BRIDGE Summer Camp
BRIDGE SUMMER CAMP
What is BRIDGE Summer Camp?
"BRIDGE Summer Camp" is a dynamic international exchange program unlike any other in the world that lasts approximately two weeks and treats the entire city of Fukuoka as one big campsite. Every summer, we invite over 200 11-year-old children as Junior Ambassadors and adult Chaperons from more than 30 countries/regions to Fukuoka. These children will take part in intercultural exchange programs such as homestay, school visit and exchange camp in order to deepen their international understanding and that of the citizens of Fukuoka who come into contact with these children.
Moreover, it is run by hundreds of volunteer citizens and has become an integral part of Fukuoka as a place for interaction not only for children but also for citizens.
★APCC terminology introduction★
Junior Ambassador (JA): 11-year-old children coming from overseas
Chaperon (CP): An adult chaperon who comes from overseas
Peace Ambassador (PA): A former Junior ambassador who is currently active in his or her home country's BRIDGE CLUB
About the program
JAs and Chaperons take part in the orientation camp soon after their arrival in Fukuoka to get into shape while learning about APCC, BRIDGE Summer Camp and the way of Japanese life at the Uminonakamichi Seaside Youth House (commonly known as the Marine House) before they move onto the Homestay Program.
In cooperation with the Fukuoka City Board of Education, the Junior Ambassadors visit elementary schools for one day and take part in an international exchange program at the schools. For the Junior Ambassadors, school lunch and cleaning time are also rare and valuable experiences. For the Japanese children, it is not only a chance to experience a different culture, but it is also an opportunity to reflect on the Japanese culture as well.
Junior Ambassadors participate in cooking classes, dorodango workshops, company tours and other activities organized by APCC supporting companies. This is an opportunity for the Junior Ambassadors to have exposure to Japanese companies and culture.
Junior Ambassadors will stay with a host family in Fukuoka prefecture for about a week. The host family will have children who are around the same age, so they will go to school together, go sightseeing together, and sometimes fight with each other while forming a new family in Fukuoka.
Junior Ambassadors dressed in national costumes perform traditional dances of their countries/regions on stage. The event is open to the public and is enjoyed by many Fukuoka citizens.
After about two weeks in Fukuoka, Junior Ambassadors will return to their respective countries. At the airport, we can see a lot of children who were anxious at the beginning, but in the end they are crying as they say goodbye to their new Japanese families and friends.
★Click here for the report on BRIDGE Summer Camp 2024★
BRIDGE KIDS PROGRAMS 2024
BRIDGE Summer Camp Overview
| Program period July 12th (Friday) - July 23rd (Tuesday), 2024 |
| July schedule 12th～ Arrival / Orientation 15th Orientation 16th One-day school visit/sponsor company CSR project etc.／Meeting with host family 17th～ Homestay/School attendance 19th We are the BRIDGE Festival 2024 20th Homestay 21st～ Departure |
| Expected participants - 164 Children's Ambassadors (11-year-olds living in 33 countries and regions) ・41 chaperones (supervisors from the same country or region as the Junior Ambassadors) ・226 host families (4th to 6th grade elementary school students living in Fukuoka Prefecture) ・21 Peace Ambassadors and Bridge Club members ・About 500 general participants and volunteers (Fukuoka Prefecture citizens) |
| Invited countries/regions China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Pakistan, India, Laos, Nepal, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Palau, Vanuatu, Micronesia, Myanmar, Tonga, Maldives, Tuvalu, Cambodia, Guangzhou (China), Ipoh (Malaysia), Oakland (USA), Busan (South Korea), Atlanta (USA), Jiangsu (China), Peru, Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), Kyrgyzstan *In no particular order |
About Host Family／Volunteer
Recruitment for host families and volunteers for 2024 has now closed!!!
★Thank you for your many applications★
Participants Voice
Photo gallery
FAQ
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Q
How many foreign participants from each country/region will come to the BRIDGE Summer Camp?
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A
In principle, one delegation from each country/region comes to Fukuoka. Each delegation consists of a total of five people: four 11-year-old children (two boys and two girls) called "Junior Ambassadors'' and one adult "Chaperon.'" Additionally, one selected "Peace Ambassador" also will visit Fukuoka with the delegation if there is an active BRIDGE CLUB in their countries/regions.
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Q
Can I be both a host family and volunteer at the same time?
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A
It is possible to participate in both. However, during the period of acceptance as a host family, Junior Ambassador is given first priority. If you wish to participate in APCC volunteer activities, please be sure to consult with your family members and participate in the activities in a reasonable manner.
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Q
Can I do volunteer work if I don't have English skills?
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A
Even if you can't speak English, anyone is welcome as long as they are motivated! Don't worry, APCC volunteers will be able to communicate with everyone if they have an "OMOIYARI" spirit. Additionally, there are some activities and roles that require English proficiency, so those who are confident in English are also welcome.