Youth Programming

Camp Musubi

In 1998 (Los Angeles) and 2000 (San Francisco), large gatherings took place to discuss what kinds of activities would help to preserve the Nikkei heritage, culture, and community for future generations. In April of 2002, nearly 60 Nikkei leaders met to discuss this issue and eventually settled on a plan to conduct an extensive and intensive "Nikkei Heritage Camp" program which would meet several goals:

• Provide cultural heritage training for middle school age Nikkei youngsters
• Provide leadership and cultural training for young adult interns
• Ultimately provide a connection for future generations of young people to cherish and value their cultural roots, history and heritage.

The program will utilize a paid director who will oversee the work of several paid interns and many volunteers to institute a summer weeklong workshop which can can be repeated several times. It is expected that the program can accommodate up to 30 youngsters for this weeklong intensive camp experience which will introduce them to various community resources, history of the Nikkei in Los Angeles, cultural values and experiences, and making connection with each other. This concept has developd into Camp Musubi through the joint efforts of the Ties That Bind committee, the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center and the Little Tokyo Service Center.

The development of youth leadership is a common need expressed by almost every community organization. To address this need, the Nikkei Federation Youth Development Programs team developed the Rising Stars Youth Leadership Program. Rising Stars is a leadership development & cultural education program for high school students.

The goal of the program is to train leaders and to inspire youth involvement in the Japanese American community by presenting a series of active, engaging workshops on a variety of leadership topics.

Japanese American Community Awareness Working in groups Networking & Career Development

Effective & Persuasive Presentations Assertiveness Training & Time Management

Participants will have an opportunity to apply their skills by completing a group project. In the past the Rising Stars group project was the Japanese American Community Miniature Golf Tournament and raffle. Proceeds from the tournament and raffle are used to support future Nikkei Federation leadership programs.