The following news briefs are provided to help keep our community informed about what’s happening on our U.S. Army Garrison Japan installations.
To submit your information for publication, email full details (who, what, when, where, why and how, along with contact information) to usag.japan@gmail.com.
Arnn Elementary School Events – Ongoing
- Aug. 30: No school. Arnn staff will be completing mandatory training.
- Sept. 2: No school in observance of Labor Day holiday.
- Sept. 4: First day of school for pre-kindergarten students (8:10 a.m. to 2:36 p.m.)
- Sept. 4: Arnn Open House (begins at 4 p.m.)
Yano Pool Closure – Through Aug. 30
Camp Zama’s indoor Yano Pool will be closed July 22 through Aug. 30 for a pool improvement project. The jacuzzi, dry sauna and steam room will remain open.
The date for the Doggie Dip Day event has been rescheduled for Sept. 22. Registration begins Sept. 9 at the Yano Fitness Center and SHA Outdoor Pool.
For further information, please call 263-4664/262-6132 or 046-407-4664/042-869-6132.
Camp Zama Golf Course Dining Room Closure – Through Sept. 6
The Camp Zama Golf Course dining room will be closed until Sept. 6. The lounge, outside tables and takeout services will remain available. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. For more information, please call DSN 263-5735 or 046-407-5735 from a cell phone.
Zama City River Clean-Up Volunteerism Event – Sept. 1
Zama City is looking for volunteers to support a cleanup effort at the Sagami River Cleanup on Sunday, Sept. 1.
When: Sunday, Sept. 1, from 9 to 10:45 a.m.
**The opening ceremony will start at 9 a.m., so please come to the site by 8:50 a.m.
What: Zama City Clean Campaign, a volunteer event hosted by Zama City to clean the Sagami Riverbank
Where: Sagami Riverbank near Zakae Bridge (Address: 4468 Iriya, Zama City)
How to participate: Please send an email with your name, telephone number, and number of participants to usarmy.zama.id-pacific.mbx.usagj-pao-eb@army.mil by Aug. 26. We will provide details to the participants.
- Transportation between the Camp Zama Community Club and the site is available, but seating is limited. To guarantee a seat, please reserve in advance. The bus is scheduled to leave the CZCC at 8:30 a.m.
- For those who will drive to the site, free parking is available at the site.
- Language support will be provided.
- Gloves and garbage bags will be provided by the city.
- Please bring your own water and stay hydrated.
- If the event is canceled due to inclement weather, an announcement will be posted on Facebook by 7:30 a.m. on the day of the event.
Scout Fall Kick-off Event – Sept. 8
Looking for action and adventure? Join Scouting America Troop 35. Girls and boys ages 11-17 years old are welcome. Enjoy hiking, camping, cooking, fire building, community service, and many other activities as you learn leadership and citizenship on your road to Eagle Scout. Join a great organization with over 65 years of service to the Camp Zama Community. Fall Kick-Off meeting is 8 September 24 at 4:30 pm at SHA Scout Hut Bldg 309 (across the street from Arnn Elementary School) for brand new, returning and transfers Scouts, their families and anyone who is interested. Men and women leaders needed as well. We look forward to seeing you there! For more information contact Scoutmaster Jaren Price at price_jk@yahoo.com or +81 90 1795 4900.
Girl Scouts Fall Day Camp – Sept. 8
You’re invited to Girl Scouts Fall Day Camp at Tama Hills on Sunday, Sept. 8! This year’s activities will focus on outdoor adventure and will include archery, rock climbing, outdoor art, and more! Register for the fun here. Also, Camp Zama Girl Scouts are looking for volunteers to join the fun and support Girl Scouts in all they do! You could lead a badge activity, take Girl Scouts hiking or to explore new places, help at troop meetings, and more. With your unique skills and interests, you’ll help Girl Scouts become stronger, kinder, and braver than they ever thought possible. Reach out to zamagirlscouts@usagso.org to learn more!
