We have asked the Directors and Sub-Directors of this year’s camps to look back on their previous experience with TOKIHA and share with us some of the valuable takeaways they have earned, as they look ahead on the 10th anniversary of TOKIHA’s camps since its birth. We hope to showcase to our audience how the staff and campers may liberate themselves through immersive collaborations in the brief moments we spend together in one summer…
Introduce ourselves…!
Kanon: Majoring in Global Education at Tsuru University. Enjoys watching movies, taking photos, and traveling.
Mino: Hi! I’m Mino and I am an upcoming sophomore at Rutgers New Brunswick majoring in math. I love traveling, spending time with friends, listening to and playing music.
Livia: Graduating from UC Berkeley with a degree in the History of Art. Loves listening to music, spending time with friends, boba, taco trucks, and sweet treats.
What is your favorite childhood memory??
Kanon: When I was little, I loved making crafts with my mom and sisters. We used anything we could find and had so much fun creating together. I also often made birdhouses with my grandfather, and he always encouraged me to try things by myself. Looking back, I think these experiences are why I enjoy creative activities so much today.
Mino: Although I don’t remember much from my childhood I cherished the little things I did with my family. Baking apple pies, cooking together, going on walks around the neighborhood, and shopping at malls
Livia: I think my favorite memories are from when I went to concerts with my mom. When I was a lot younger and before my teen years I went to multiple concerts and my mom would go with me, even if she didn’t like the artist. We would make a trip out of it and spend time together!
What is your favorite memory at TOKIHA?
Kanon: When I was in high school, I joined TOKIHA for the first time and had so many special experiences. My favorite memory is the Family Project. Working together with other campers and preparing until late at night was challenging, but it was also really fun.
Mino: The whole camp in general from the makings to the actual camp in August has its charm, but for me, last year’s recess was my favorite memory. Everyone let loose from the workshops and played games, listened to the counselors talking about college and everyone really just enjoyed the time they had together with fellow campers and the US counselors.
Livia: My favorite memory has to be the banquet. Seeing everyone kind of let loose and have fun with one another was super fun. Especially since this was toward the end of camp and where everyone had opened up, it was really special. Both the dancing and the rush of the award ceremony, it will forever be a great memory.
Describe your college life in 3 words
Kanon: Explore, Friends, Curiosity
Mino: People, Change, Ecstatic
Livia: Busy, freedom, growth.
Something you’re looking forward to at camp
Kanon: I’m excited for this camp, not only to work with the other directors to create the best TOKIHA, but also to share amazing experiences with all the campers. Through the workshops and other activities, I hope I can discover new things about myself as well. I also want to grow together with everyone during this camp.
Mino: I’m super excited to see the campers engage in all of the activities and see them have fun all throughout camp, and because I love being the help of people, listen to any worries the campers have (especially about US colleges!).
Livia: I can't wait to see the collaboration between the campers and seeing how they learn to work together. Especially in workshops which require more in depth collaboration, as we have seen during scavenger hunt!
