My name is Anders Smith and I am trying to raise money to help pay for a leadership and volunteer opportunity in Japan this summer. The program is called Global Leadership Adventures. It is a well-respected program that supports teens in exploring new countries while volunteering at certain sites along the way.
You can purchase shirts, bags, or prints that I have helped design and carve (see images below).
- Godzilla with Cup o' Noodles
- Kanji: Love in Japanese
- Japan City Skyline
I want to be a part of this program because of the many unique experiences it offers, from being put into a completely new environment/society than what I'm used to, to being able to help out and learn from the people we meet. Going to Japan is going to be super special because the culture is completely different there compared to here. I'm curious to learn about daily life for both the urban and rural communities.
This program can support me in many ways for many reasons. One of which is being put into a group of strangers who are sharing the experience with me. This is a challenge on its own, but it's a good thing as it pushes me to meet new people both in the group and outside it in the new world we'll all be in together. On another note, I'm sort of a picky eater, which I don't like to admit, so being in a new culture with new foods will definitely help me grow out of that bad habit.
If you are interested in receiving a shirt, print or bag for your donation please comment with your donation or email.
The itinerary is as follows:
On GLA’s Japan: Cultural Kaleidoscope program you will:
* Kayak with Mt. Fuji as your backdrop
* Hike the forested trails of Mt. Takao
* Work alongside local farmers in Yamanashi, planting and tending rice paddies while learning about Japanese agriculture and community life
* Explore cultural gems like Yokohama’s CupNoodles Museum and design your own instant noodles
* Connect meaningfully with local high school youth
* Experience the dazzling lights and cityscapes of Tokyo
* Stay in a traditional ryokan
* Visit historic shrines and World Heritage temples
Thanks so much for your support!
Anders