched over a gadget or in front of a screen. And, while children do deserve time to just veg out and relax, even a mere few weeks of in-

activity has the potential to completely undo any improvements made to a child’s physical health during the school year when they had P.E. and/or sports on the daily menu.

So, what’s the answer to both types of dilemmas? Let them let loose at Kids on the Move! Kids ages 5–12 are invited to Gunners Fitness Center on Camp Foster on June 12 and Ironworks Fitness Center on Camp Courtney on June 13 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. both days for fun, structured physical activity that will keep them healthy while giving parents a good night’s rest. Register for this FREE event in-person from May 1 to June 5 at the respective ftness center; slots are limited to 30 kids per session. For more information, visit okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/healthpromotion, email mccshealthpromotions@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org or call Health Promotion at call 645-3910.

Baby Boot Camp

They’re Called “Bundles of Joy” for a Reason!

Preparing for a new baby is a time flled with both excitement and uncertainty. Friends and family are there to help, of course, with advice based on their own experiences, but a chance to sit down with professionals and to get some hands-on practical training on day-to-day life with a newborn is priceless.

Enter the New Parent Support Program and their Baby Boot Camp class. Recommended for expecting parents to take in their third trimester and taught by the program’s expert team of counselors and nurses, Baby Boot Camp provides helpful information both through discussion and actual practice in order to prepare for the arrival of their baby through the frst few months afer delivery. Once a month from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Behavioral Health Multipurpose Room on Camp Foster, parents will learn about the basics of newborn care, infant safety and development, self care for parents and community resources that are readily available. Tey will also get practice changing diapers, bathing and dressing a newborn and specifc information on what to expect when giving birth on Okinawa.

On Camp Foster, helpful oferings from the New Parent Support Program include Parents in Uniform ofered monthly from 2:30 to 4 p.m. and Infant Massage ofered Tursdays from 10 to 11 a.m. over the course of four sessions. On Camp Courtney, Play Mornings are ofered on Wednesdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. For more information on the New Parent Support Program, please email NPSPokinawa@usmc.mil.

World’s Largest Swim Lesson

Learn Swimming Techniques, Prevent Drowning

Knowing how to swim is a vital skill if you would like to enjoy the water—and being on a beautiful island like Okinawa, the temptation to swim exists (almost) every time you see the ocean glistening as you cruise up the coast.

Join MCCS Aquatics at the Camp Foster Aquatic Center as they participate in the World’s Largest Swim Lesson on June 20. Across the globe, hundreds of thousands of people will learn the importance of knowing how to swim and preventing unintended injury-related deaths like drowning.

Sign up now to become profcient in swimming and gain the ability to possibly save a life with the acquired life skills from this lesson! Open to SOFA members, the deadline to register is June 19 at 11:59 p.m.; walk-ins are welcomed on the day of. For questions, call 645-3180 or email mccsaquatics@okinawa.usmc-mccs. org. For more information, visit okinawa. usmc-mccs.org/aquatics.

Expand your world with English 英語で世界を広 げよう 영어로 세계를 확장하세요

Expandete el mundo con inglés

Contact your local UMGC office to learn more about our ESL and Bridge Programs or visit: asia.umgc.edu/ESL asia.umgc.edu/bridge

Typhoon Motors Sales

Keep your Vehicle Running Cool in the Summer Heat

It’s time for lots of fun in the sun, which will likely include countless visits to the beach, outdoor adventures and day trips to areas up and down the island that you’ve been wanting to explore. All of this means spending a great deal of time driving in your car, so it’s important to make sure your engine is running cool to prevent getting stranded on the side of the road. Luckily for you, Typhoon Motors is always here for all of your car maintenance (and upgrade) needs!

During the entire month of June, Typhoon Motors on Camps Kinser, Courtney and Hansen will be ofering 20% of complete oil changes. An important part of the regular upkeep of your vehicle, oil changes help improve your engine’s performance; extend the longevi-

ty of your vehicle and help your car achieve its peak gas mileage. Along with their oil change special, Typhoon Motors on Camp Kinser will be offering the opportunity to take care of that paternal figure in your life who’s ready for an automotive audio upgrade. From June 16 to 23 they are offering a Father’s Day Special of 15% off all audio speakers (excluding subwoofers), which could come in handy to drown out those “are we there yet?” questions coming from the backseat during those long summer drives. For more information on these sales, as well as Typhoon Motors locations, hours of operation and more, visit at okinawa.usmc-mccs. org/typhoonmotors

The Okinawa Guide

Let us be YOUR guide to the Island!