Z.I.A. Historical Exploration of Odawara for Foreigners – Sept. 8
The Zama International Association is organizing a trip to Odawara aimed at non-Japanese who live or work in Zama City. (Japanese people who accompany non-Japanese guests are also able to participate.) The event will be held Sunday, Sept. 8, departing at 9 a.m. from the Zama City Hall Rotary. Participants will take a bus to Odawara, where they will be able to visit the Kamaboko No Sato, the ruins of Ichiya Castle, the Hotoku Shrine, and Odawara Castle. There are 20 spots available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and there is a fee associated. Please call or email the Z.I.A. for more information. The application period is Aug. 1 through 30, and you can do so by visiting the Z.I.A. offices at 2-2887-2 Zama City; by calling 046-251-9000; or by emailing z.i.a.040501@kdr.biglobe.ne.jp. The Z.I.A. offices are open Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Education Center Update – Tuition Assistance
Every Oct. 1, tuition assistance and credentialing assistance experience a funding and credit reset to $4,000 and 16 credits. An end date, or last call, is established to ensure Soldiers are proactive in submitting their TA requests and maximizing their benefits for the current fiscal year. All tuition assistance requests for fiscal 2024 must be submitted and approved prior to Sept. 6 at 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time due to the Army’s fiscal year closeout. This only applies to fiscal 2024 tuition assistance requests with a start date during the current fiscal year. No exceptions will be granted. Soldiers may continue to create tuition assistance requests for courses beginning in fiscal 2025 between 60 to seven days in advance of the term start date. Remember: Fiscal 2025 requests are subject to the availability of funds. For additional support, contact Pat Smoak at the Camp Zama Education Center at patrick.a.smoak2.civ@army.mil or 263-5068.
Motorcycle Safety Foundation Classes
The U.S. Army Garrison Japan Safety Office will offer monthly Motorcycle Safety Foundation classes for those (SOFA members) who want to earn their motorcycle license while stationed in Japan. These classes will be held at Yokohama North Dock unless announced otherwise. Please contact the USAG Japan Safety Office at 263-3768/5611 or email usarmy.zama.id-pacific.mbx.usagj-safety-office@army.mil for assistance in signing up. Class dates are also posted on the USAG Japan SharePoint, for those with access, at https://armyeitaas.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/IMCOM-ID-P-USAG-Japan/SitePages/Safety.aspx. Please have your preferred contact information ready: Name and rank, unit location, most frequently checked email address, Japanese cellphone, SOFA 4EJ number, and stateside driver’s license number (if endorsed for motorcycles already).
Zama Middle High School Information
The following schedule will help as parents and children alike start planning to head back to school.
Aug. 19-30: Drop and Add Classes. Students can schedule meeting times with their counselors to drop and add classes based on course availability. (Mrs. Zyra Sanchez for students with last name A-K and Mr. Jill Smith for students with last name L-Z.)
Sept. 5: Open House. Meet your teachers, receive an overview of the courses, etc. From 5-7 p.m. at the school
Please contact the school at DSN 263-3181 (or 046-407-3181 from a cell phone) for more information.
U.S. Army MEDDAC-Japan Updates
** Patient Portal Prescription Refills – You can now use the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal to request most prescription refills. This new feature applies to every military hospital and clinic worldwide. With MHS GENESIS you can: ✔️View Prescriptions for Refill; ✔️Request Prescription Refill; ✔️Select Refill Pickup Location; and ✔️Monitor Refill Status. Read more here: https://newsroom.tricare.mil/News/TRICARE-News/Article/3708208
** U.S. Army Japan Civilian Health Care Navigator Program
Looking for appointment options for non-Tricare patients? Look no further! You can now reach out to the US Army Japan Civilian Health Care Navigator Program at Zama General Hospital. Just dial 090-1405-2695 from a Japanese phone or +81-90-1405-2695 from a U.S. phone. U.S. Army Japan translators are available at Zama General Hospital every Monday to Friday (excluding US or Japanese holidays) between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. to assist the Camp Zama civilian population in scheduling an appointment (via phone or in person) and in getting free translation services for their entire visit.
You can view a video on the program at https://www.dvidshub.net/video/909467/meddac-japan-civilian-health-care-navigator-program.
You can also visit https://www.usarj.army.mil/Medical-Services/Host-Nation-Medical-Options/ for more information.
Off-Post Medical Options
U.S. Army Japan has a link to its homepage offering information on off-post medical clinics and hospitals that offer bilingual services.
