Connor joined the MVBT YBA in 2020. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 situation the world was dealing with prevented him from participating in many activities until early 2021. Sure, he met with fellow
YBA members online via Zoom for meetings, but it wasn't until the annual YBA Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser in February 2021 that he was able to actively work with other members toward a specific goal.
Hopefully, once we overcome the pandemic Connor will be able to create some long-lasting memories like both Jordyn and Tyler.
YBA Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser February 13, 2021
The Spaghetti Dinner is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the MVBT YBA. It helps pay for the annual camp out, conferences, and many other activities the students participate in throughout the
school year. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic the YBA couldn't hold the fundraiser like it normally would. Instead of cooking spaghetti sauce, making jello, slicing garlic bread, assembling salads,
bundling forks and napkins, decorating Sangha Hall gym, and asking for donations from local businesses, the Spaghetti Dinner Committee pivoted to team up with The Pasta Market in Los Altos where 20% of
all dinner purchases will be donated back to the YBA. Despite this huge change the YBA will still play Bingo (via Zoom) and will also hold a 50/50 Raffle. Connor and Tyler took charge of the 50/50
Raffle this year using a database of raffle ticket purchases created by YBA Treasurer, Ryan Mukoyama. They assigned individual raffle ticket numbers to each of the names in the database. When the
winning 50/50 Raffle number is drawn they will be able to check the database to verify and announce the winner.
Connor participated in his first ever YBA Conference. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 situation he wasn't able to attend in person. This conference was virtual and was actually headed by Tyler
(representing Mountain View) and two others from fellow Coast District temples in Salinas and San Jose. Connor not only participated in regular conference activities but also in the opening service
with Shibata Sensei from Buddhist Church of Stockton. He along with 3 others sang the gatha, Ondukosan II. Connor said he really enjoyed the workshops and the Escape the Room fun activity. Hopefully,
once things start to get back to normal he'll be able to attend conferences in person along with everyone else.
Connor and Tyler volunteered to help the YBA create a Tsukemono video for the MVBT 2021 Obon at Home. They each filmed themselves explaining different steps in the process of making tsukemono that
will be edited together along with other YBA members' film clips. When the final product is complete there should be a seamless video showing how to make tsukemomo by the MVBT YBA.
This was Connor's first real YBA activity when everyone was able to gather together. Prior to this every YBA activity he participated in was online. Hopefully, this is the start of more in-person
YBA events to help make his high school years all the more memorable.
The day after the CD YBA Santa Cruz trip, the MVBT YBA had a Meet-Up at Cuesta Park in Mountain View. This was kind of a way to make up for the YBA Camp Out that normally takes place in mid July.
At this event outgoing Seniors could participate in one last fun activity, while introducing incoming Freshmen to all the current members. There was good company, games, and lots of laughs.
Despite having a few in-person meetings at Cuesta Park, the MVBT YBA hadn't gotten together at the temple in quite a while. All told, this was probably the first gathering in about 2 years on temple
grounds. However, with COVID variants still lingering the YBA was only able to meet up in the patio outside Sangha Hall. In-person gatherings inside the temple are still prohibited. Eventually, there
will come a time when normal operations will resume and all affiliated temple groups will be allowed to meet and gather inside again.
The Mountain View Buddhist Temple YBA coordinated a Coast District Young Buddhist League Movie Night on Saturday, March 5, 2022. Connor got there early, along with Mom and Dad, to help set up an
outdoor amphitheater to watch a movie chosen by the attendees. Basically, he with some other YBA members moved the audio and video equipment to the Roka where YBA Advisor, Brent Izutsu, set up all
the equipment for an incredible movie going experience. When everyone finally settled into their seats, MVBT YBA Member Ryan got things started with an ice breaker where he asked everyone to introduce
themselves and reveal what their favorite movie is, or what their guilty pleasure is, or what one thing would they like to get better at. When the sun finally set beyond the horizon the movie people
chose to watch was "Crazy Rich Asians". It was a little cold, but everyone had a really fun time getting together like they used to before the COVID-19 pandemic. Hopefully this will be the first of
many more activities as we move toward some sense of "normalcy".