Want to learn more about PCSing with a pet? How about learning karate? Maybe you’re wondering what goes into a perfect bowl of Okinawa soba? All of this and more—including info on all the largest shopping centers on island—can be found in the pages of the Okinawa Guide .

Te Guide is an annual publication produced by the staf of Okinawa Living Magazine for newcomers and veteran island dwellers alike. Filled with comprehensive information on everything from Japanese language, culture and holidays, places to visit and oferings on all Marine Corps camps. Along with an overview of all programs and oferings provided by MCCS to make your tour easier and more enjoyable, the Okinawa Guide is the perfect guide for your stay on the island.

Te best thing? Te Okinawa Guide is absolutely FREE! Pick up your copy today at an MCCS facility near you! For more about the Okinawa Guide, visit okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/og.

Bouncers+

Elevate Your Summer Party

Be the talk of the town while you host a summer party to remember with Bouncers+, your reliable party supply rental shop that offers bounce houses, inflatable activities and lawn games for you and your guests to enjoy.

Choose from one of their 12 different themes that include Disney Princess, Hello Kitty, Marvel Avengers, Minions and more. Bouncers ( 16 ft by 16 ft) cost $130 each per rental day which includes one select banner.

If you’re looking to up your bounce house game, rent one of their four bounce houses with slides atached (20 f by 13 f by 14 f) at $220; choose from a princess, tropical, dalmatian or castle theme.

For those partygoers looking for a friendly competition, rent out dunk tanks, sumo suits and boxing rings ranging from $115–$165. For games on a smaller scale that can be played on the side while your bounce houses are occupied, check out lawn games such as croquet ball, horseshoes, cornhole, giant Jenga and more for only $20 per day.

To ease some stress of your party planning, Bouncers+ ofers convenient on-base delivery to Kadena Air Base, MCAS Futenma, Chibana Housing, Plaza Housing, McTureous Housing as well as Camps Foster, Kinser, Lester, Hansen, Schwab, Courtney and Shields.

Reservations must be made at least one day before scheduled delivery service. If delivery is not required, rentals must be picked up at the Special Events Warehouse (Bldg. 325 ) on Camp Kinser.

For questions, email specialevents@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org or call 645 - 5828 / 098 - 970 - 5828. Visit okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/bouncers for more information.

Gear up for summer with…

…MCCS

Outdoor Recreation Rentals

Tis season includes a number of holidays that are best spent outdoors. Whether you’ve got a beach camping trip in mind or a backyard bash in the books, this summer MCCS Outdoor Recreation can hook you up with their wide variety of rentals.

For camping, Outdoor Recreation ofers regular tents (for 3, 4, 6 and 8 people) or screen tents, picnic or folding card tables, camping chairs, grills and propane stoves, small ice chests and water coolers, as well as accessories such as lanterns, barbeque sets, cooking kits, foam pads and sleeping bags. Tey also have kayaks to rent for your next seaborne adventure (available only at Courtney and Schwab locations). Camp Hansen Outdoor Recreation even ofers mountain bikes, if a day spent riding around the coast is more your vibe.

For the holiday backyard bash, Outdoor Recreation has canopies, 6-foot and 8-foot tables, folding chairs, larger grills, turkey fryers and pig rotisseries, as well as large ice chests and water coolers for rent. Canopy delivery for family housing areas and set-up is available for an additional fee.

The best part? If you want to go camping or plan an outdoor bash, you don’t have to spend money on gear you may not use again. MCCS Outdoor Recreation offers gear at incredibly affordable prices. However, making reservations in advance is highly recommended, especially for high-demand items like canopies, tables, chairs, grills, ice chests and water coolers. For more information on locations, hours of operation and rental rules visit okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/ outdoor_recreation

Inside of Camp Foster Gunners Fitness Center, you may have noticed a couple dozen colorfully garbed gymnasts bouncing of foors making you question your fexibility (and gravity) as they efortlessly roll out of handsprings, balance on beams and perform a plethora of other moves. Tese young athletes are a part of Excellence Gymnastics Academy (EGA), an MCCS program that ofers recreational classes and competitive training pertaining to gymnastics.