Find the latest information here: https://www.usarj.army.mil/Medical-Services/Host-Nation-Medical-Options/
Army Community Service Classes
Did you know that the U.S. Army Garrison Japan Army Community Service team here provides multiple classes each and every month to assist with everything from family readiness to financial health, and much, much more? Take a look at some of the upcoming free classes ACS is offering and take advantage now. Feel free to visit ACS in Bldg. 402 on Camp Zama (across from the Post Office) or call at DSN 263-4357, or 046-407-4357 from a cell phone. Classes include:
** Sept. 3 and Oct. 22 Conflict Resolution – 10-11 a.m. in ACS
** Sept. 4 and Oct. 2 Problematic Sexual Behaviors in Children/Youth – Information session from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in ACS.
** Sept. 6 “The Love Project” – The Family Advocacy Program and chaplain’s office are partnering to offer “The Love Project” Sept. 6 from 6-8 p.m. in the Sagamihara Family Housing Area pool. Join for a family unity night focusing on family communication. Food and swimming included.
** Sept. 10 Couples Fair Fighting – 10-11 in ACS
** Sept. 11 and Oct. 23 – Family Coping Skills – 3-4 p.m. in ACS.
** Sept. 17 Building Resiliency Thru Self-Care – 10-11 a.m. in ACS
** Sept. 18 and Oct. 16 – Energy Bus, Positive Energy for Life – 3-4 p.m. in ACS.
** Sept. 24 Anger Management – 10-11 a.m. in ACS
** Sept. 25 and Oct. 30 – Marital Enrichment – 3-4 p.m. in ACS
** Sept. 27 Before the I Do’s Premarital Seminar – Getting married? Have questions? This one-stop seminar is for you. Call to register.
** Oct. 1 Mindfulness class – 10-11 a.m. in ACS
** Oct. 8 Adapting to Change – 10-11 a.m. in ACS
** Oct. 9 Couple Communication class – 3-4 p.m. in ACS.
** Oct. 15 Stress Management – 10-11 a.m. in ACS
** Financial Training – Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers Financial Training from 2-3 p.m. in the BOSS Warrior Zone on: Aug. 20, Savings and Investing; Sept. 24, Thrift Savings Plan; Oct. 22, How to Create a Budget; Nov. 19, Marriage in the Army; Dec. 10, VA Loan Home Buying.
** Mobilization Deployment and Stability Support Operations – The MD&SSO provides a variety of classes, interactive workshops and support services during deployments and mobilizations. Call to sign up.
** Honshu Strong Families Work Group – Every fourth Wednesday of the month from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the ACS Outreach Classroom (Bldg. 402). The entire community is urged to attend to help address family/social resiliency!
** New Parent Support Program – Assisting all military families with children up to age 3. Services include: home visits; breastfeeding information; prenatal classes; parenting classes; play groups; and baby bundle care packages. This service is free for active-duty service members and their families who meet the criteria (expecting a child; have a child up to 3 years old).
** Parenting 101 – This program meets the first Wednesday of each month from 10 to 11 a.m. in the ACS Building on Camp Zama (Bldg. 402). Study topics include child safety first; healthy bodies; the Purple Crying Program; shaken baby syndrome; and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
** Perinatal Support Group – This group meets the second Wednesday of each month from 10 to 11 a.m. in the ACS Building on Camp Zama (Bldg. 402). It was created to provide additional support to those expecting a baby. It’s a great way to discuss your pregnancy experience, connect with other parents, and learn about beneficial resources.
** Screaming-Free Parenting – Parenting can be tough, so join us the third Wednesday of each month from 10 to 11 a.m. in the ACS Building on Camp Zama (Bldg. 402). This program focuses on balancing discipline with affection; praising your child for good behavior; and effective communication.
** ACS Play Group – This program meets the first and third Tuesday of each month from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Educational and Developmental Intervention Services office at Arnn Elementary School. It’s designed for children up to 3 years of age to learn, play and make new friends. It also allows parents to connect and socialize.
** Four Lenses Personality Assessment Workshop – Join the ACS team for a fun, interactive workshop on personality, values, communication, conflict styles and strategies for building relationships. Call to sign up.
** Myers-Brigg Type Indicator – Free assessment designed to provide valuable feedback about your personal communication preferences. Call to make requests!
Please call ACS at 263-4357 (046-407-4357 from a cell phone) if you have questions about any of these programs.
Celebrate Recovery – Every Thursday
Suicide Crisis Hotline
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