Jessica Chambers, our member, who is the Senior Program Director for Fine Arts in Baltimore Public Schools, shows off a ceramic chawan tea vessel made by a Baltimore high school student, presented earlier to Honorable Japanese Ambassador Shigeo Yamada by Governor Wes Moore during a City Council meeting in Maryland. Jessica lived in Japan for a period and enjoys introducing Japanese arts to students.

The exchange took place from July 18 to August 1. Below is this year’s insignia, designed by the Kawasaki Scouts, featuring a green pheasant (kiji) alongside an oriole.

Our Baltimore Kawasaki Committee hosted a Kawasaki scout group this year consisting of 5 scouts with 3 leaders, including the delegation head, Masateru Kawai, along with Keisuke Nishikado and Kyoko Nagasawa. There was a large Japan Scout Jamboree this year in Hiroshima which made the exchange group a bit smaller than usual. Evey other year, a scout group from Crew 3776  hosts visiting Scouts and leaders from the Kawasaki District of the Scout Association of Japan. Visiting youth spend time staying with local host families, attending summer camps (such as Broad Creek Memorial Scout Reservation), and participating in civic and cultural events. In return, Crew 3776 members travel to Japan, often participating in major excursions like climbing Mount Fuji.

Venture Crew 3776 is a co-ed Scouting group based in the Baltimore, Maryland area, operating under the Baltimore Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The Crew is known for its long-running sister-city exchange program with Kawasaki, Japan, which has connected Scouts from around the world since 1985. Three Venture Crew 3776 scout leaders, Todd Emmons, Michael Neuman and Dan Young, helped to organize the 10 day visit, and BKSCC members were invited to participate in an Orioles game, Annapolis boat trip on the Woodwind Schooner, and a Sayonara party on July 31st.

      Under blooming cherry blossoms at Fort McHenry, Eastern Grove, BKSCC community gathered for a joyful Hanami (spring picnic) on March 28th. Guests shared homemade dishes, fresh fruit, and desserts, while families and friends connected across generations. Despite the early spring chill, the sunshine and vibrant atmosphere made for a warm and memorable afternoon celebrating nature and togetherness.

      On December 6th 2025, BKSCC Bonenkai (year-end gathering) brought members together in a warm and festive setting to reflect on the past year and celebrate our community. Through shared meals, conversation, and small cultural exchanges, participants of all backgrounds connected in a spirit of appreciation and renewal, closing the year with joy and camaraderie.

      On March 4, 2026, the Ambassador of Japan hosted Maryland Governor Wes Moore and other dignitaries for Japan-Maryland Night. The evening highlighted culture, food, and businesses. This annual event aims to strengthen the diplomatic bonds and celebrate the mutual prosperity between Maryland and Japan.

Tiffany and husband Morrall Thompson