Cub scouts blast-off for three-day day camp

Courtesy Photo | Scouts from Troop 77 play tug-of-war with Japanese scouts from Iwakuni at Penny Lake field aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, during the Iwakuni Day Camp “Space is the Place” event, August 18, 2013. Tug-of-war was one of many games played during Iwakuni Day Camp field day.  

IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, JAPAN

08.16.2013

Courtesy Story

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni

IWAKUNI, Japan - Cub Scouts Troop 77 gathered for their three-day day camp at Penny Lake fields aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Aug. 16 – 18, 2013.

Troop 77 scouts gather weekly and host one major event at the end of summer. This year, in an effort to support the camp, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians from Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 and the Provost Marshal’s Office K-9 team came to show the kids their job skills.

PMO’s K-9 team demonstrated the dogs’ skills of being able to sniff out bombs and narcotics, listen to verbal and non-verbal signals and ability to catch enemies with their pure strength.

EOD demonstrated the capabilities of the robots they use when searching for explosives. The equipment is controlled from a safe distance, while the claw maneuvers through dirt and rubble, to avoid any possible blast radius if any improvise explosive devices were discovered.

“We’re supporting space week with a bunch of robots... and allowing the kids to see futuristic tools that the military has,” said Warrant Officer Samuel Denning, Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 EOD technician. “It’s important to give back to the kids and let them have a little enjoyment.”

To make the event even more enjoyable, Outdoor Recreation Center provided assistance in the form of bows, BBs, and other equipment.

“It’s just been a wonderful community effort,”said Marlena Staley, Troop 77 Pack Committee Treasurer. “Everyone put their little bit of effort in and together we pulled it all off.”

The camp offered scouts opportunities that are only available once a year.

“It’s a whole entire event that’s working toward their belt loops and their ranks and all the different extra awards that they can get that they normally can’t get during the year, especially the BB’s and the archery,” said Staley. “These are two events that they cannot do any other time except during a camp, so this is an extra special time for them because they get to actually shoot the guns and use the bows and arrows.”

Arrows and BB’s were replaced with water guns and wet sponges on the final day of the event, when approximately 30 Japanese Cub Scouts came to join in on the fun.

“I am personally grateful for the American scouts inviting us today for this occasion,” said Tokumi Hamura, representative from the Scouting Association of Japan and Iwakuni Scout Troops scoutmaster.

Scouts enjoyed amphibious activities and shared a memorable day, despite the language barrier.

“It would be great if we could continue this cordial relationship between the Japan and American scouts here in Iwakuni,” said Hamura.

• Date Taken: 08.16.2013
• Date Posted: 09.09.2013 02:55
• Story ID: 113290
• Location: IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, JP