As the MVBT has moved toward reopening, one of the first hybrid services it performed was Hanamatsuri. A small group of YBA kids helped Mukojima Sensei, Certified Minister's Assistant John Arima, and
Minister's Assistant Devon Matsumoto record the annual Hanamatsuri service to be aired on Sunday, April 10th via Zoom. They walked through what they wanted to do a few times and then recorded the entire
service. There were a few hiccups, but they got it done in about an hour. Dad sat through the rehearsals when they did some chanting, and he was amazed how good it sounded. It definitely sounds better
live than recorded.
The MVBT reserved a booth at the AAPI Cultural Festival hosted by AAPI Silicon Valley at Mountain View City Hall. The event was to allow people to see the "mosaic of Asian and Pacific Islander
culture in the Bay area through performances and activities and games hosted by local community organizations". The YBA manned the booth and provided instructions on how to fold origami.
The MVBT YBA held their monthly meeting at Cuesta Park on Sunday, June 5th. This meeting was important because this was when everyone would vote on next year's cabinet. Connor was elected to be
Activities Chair. He will coordinate activities the YBA chooses to do next school year.
Evan, current YBA President, and Connor, current YBA Historian.
Unfortunately, the YBA wasn't able to schedule their annual camping trip to New Brighton State Beach in Capitola. Instead, they organized a beach day in Santa Cruz. They met at church and then
caravaned down to Santa Cruz where they ate Costco pizza for lunch and hung out on the boardwalk. It might not have been camping but they still found a way to have fun!
2021 - 2022 MVBT YBA.
Dharma School Movie Night June 25, 2022
After Santa Cruz, the YBA drove back to Mountain View to help set up the Dharma School Movie Night. Right at 5:00pm the YBA set up the big outdoor screen, projector, and audio system. There would
be lots of little kids gathered to enjoy hot dogs, cheeseburgers, Vietnamese Lemongrass Beef, nachos, s'mores, and all kinds of other goodies. The movie the kids chose was, "How to Train Your Dragon".
Connor is really enjoying his time with friends from YBA. After nearly two years of self-imposed quarantine, the kids have been itching to get back together again for socializing and hanging out.
Just a few days before they were to leave for Disneyland, a bunch of them wanted to do stuff together. Jillian's parents, Yumi and Garret, were good enough to open their home to the group so they
could play basketball, have water balloon fights, eat smores, go to Taco Bell, and play video games. They're a great group of kids and we're so happy they want to spend time with each other.
B-ball (day).
B-ball (night).
'Da gang wuz here!
Still asleep.
July 22, 2022
Every four years the YBA heads to Disneyland so the kids can go as a group. They hang out for two days at the parks where they get on as many rides, eat as much food, and shop as much as they want.
Waiting at San Jose.
We're here!
Lunch in Little Tokyo.
Group outside the Japanese American National Museum with special speaker Sean Miura.
July 23, 2022
On Saturday, the kids all woke up bright and early to get in line for Disneyland. Everyone grabbed a quick bite for breakfast at the hotel before they left.
At the hotel.
Smugglers Run with Jake.
Millennium Falcon.
Who am I?
Scarlet Witch!
Gotta get a selfie with the Gonk Droid.
Route 66.
Flo's V8 Cafe.
Downtown Disney.
July 24, 2022
The group started Sunday at California Adventure. This is where they would be able to visit Avengers Campus and ride Web Slingers the Spider-Man ride.
Advisors and students.
Route 66.
In line at Incredicoaster!
Toy Story!
New bucket hat.
Small World.
In front of the castle.
Just the guys.
July 25, 2022
It's hard to believe that it's come to an end already. I'm sure they walked tens of miles each day and I'm sure they had a blast. Their last meal in L.A. - Tokyo Central.
