CAMP ZAMA, Japan (March 17, 2015) -- Eighteen girls from Camp Zama participated in a fitness challenge March 5 and 6 at the slopes of Shiga Kogen, Nagano -- it was a weekend full of first ski and snowboard experiences for many of the girls attending.

The weekend encouraged the girls to push themselves on the slopes while also learning new things.

Day one brought lessons and coaching from Camp Zama's Youth Sports volunteers and from Girl Scout leaders on the second day.

"I spent my weekend teaching young girls how to snowboard," said Sheyenne Sullivan, a Youth Sports volunteer and Girl Scout leader. "They are so eager to learn! Watching them to continue to get back up again and again is amazing."

The program, ran by Camp Zama's Child, Youth and School Services, is a new girl-specific type of activity; it was developed with the input from Camp Zama Girl Scouts, said Melanie Kincaid, overseas committee chair administrator for CZ Girls Scouts.

"Adventure activities for the Girl Scouts is limited due to price, transportation, and knowledge of the surrounding areas," said Kincaid, "CYSS listened to the challenges we face and put together a program that benefit all Camp Zama girls."

Camp Zama's Youth Sports offers several adventure activity programs throughout the year that are focused on girl-only activities, said Kincaid. The continued feedback from Camp Zama Girl Scouts keeps the program focused on activities that girls desire and look forward to experiencing.