Audrey's DEFY Program

We feel really lucky that we found out about this fabulous program for Audrey the first week that we were here.  DEFY stands for Drug Education for Youth and it is a national (I guess international, since we're in Japan, but a U.S. government funded program) educational and morale program for 9-12 year olds.

The first Phase is the summer program and it's a five day resident, or as in Audrey's case, an eight day non-resident camp where they learn the facts about drugs and discover different activities to keep busy and happy!

The camp was from 9 - 4 each day and was free and was absolutely awesome!  They had two field trips off base.  One to the Kintai Bridge and Iwakuni Castle and the second one to Tzusu Beach where there was an awesome zip line and a roller slide.  We can't wait to go there!

On the last day of the nonresident program, there was a little awards ceremony where they showed their flags they made for each group while receiving their certificates.  Audrey was one of only two kids who did the arm hang for the maximum 60 seconds!  Regrettably, I did not bring my camera, but WOOHOO! for Audrey!  :)

Audrey was one of two kids who were chosen to lower the DEFY flag that day and then fold it up military style.  She then led the DEFY chant over the megaphone.  Luckily, a friend took these pictures!

Then, right at the end a whipped cream and water fight started!!!!!  

I love Audrey's arm in the air....shouting with joy!!!

The Phase 2 of the DEFY program began today.  They will be going on monthly field trips and today they went to the Shimonoseki Aquarium in Fukuoka, about two hours away.  They rode on a nice bus and they did four lessons from their DEFY book on it as well!  Audrey said it was super fun and there was a great dolphin show.

She made a good friend named Jayna at the camp this summer and (HOORAY!) she is in the same class as Audrey at school!  She said today when I picked her up that everything was in Japanese (of course) and she and Jayna decided that if the dolphins could learn Japanese.....they should to at least try and learn some too!

I'm proud of Audrey and think it's super cool that she has seen more of Japan than I have!  She can be our tour guide!!!!