Towada Elementary School students and Misawa Commissary members pose for a photo after completing a Junior English tour at Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 23, 2024. The Misawa City Board of Education organizes an annual tour with the base for local students to sharpen their English and communication skills during summer break. (Photo by Senior Airman Brieana E. Bolfing)
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Grade students from Towada, Oirase, and Misawa City visited Misawa Air Base, Japan, for a four-day annual English camp organized by the Misawa City Board of Education. The camp allowed students to improve their English and communication skills during the summer break.
The students interacted with Airmen and Sailors from Team Misawa, including the 35th Security Forces Squadron, 35th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Naval Air Facility headquarters, Misawa Inn, Commissary, and American Forces Network.
Suntok Crusha, left, Misawa Commissary assistant officer, shows Towada Elementary School students a ham and other food items as they practice their English during a Junior English tour at Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 23, 2024. Junior English tours provide young participants the invaluable opportunity to practice their English language skills in real-world settings, enhancing their confidence and proficiency. (Photo by Senior Airman Brieana E. Bolfing)
“We divided the students into three groups and rotated them several times while they learned about each capability,” said Master Sgt. David Carbajal, AFN-Misawa station manager. “I loved seeing how interested the middle schoolers were. It was inspiring to witness their eagerness to learn and active participation, demonstrating a strong desire to explore new ideas and expand their knowledge.
“We hope this gave them a ‘peek behind the curtain.’ They saw how we produce eight hours of radio per day, our television studio where we used to produce a live TV broadcast every night, and how we can produce a live radio show from anywhere with our remote radio kit.”
A Towada Middle School student plays Connect Four with Base Exchange food court members during a Junior English tour at Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 24, 2024. The goal of the tour was to help the youth of Towada, Oirase, and Misawa City improve their English skills while strengthening relationships between the base and the local community, highlighting the importance of educational and cultural exchanges in fostering strong partnerships. (Photo by Senior Airman Brieana E. Bolfing)
The students also explored the 35th LRS warehouse, which stores military equipment. They were briefed on items ranging from training vests weighing about 30 pounds to protective gear used to defend against chemical agents, and they even got the chance to try on items and experience how they fit.
“Based on what I learned during this tour, I want to challenge myself to continue using my English skills,” said a Misawa middle school student. “It was fun to speak English with the different members.”
Students also practiced their English by ordering lunch from the base food court, getting the opportunity to experience American food such as pizza, tacos, and sandwiches.
“Speaking entirely in English was a very valuable experience,” said Komaru Sakito, a Misawa middle school student. “Even when I couldn’t speak perfectly while ordering food, I managed to communicate with just individual words. I want to continue improving my English skills.”
Tours such as Junior English provide young participants with the invaluable opportunity to practice their English language skills in real-world settings, enhancing their confidence and proficiency.
They symbolize the enduring partnership and strategic alliance between the U.S. and Japan, serving as a vital hub for military cooperation and community engagement, ensuring a future of continued collaboration and shared success.