EGA athletes have traveled the world representing Okinawa in countries like the Philippines, the U.S. and on their most recent competition—Tailand, where they competed in the 2024 Tai Canadian Moose Games in Bangkok on April 6– 7 Tis wasn’t the team’s frst rodeo in Tailand as they competed in the 2023 games as well.

Te EGA contingent, consisting of 18 gymnasts and six coaches (Corlise Taylor, Kaylee Kozerski, Alec Sheafer, Danielle Scot, Bryony Engelhardt and MCCS Gymnastics Program Director Tifany Mills) alongside 46 family members, traveled from Naha on a connecting fight to Haneda Airport, where they hopped on another plane to their fnal destination of Bangkok , Tailand with their A-game in tow—and that, they did. All 18 athletes placed on the podium bringing home a total of 35 medals in gold, silver and/or bronze respectively.

The achievements of these athletes are a product of discipline, motivation and passion. When asking Coach Tiffany how long her team has been practicing for the international games, she responded, “[gymnastics is a…] 365 -days-a-year sport.”

Although most spectators only get to see the end result— witnessing only the best of a competitor, there are countless hours of conditioning, commitment and perseverance, which includes geting up each and every time they fall that creates successful athletes.

“It’s not just the shiny medal on the platform. Tere’s a lot of work—tears, rips, repetition, falls...it happens at every stage,” Coach Tifany stated.

Networking and maintaining positive healthy relationships with other countries are just some of the many key factors that contribute to EGA experiencing global invites to select competitions.

EGA places an emphasis on life skills as the program focuses on making sure each individual becomes a well-rounded person. Coach Tifany stresses the importance of education. All athletes are strongly encouraged to maintain either an A or B grade in every class while competing. During competitions, the gymnasts do schoolwork ahead of time such as completing deadlines related to homework and projects, in order to beter focus on the competition.

“School comes frst. Te kids come to us and share test scores, grades on quizzes or upcoming projects they have that they are excited or even nervous about,” Coach Tifany said.

On top of highlighting the importance of education, EGA aims to foster a positive outlook on life in all aspects that include having good character showing respect to oneself and others as well as being advocates for themselves such as speaking up when necessary. EGA also perpetuates their gymnasts to have a positive relationship with food and body image. “[We’re] always talking about what is for snack or dinner and sharing our favorites or not so favorite food groups/meals. [We] encourage each other to try new things,” Coach Tifany shared.

EGA strives to produce quality athletes at every level with variables they can control, such as showing up on the foor each practice with best efort in mind.

Maintaining studies and an afer-school sport isn’t a piece of cake by any means, but EGA makes it worthwhile. Gymnasts build perseverance, stamina and endurance as they practice from 4 to 22 hours a week throughout the year.

As coaches and their team members are constantly together, chemistry comes naturally along with time and understanding of how each member functions that comes with the melting pot of personalities that range with age. Coach Tifany said her team and children are so in-tune with each other that they know when something is going well (or not) by facial expressions and body language. Te team is comprised of individuals

ranging from 5 to 14 years old and with that comes age-appropriate responses within the environment.

“We can’t prepare [the younger] kids too much because they don’t understand competition. I just want them to go out there and have fun! Perform their routines and enjoy their hard work,” Coach Tifany expressed.

Regardless of placing on the podium or not, all kids are given a high-fve and hug afer their performance. Some children also ask, “Ms. Tifany, when can I compete again?” as they are full of motivation seeing the fruits of their labor.

When asked if she has a mantra to keep her team excelling, Coach Tifany responded, “Keep going—good, bad or ugly. Show up and keep trying and giving your best every single day.”

Looking at the fnal product of a gymnastic prodigy as a spectator in a competition, one may think they’d like to sign up and give it a go…and why not? Being a pro can be daunting and quite frankly as Coach Tifany put it, “Not every child thrives in a competitive environment. For many, it’s just fun and that is a great reason to join and stay with the sport!”

Since opening their doors to the public in November 2020, EGA ofers classes for infants as young as 10 months old up to adults. Coach Tifany explains that recreationally, the sport is amazing as its foundations are for all walks of life no mater their age. One can see self-improvement in their social, mental and physical health.

With EGA being an overseas military program, Coach Tiffany reiterated that time is limited due to the nature of constantly moving when parents/guardians are part of the armed forces.

“We only have two to three years with kids before they PCS. It’s a part of [the] military process,” she added.

