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Looking to be a counselor?

Are you an incoming high school junior/senior or a college student?  Come join in on the fun and become a camp counselor! Make friends, learn new things, and put a smile on our campers' face with all the fun you'll get to have :)

Counselor Information

How to apply to be a Senior Camp Counselor?
  • Senior Camp Counselors must be a college student and will be responsible and over see the activities of the high school camp counselors.
What are the Requirements to be a Camp Counselor?
  • College students or high school student entering his or her junior or senior year in the fall.
  • Camp Counselor should have knowledge/experience with Japanese American culture and heritage.
What are the Camp Counselors' Responsibilities?
  • Camp Counselors must be willing to work with elementary aged students and help promote the legacy of the Japanese American culture and heritage.
  • Camp Counselors will be assisting in the presentation, preparation and execution of activities
  • Counselors will supervise, as well as, serve as mentors and role models for the campers.
What are the hours?
  • All Camp Counselors must attend training prior to the start of camp. To be announced.
  • All counselors will expected to participate July 29 - August 2, 8am - 4pm.
What if I have additional questions?
If you have any questions about the camp inquire at the GVJCI Office or contact the TANOSHII Camp Director.

Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute (GVJCI)
1964 W. 162nd Street
Gardena, CA   90247
Phone: (310) 324-6611

Why counselors recommend this program!


​For counselors, I think it’s a place for you to work on people skills, work ethic, and discipline in general. It’s also very rewarding to see your campers get comfortable with you and watching them leave w a smile on their face. I think it’s a great way to make new friends and immerse yourself in Japanese culture.

​-Takuma Sato ​ (Tanoshii Fun Camp Counselor 2023-2024)



​This camp allows you to reconnect to your roots in a variety of ways that expose you to different experiences such as taiko, bonsai, etc. It also provides for counselors, a way to get better with working with kids and adults simultaneously. Overall, it is fun and challenging in all the right ways.

-Austin Chang (Tanoshii Fun Camp Counselor 2023-2024)



For counselors, it is a great opportunity to connect with peers who have similar cultural backgrounds while helping the campers foster these connections. You get to learn a lot and it is a great way to make friends who have similar backgrounds. It is also a great way  to be exposed to culture and to experience different activities through workshops (like ikebana, sumie and bonsai) that you can’t usually experience.
​
-Mana Seto (Tanoshii Fun Camp Counselor 2024)