KadenaYouth Sponsorship
ProgramTable of Contents
Introduction Letter ............................................................................. Page 3
Request for Pen Pal/Youth Sponsorship ......................................... Page 4
Youth on the Move Handbook/Resource Guide ............................... Page 5Youth Introduction Letter .................................................................. Page 10
Participant Survey.............................................................................. Page 112

We are excited that you will be coming to Kadena AB.
We have a terrific youth center with awesome programs and youth. We know you will
have fun and make a lot of new friends while you are here. Kadena has plenty to offer
youth ages 6-18. Our program is affiliated with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America,
4-H, and the National Alliance for Youth Sports, so the sky is the limit on what we offer.
In addition to our youth center, the base has 2 outdoor swimming pools, a lot activities
through outdoor recreation that includes paintball, the Kadena Marina, and many otherrecreational activities. On base we have elementary, middle school and high schools.
For more information on the base and local area please refer to your sponsorshippackage.
Check out our Kadena FSS Webpage: https://www.kadenafss.com
We wish you and your family a safe and enjoyable trip to Kadena AFB in Okinawa,
Japan and look forward to meeting you. Please call or email us as soon as you arrive
so the fun can begin:
Teen Center: 634-8443
Himawari SAC: 632-0202
Shima No Ko SAC: 634-1314
Youth Center: 634-0500
Youth Sports: 634-1384
18fss.youthcenter@us.af.mil

Sincerely
Youth Programs Staff3

Request for Pen Pal/Youth Sponsorship
So…you’re moving! Are you nervous? Scared? Excited? Would you like to talk with someone yourage, with similar interests about what you can expect with you arrive? Let us know. Take a few
minutes to complete the information below and either mail to (Kadena Youth Programs, Unit 5135
Box 10, APO, AP 96368 or return electronically to 18fss.youthcenter@us.af.mil.
Name:

Age:

Mailing Address:

Email Address:

Home Phone

Cell Phone:

Grade:

Parent’s Work Phone:

What is your approximate arrival date:
What do you like to do? Check next to any/all of the activities listed below that you like to do.
Arts and Crafts
DramaDance
PianoCooking
Write (poetry, stories, letters)
Skate – board or blade
Read
Computer (games, internet, etc.)
Hang out with friends and talk
Shopping
MoviesWater Sports
Team/School sports
Other:

Write in this space anything you would like us to know about you.

What questions do you have about our youth center, installation name, and the surrounding community?

I give my consent for my child’s name and contact information for the purpose of participating in the Kadena YouthSponsorship Program.

Parent signature

Date4

Youth on the Move
A Handbook and Resource Guide for Military YouthCreated by and for the youth/teens atKadena AFB

5

Table of Contents
Living at Kadena – What’s it really like?

School Age Care
We have two nationally accredited School Age Care locations that provide quality
school-aged care for children ages 5 through 12 attending elementary school on
Kadena Air Base. We offer before and after school care with transportation toand from school. When school is not in session we provide all-day care. During
winter, spring and summer breaks, we operate weekly camps, offering field trips,
extended activities and many guest speakers.
Resource and Referral and Militarychildcare.com can assist with enrollment.
18FSS.FSFYP.ResourceReferral@us.af.mil
https://militarychildcare.cnic.navy.mil/mcc-consumer/home/viewhome.action
Both Programs have active Facebook Pages:
Kadena School Age Care – Himawari
Kadena School Age Care – Shima No Ko

Preteen and Teen Programs
The Youth Center is located in the housing area on the corner of Melville Aveand Fairchild; building 1849, phone # 098-961-0500. Look us up on Facebook @Kadena Youth Center. The Teen Center is located on the corner of Kuter andVincent, across the street from the library; building 499, phone # 098-961-3866.
Look us up on Facebook @ Kadena Teen Center and on Instagram@kadenateencenter.
Programs include BGCA, 4H, AFAS, Trips, Clubs, Crafts, Sports, Gaming,
Community Service, Instructional Programs, Camps and Daily Activities.
Torch Club (ages 9-13) and Keystone Club (ages 13-18) are character andleadership clubs that meet weekly. If you would like to join Torch or Keystone
information please contact: 18fss.youthcenter@us.af.mil
Instructional classes include Gymnastics, Judo, Tae-Kwon-Do, Dance, Guitarand Piano.
6Kadena AB Youth Sports and FitnessProjected seasons
Subject to change without notice

DSN: 634-1384 or 634-3062

7

Other Places to check out….