Despite children and families living on short-term orders on Okinawa, EGA and their team takes their time seriously with every individual. Outside of the gym, Coach Tifany propels her gymnasts to integrate with the local gymnastics’ community at their next duty station. Coach Tifany utilizes her connections globally such as seting up facilities for her athletes as they move from country to country which in return, makes the transition easier for athletes to continue their sportsmanship and create new relationships and opportunities.

“[Tis happens] so the gap isn’t so large at their next move,” Coach Tifany shared.

It is said that change is the only constant, and those living the military lifestyle comprehend the team work it takes to keep everyone afoat, whether it’s active-duty personnel or their children. Te military life ofen means being away from familiar friends, family, places, language and food. But it can also help develop strong ties as military families share multiple common denominators such as hardships, triumphs and a sense of belonging. EGA is more than just a gymnastics program—it’s a community. Kids along with their parents are provided a safe space where they can lean on one another for help with the miniscule things in life, such as a mother needing help carrying her baby’s stroller or a father providing a Band-Aid from his car. EGA is there for parents just as much as they are there for kids.

At the end of the day, it is back to the drawing board. “[We’re] back to the grind in the gym pursuing new skills and cleaning up old skills,” Coach Tifany reiterated.

Keep your eyes peeled for competitions throughout the year. Next spring, EGA looks forward to participating in the Tai Canadian Moose Games 2025. For more information on EGA and their oferings, visit okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/ega.

Gōyā Champurū

Serves four

Ingredients

1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil

1 large gōyā (bitter melon) cut to 1/16” slices (see below)

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 onion, minced

3/4 cup Okinawan Shima Tofu

1/2 block of Spam, cut to 1/16” slices

3 medium eggs, beaten

Dash of soy sauce

Dash of black pepper

Dash of Tabasco sauce

1 Tbsp. salt

Method of Preparation

1. Slice gōyā lengthwise and remove seeds, gently scraping the inside with a spoon to remove all of the core.

2. Cut gōyā into 1/16” slices and place into a bowl. Add salt to the chopped gōyā and gently massage until thoroughly coated (this will temper the bitterness). Add cold water and let sit for 15–30 minutes. After soaking, rinse completely and set aside.

3. Using high heat, sauté oil, garlic, onions and Spam, cooking until garlic and onions become semi-translucent, then add gōyā

4. When the gōyā is tender, crumble tofu into the mix and season with soy sauce, pepper and Tabasco until it reaches the desired flavor.

5. Add eggs and toss mixture until thoroughly coated— remembering not to overcook.

6. Serve with steamed white rice.

The Dragons of Summer

You may have heard the recurring myth that seeing dragonfies appearing in droves in the evening on Okinawa means that a typhoon is on the way. Dragonfies, known as tonbo in Japanese, only seem fragile despite their paper-thin wings and pencil-thin fuselages. In truth, these hardy insects have been around for 300 million years. Perhaps this is why the entire country of Japan views the tonbo as a symbol of strength, power, success, victory and happiness.

Japan boasts more than 190 species of dragonfies. Most of these insects’ lives are spent as larvae in water, making the ponds, rivers and mountain streams around the island a pleasant breeding ground. Te dragonfy is metamorphic; like a buter fy it sheds its land-born outer layer, unfurls its wings and fies into joyous acrobatic dances. Dragonfies here on Okinawa are ofen brilliantly colored—featuring electric blues,

shocking teals or even Ferrari reds. Dragonfies do us all a favor by feasting on other fying insects including mosquitoes (thankfully) and pests that feast on rice plants. Because of this, these insects were believed to be the spirits of the rice plants in mainland Japan, and farmers who saw them thought they were harbingers of a good harvest. Te earliest images of dragonfies in Japan appear on bronze dōtaku, or ceremonial bells, from between the 2nd century BC to the 3rd century AD. Te bells are thought to have been rung as prayers for a good harvest. Dragonfies even appear in the Nihon Shoki, the second-oldest book of Japanese history, which was compiled in 720 AD. Tis tome mentions the story of the 21st emperor of Japan who was so enamored with the fying insect that he named an area in southern Nara Akitsu, or “Dragonfy Plain,” during his rule from 417–479 AD. Not bad for a bug!

Uchinâguchi Corner

English Friend

Uchinâguchi Dushi Japanese Tomodachi