CAMP ZAMA, Japan (Feb. 24, 2015)-- The rain held off just long enough for the Camp Zama Girl Scouts to hold their Thin Mint Sprint 3K Family Race at Sagamihara Housing Area Feb. 20.
Equal amounts of kids and adults participated in the event to help the CZ Girl Scouts raise money for their yearly programming-- over $380 was raised from the race day participants.
The day started with recognizing all of the organizations that gave their support, to include the Camp Zama American Red Cross and Zama American High School's Red Cross Club, who provided volunteers, water stations along the race, and healthy snacks. Also recognized was Camp Zama's Community Bank, who provided water to finish line participants, and the Zama Community Spouses' Association, who provided hot chocolate and medals.
ZaCSA also presented a $575 grant to the Girl Scouts to purchase a ceremonial flag set!
"Community building is an important part of what ZaCSA focuses on, so we were thrilled to support the Girl Scouts," said Cecilia Duarte, community giving chairperson for ZaCSA.
"Being a part of this event is a meaningful step in ZaCSA'S Community Giving efforts to continue building strong, long-term relationships within our community," she said.
When the race started, the participants, who ranged in ages five and 18 years old, and Girl Scouts wearing cookie costumes raced away with huge smiles on their faces.
The racecourse, a single lap around SFHA, yielded some very fast times from some participants, while others enjoyed the cool temperatures and camaraderie as they raced.
First place finishers in the following categories were awarded:
Fastest girl, ages five to nine years old, was Yuki Ueda with a time of 18:47; Fastest boy, ages five to nine years old, was Hiroki Davis with a time of 16:52; Fastest girl, ages 10 to 13 years old, was Sophia Barrineau with a time of 17:29; Fastest girl, ages 14 to 18 years old, was Gwen Anderson with a time of 13:14; and Fastest boy, ages 14 to 18 was Shigeru Stuckey with a time of 12:56.
Immediately following the race, a "Catch the Cookie" free event was held for the small kids - ages 2 to 5 and 6 to 9 years old. The children chased Girl Scouts dressed in cookie costumes, and the child who was first to catch the cookie received a free box of Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies.
Overall, participants said they had a memorable time at the race.
"It was great to see so many young girls participate in a race and I am really proud of the high school volunteers from the ZAHS Red Cross Club," said Donna Butler, manager of the Camp Zama Red Cross.
"Both organizations represent what this military community is all about; a commitment to physical fitness and community service."
About the CZ Girl Scouts: The Camp Zama Girl Scouting program supports Girl Scouts of all ages living in and around Camp Zama, Japan. In addition to offering opportunities for adventure, fun, and leadership available to our stateside Girl Scout sisters, there is a vibrant host nation program which provides our Girls wonderful opportunities to make new friends, explore Japan, and foster cross-cultural understanding. Visit http://www.zamagirlscouts.org/ to find out more information about the CZ Girl Scouts program.
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