Bowling Center - Building 113, 966-7303 Cell: 050-5865-1895
Golf Course – Building 12, 966-7321 Cell: 050-5865-1893
Outdoor Recreation has Paintball - Building 614, 966-7343 Cell: 050-5865-1899
Pools – Outdoor, (Building 4351) 966-7343 Cell: 050-5865-1899
Fitness Centers – Risner (Building 109) 634-5128

Things to Know
Okinawa, the principal island of Okinawa Prefecture's 160 or so islands, is often
referred to as the "Keystone of the Pacific" because of its strategic location
relative to major Far East cities. Kadena is located about 900 miles from Tokyo,Manila, Seoul and Hong Kong, and about 1,200 miles west of Guam. The islandis 67 miles long and varies from 2-17 miles wide. The climate compares to U.S.
southeastern coastal areas, making it perfect for those who enjoy swimming,
snorkeling, scuba diving, golfing, boating and taking part in other recreationalactivities.
Temperatures range from the mid-90s to high-40s and humidity is relatively highthroughout the year. With the heat and high humidity, mold and mildew can be aproblem. Plan accordingly when packing goods to be shipped to Okinawa and be
prepared to deal with the moist climate when you arrive.
With our normally warm, sunny climate, you will have an opportunity to trek themiles of sandy beaches, enjoy local attractions and visit neighboring islands.
Since Okinawa is in "Typhoon Alley," high winds and rain periodically affect theisland between July and November. In May, the island usually experiences its
rainy season, which lasts about 30 days.
Driving – Must be 18 years of age to drive off base. 16 yr. olds can obtain adriver’s license to drive on Kadena AB. Contact Schilling Community Center forthe most up to date info on how to obtain a driver’s license if you don’t have astateside license. Okinawans drive on the left side of the road. Most new arrivals
find the change takes some getting used to; however, you will quickly master it.
Pedestrians must also adjust and should look to the right before stepping off acurb. You also will have to learn the international road signs and know Japaneseroad signs.
8Jobs - Must be at least 16 years old for employment, some positions require 18.
The Human Resource office is located in building 723, phone number634-2330. Jobs are also posted on the website https://www.usajobs.gov/
Volunteering – Youth Programs are always in need of volunteers for sports andprograms to include numerous community service events.
Schools- Kadena has 4 Elementary, 2 Middle and 1 High School. Our School
Liaison Officer can be reached at: robert.chance.7@us.af.milCurfew – Applies to all persons under the age of 18 must be in quarters or withparent/designated adult during restriction times.
Off Base - Within Okinawa Prefecture: 2200-0400 Sunday through Saturday
On Base - 2200-0530 weekdays (Sunday night through Thursday morning)
2400-0530 weekends and holidays (Friday morning through Sunday morning orfrom the evening preceding a holiday through the morning of that holiday)
Websites
Youth Program; www.kadenafss.com
FSS Squadron; www.kadenafss.com
Military Kids on the Move; apps.mhf.dod.mil/myomBoys & Girls Clubs of America; www.bgca.org
4-H; www.4-hmilitarypartnerships.org
Military Child Education Coalition; www.militarychild.org

9Youth Sponsorship Program Participant Survey

We want to ensure we have the best Youth Sponsorship Program possible. Please help us byanswering the following questions.
Do you agree with the following statements?
StronglyDisagree□

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□

Agree
The Youth Sponsorship Program helped melearn about our community.
The Youth Sponsorship Program helped me
make new friends.
I had fun while I participated in the YouthSponsorship Program.

What did you like best about the Youth Sponsorship Program?
How did the Youth Sponsorship Program help you when you moved here?
What did you not like about the Youth Sponsorship Program?
What would you change about the Youth Sponsorship Program to make it better?
Would you like to get more involved in the Youth Sponsorship Program?
Yes (Please contact me at:)

No10

StronglyAgree

Disagree