For just about everyone in YBA the new school year had begun, and Dharma School was about to begin in 2 weeks. Since there wasn't a YBA Camp Out this past summer, the Advisors put together an
activity for the students so they could have a little fun before school really ramped up. They played bingo, had a gift wrapping contest, played a name game with water balloons, and did an Iron Chef
competition (secret ingredient - Kim Chee). While they didn't get to sleep out under the stars, they still had a lot of fun being with one another and making memories.
Reading instructions.
Playing bingo.
Winner!
Getting prepped for next event.
Gift wrapping.
Connor.
Water balloon name game.
Snacks.
Iron Chef.
Juniors.
2022-2023 MVBT YBA.
YBA Group E-Mail September 12, 2022
Dharma School began on Sunday, September 11th, and the YBA held their first general meeting of the school year after class. In order to facilitate communication among the group it was decided to
create a Google Group where everyone would provide their email address so it could be entered into the database. On Monday, September 12th the Google Group was formed and all the email addresses were
added. A mass email was sent to the group asking everyone to acknowledge they received the test message. Most responses were, "received", "got it", "thanks", etc.. Connor, on the other hand, decided
those replies were too boring, so he replied, "We're out of milk in the garage refrigerator". The next thing you know, we receive a text message from one of the dads (yeah, thanks Mike),
"Your doorbell should ring in about 15 minutes. Do not be alarmed. It's for Connor...". Sure enough, 15 minutes later, DoorDash Food arrived with a half gallon of milk.
It's been at least 2 years since the YBA has had a sleepover event at the Temple. This Halloween presented an opportunity to finally restart a years-long tradition of having the YBA students
celebrate Halloween together with costumes, food, games, pumpkin carving, and, finally, a sleepover. In the week before the event the YBA Parent Advisors purchased all kinds of snacks, drinks, and of
course candy. YBA Advisor Brent brought out the Halloween decorations and set up the YBA Hall, and Costco Pizza was ordered for dinner. In the evening the kids decorated Oreo cookies, carved pumpkins,
and sang karaoke. Finally, they all fell asleep around 4:00am (although some could still be heard talking around 5:00am). The next morning they had bagels or yogurt for breakfast. Connor said he had
a lot of fun, so we hope this will be the first of many returning YBA events.
Snacks.
Pumpkins for carving.
Decorations.
Costumes.
Avengers!
Carving.
Finished.
Oreo cookie decorating.
Karaoke (Bruno Mars).
Asleep.
Asleep.
Breakfast.
2022 Central Cal Jr. YBA Conference November 11-12, 2022
Due to COVID, it's been years since the last Central California Jr. YBA Conference was held in Fresno, and for Mountain View this gathering represented the first conference of the school year. The
students were all looking forward to getting back to normal, while at the same time being mindful of staying safe. Some of the new safety precautions everyone had to adhere to were taking COVID tests
before the conference, wearing masks in the cars on the drive to and from Fresno, and staying masked during all the workshops. In the end, the kids had a great time, but best of all, MVBT YBA won best
skit!
This is the first Holiday Party in probably 3 years. COVID really put a damper on YBA activities, but it appears as if we're starting to get back to normal now. Unlike many of the other YBA
activities, this one event is completely arranged by the YBA Parent Advisors. They came up with the menu and games everyone enjoyed. To start, the advisors really outdid themselves
when they ordered Buca di Beppo. There was Caesar Salad, bread, rigatoni, two kinds of pasta, eggplant parmigiana, and chicken parmigiana. Following dinner was an activity everyone participated in
where they used balloons and painters tape to build the tallest balloon tree they could. After about 10 or 15 minutes the whole thing was taken down and the balloons were all popped. It was a
Buddhist lesson about impermanence. Next, the parents played bingo. The cool thing about this game was in order to win you had to get to know the other parents in order to answer questions about them.
In the meantime, the students had a white elephant gift exchange that went on and on and on.... Finally, the last activity of the night was building a gingerbread house while the parents took time to
hang out and talk.
