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YMCA Camp Anan 

Camp Leaders

The YMCA Camp Anan opened in 1968 as Japan’s first marine campsite, with programs that give young people the opportunity to learn about the sea while enjoying a variety of marine sports such as yachting, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing and sailing. The programs also encourage young people to experience nature and build confidence and resilience.  Interns must be prepared to test themselves both physically and mentally, interning at a relatively isolated seaside campsite. Programs are normally delivered in Japanese, but they could be delivered in English or other languages depending on customer needs. Programs and activities include: Canadian canoe, jumbo canoe, kayaking, SUP (stand up paddle board), yachting, rowing (oars), ocean swimming, outdoor cooking, morning warm-ups, campfire, rope knotting, preserving the environment, etc

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Interns and Junior Interns generally have similar duties and responsibilities. However, they may have different housing facilities, attend different meetings or have different evening programs. One big difference is that Junior interns are expected to provide assistance with the delivery of aquatic programs under the leadership of interns and staff. 

The expectation is to share your culture and to assist and support staff members and leaders in running the programs. This includes interacting with visitors, performing the activities (land and water) with them, providing encouragement, guidance, basic instructions, safety, keeping the group together, setting up for the program, and assisting participants who are struggling. Depending on the group size and other changing conditions, your role can be that of an active leader of a boat or supervising a group of boats. Jr interns are to assist interns in the planning and running of increasingly popular cultural exchange programs, including presentations about each Junior intern's country, meant to introduce and share other cultures to elementary and junior high school students. All interns are also expected to perform an activity / song / game during the campfire.

Personal and Professional Learning Opportunities 

  • Exposure to Japanese  culture through interacting with staff and different user groups

  • Meeting and creating life lasting relationships with people from around the world, allowing the chance to share and learn about different cultures

  • Hands on planning and implementation of a variety of campsite activities

  • Working with mentors and individuals who can offer exposure to new opportunities to aspire towards

  • Provide training and mentorship support to fellow interns and other less experienced interns

  • Developing and expanding life skills such as leadership, public speaking skills, cultural awareness, confidence, teamwork, acceptance and independence

What would your role and responsibilities look like? 

Junior Intern
Intern

What else can you expect and look forward to?

The Global Learning Center has the following facilities:

• Several accommodation complexes such as cabins and shared bunk bed cottages
• Lecture Hall
• Main ground
• Campfire ground

• Main dining hall​
• Outdoor cooking area
• Shared Laundry facilities - washing machine only, no dryer
• Wifi access* limited main dining hall
• Small kitchen area with water filling station and fridge
• Small souvenir shop 

• Japanese style public bath (Shampoo & Body soap available)

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**Wi-fi is available to use in the dining hall but  recommended to bring your own portable wi-fi or to rent one.

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**Passport and valuables can be locked up in the safe box in the office after putting them in envelope with your name on it.

Regarding Meals and facilities during internship:

Meals are served in a buffet / help yourself self serving style, and are eaten on the terrace, the second level of the dining hall. All interns eat together with the staff and Japanese leaders unless they need to eat at different times if they have a group, office duty or other roles. It is important for everyone to be on time for meal times. Meals on your days off are still provided like normal internship days. Please also note you might be sharing the space with other campers. 

 

There are computers available at the office to be used during free time. There is no wifi on the property. (there’s wifi in dining hall, but allowed to use only on  your free time, before the dining hall closes.) 

All interns will stay in shared rooms at the campsite. There are boys bunk rooms, girls bunk rooms, living room and access to public toilets and showers.

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Washing machines are available to use, but would need to buy the detergent yourself - interns can share together. It is recommended to bring a laundry bag. You can hang clothes to dry.

Tips to have a memorable experience

  • As a lot of interns get very excited, anxious, nervous, etc before arriving and their immune system tends to go down once they get here and settle down. Exhaustion comes into play too so the first 2-3 weeks are very important to pay close attention to your body and make sure to get plenty of rest. Try to take vitamin or immune system boosts to help your body stay healthy until you get used to the new environment

  • Smile, have fun, interact with participants, be patient, creative, observant and pro-active, share about your country and culture.

  • Don’t expect that someone will always provide you job instructions. If you see something that needs to be done, just go for it and do it. Be proactive and take initiative.

  • Always be on time.  There is a very important point to understand about Japanese culture.  It is extremely important that you understand that. Might be worthwhile to consider being early.

  • Make sure you take care of yourself and wellbeing. Wear sunscreen, hat and sunglasses. Drink plenty of water or tea, always have your water bottle. Wear long clothes if needed to protect your skin from the sun, take breaks and rest in the shade when necessary. Sleep at least 7 hours daily and eat well (recommended to have some snacks).

  • Have an open mind and positive attitude and try to learn as much as you can from every interaction and experience you have.

  • Make new friends and step out of your comfort zone.

  • Work as a team. You will be working and living with your other team mates throughout your whole internship period so it’s very important to take the time to know each other and work well as a team.

  • Ask supervisors to provide you necessary information, support and feedback when needed.

Hear from interns about their experience!

What should you bring?

  • Water shoes that can be worn in the water and won't fall off - sandals are not acceptable, the shoes need to cover your whole foot

  • Shower shoes and cabin shoes (One of each for getting around the shower, room, etc)

  • Strong waterproof sunscreen - enough for 2-3 daily applications

  • Aloe vera or other lotion/creams if you get sunburn easily

  • Sun protection wear for underneath the uniform - long pants and long sleeve top

  • Body wipes to refresh yourself and help cool you down

  • Water bottle with handle so it can hook onto the life jacket, with insulation to keep the water cold

  • Toiletries and towels

  • Insect Repellent - There are a lot of bugs

  • Anti-Itch / Bug bite cream/ointment

  • Waterproof watch

  • Bring other YMCA t-shirts to wear while you are at Anan. (if you have)

  • Long pants and sweater/jacket for campfire

  • Laptop with charger and adapters or books to read 

  • Souvenirs, candies or small presents from your country

  • Hair dryer

  • Sunglasses with strap

  • Portable Wifi or SIM Card

 

**The first few weeks your body will go through a transition phase so it is strongly recommended to bring some vitamin/immune boost and your own medication for when you get sick.  

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**This location is isolated at the marine campsite and does not have a supermarket nearby. Please stock up on necessities such as medication, contact lens solution, etc before departing Osaka.

YMCA Camp Anan

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