This project is part of the Tanoshii Fun Camp 2025 at the Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute.
The Gaman Experience is a unique, group-based immersive history design project engaging 50 elementary students (“campers”) in understanding the hardships faced by Japanese Americans during World War II. Over five days, campers will collaboratively design and construct representations of two different War Relocation Authority (WRA) camps: Manzanar and Heart Mountain.
Working in small teams of 3-4, campers (25 per camp) will be assigned specific camp locations – such as barracks, mess halls, or school buildings – to research, design, and build. This hands-on approach aims to foster empathy and a deeper connection to the historical concept of gaman – enduring through hardships with dignity and strength.
Beyond constructing the physical spaces, each team will develop an interactive activity related to their assigned location. These activities will be required to integrate the theme of gaman, i.e., activities should make visitors aware of the hardships of living in camp.
Campers will have access to physical materials, such as cardboard, paper, and watercolors, along with digitally-produced materials, such as printouts of photos, to use to build and design their spaces and activities. Camp counselors and adult volunteers will be accessible at all times to help each team with any learning or problems.
If you would like to volunteer or donate materials for this project, please email info@gametrainlearning.org.