Children create international program to support Operation Tomodachi

Photo By Sgt. Cody Thompson | Caleb Smith, a Boy Scout with the Boy Scouts of America, assists his Troop 31 scouts in checking backpacks that were donated for displaced children of the Great East Japan earthquake on Camp Zama, April 10. The backpacks gives the children things they wouldn’t have because of the earthqauke, Smith said.  

CAMP ZAMA, AICHI, JAPAN

04.10.2011

Story by Spc. Cody Thompson 

U.S. Army Japan

CAMP ZAMA, Japan— With the motto, “Be prepared,” the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Cub Scouts of America, created a program here, that donates backpacks filled with supplies to displaced children affected by the Great East Japan earthquake.

Operation Backpack is a joint effort between the American and Japanese Scouts and began a few days after the earthquake impacted the region, April 11.

“These packs are handed out by the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force and the U.S. Army,” April Snyder, a Girl Scouts overseas and Cub Scouts leader, said. “The idea came from Wounded Warrior packs, which are backpacks filled with comfort items, given to injured soldiers. We thought this would be a great thing for the kids and wanted them to have something.”

The backpacks are filled with hygiene products, blankets, clothes, snacks and toys, and are separated by age groups and are being donated from across the globe.

They have been receiving donations from the United States, Europe, local Japanese companies, amongst others, Snyder said.

“We wanted the children to have something to look forward to and ease their burden,” Snyder said. “The Japanese people are our friends, and want to keep going as long as the backpacks come in.”

With the initial goal of 180 packs, almost a thousand backpacks have been sent to Sendai, and the groups are on pace to give out approximately 1,700 backpacks by the end of April.

“Good news everyone,” Snyder shouted to a packed room of volunteers. “The backpacks are a success and the kids love them!”

Ending her speech with the often heard phrase, “Itchi Dan!” which translates to “One Team,” Snyder explains how the military and Scouts are alike.

“In times of trouble Americans are raised to help,” Snyder said. “Being a part of the Scouts and the Army we have that in common. Our kids have been aware of the reasons the kids need these packs and want to help.”

The youth groups and military services have committed to doing their part in providing aid to the displaced citizens of Japan, with the ultimate goal of restoring peace and stability to the affected region.

“It’s cool because this gives them things they wouldn’t have because of the earthquake,” Caleb Smith, 11, a Boy Scout with Troop 31, said.

Smith offers a message to the children who will receive these packs.

“We care about you and will try to give the help you need,” the Gilbert, Ariz., native added.

• Date Taken: 04.10.2011
• Date Posted: 04.10.2011 03:42
• Story ID: 68511
• Location: CAMP ZAMA, AICHI, JP