On Christmas Eve Eve, Connor and a few of his YBA friends got together for a White Elephant gift exchange and a sleepover at Ryan's house. They went out to dinner and basically played video games
and hung out the rest of the night. One of the coolest gifts Connor received was a jar of Warriors colored M&M's with his name on them.
After 2 years of adhering to COVID protocols, the YBA was finally able to hold its first in-person Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser. There were high hopes for this dinner as in-person gatherings were taking
place again at the Temple. Since it had been a few years since the last in-person dinner, the YBA did not have the benefit of passing critical information from the current chairperson to the next (the last
person who chaired an in-person Spaghetti Dinner is in college now). Everyone did their best to make sure everything was covered, and despite some last second meetings to remedy some missed details the dinner
was a rousing success.
Connor helped where ever he was needed. His biggest job, however, was to be the bingo caller. This is always a lot of fun as diners who purchased bingo cards could potentially win cool prizes. Connor did a
wonderful job making sure he spoke clearly, and he also told some spaghetti themed jokes to make everyone (groan) laugh.
Friday Night Prep
Before the actual dinner a lot of preparation needs to take place. Primarily, the sauce (over 24 gallons) has to be cooked. Besides that, signs need to be made; table settings have to be arranged; the
bingo board, tables and chairs, and serving area all have to be set up.
Chopping onions, garlic, and mushrooms.
Flower arrangements.
Making signs.
Bingo set up.
Serving area.
Tables and chairs.
Spaghetti sauce.
Saturday
Spaghetti Dinner Saturday arrived starting with YBA dads cooking 150 pounds of spaghetti noodles at noon. Around 2:30 pm the YBA membership arrived in preparation for serving approximately 300 spaghetti
dinners. All the final details would be taken care of before it was "Go Time" when the doors would open at 5:00 pm and hundreds of people would arrive to feast on salad, garlic bread, jello, and spaghetti!
Washing pots and collanders.
Boiling noodles.
Rinsing noodles.
Can always count on Sensei to lend a hand.
YBA members helping too.
Connor calling bingo.
Juniors.
2022-2023 MVBT YBA.
Coast District YBL Conference March 18, 2023
For months the MVBT YBA, led by Conference Chair Ryan M. along with fellow Chairpersons from San Jose and Salinas, had been planning a live 2023 Coast District YBL Conference. The
2021 Coast District Conference was a remote event (due to COVID) when Connor was a freshman. There were high hopes for this conference as the
high schoolers were eager to get together again for fellowship, renewing friendships, workshops, shared meals, and a dance. YBA's from the immediate Bay Area and from as far away as Sacramento, Central California,
and Orange County all attended this live event for the first time in years. The theme of this year's conference "Find Your Path" was based on the Marvel movie, Shang-Chi.
A big event such as this doesn't just come together over night. As mentioned, planning for this conference began months ago. First, meaningful and thoughtful workshops had to be created. Appropriate theme-correct
decorations had to be designed and somehow brought to life. A hospitality suite for visiting parents and ministers also had to be arranged. This was just the tip of the iceberg, but with motivated YBA
leadership, incredibly imaginative advisors, and a dedicated YBA membership going full force this event not only became a reality but, most importantly, an incredibly successful conference.
Friday, March 17, 2023
On the eve of the conference, rehearsals for Morning Service and Closing Service were organized by MVBT's Mukojima Sensei, San Jose Betsuin's Sakamoto Rinban and Mikame Sensei. A complete run through was
performed by all the participating YBA members who volunteered to chant, recite Gathas, and in Connor's case ring the Kansho.
Sign is up!
Connor ringing the Kansho.
Saturday, March 18, 2023
The big day was finally here. As soon as all the visiting YBA's arrived, the conference kicked off with Morning Service using YBA volunteers to lead chanting and recite Gathas. Connor rang the Kansho to
officially start service. Miyaji Sensei from Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church gave a Shang-Chi themed Dharma Talk that spoke about unhealthy paths characters took in the movie. He continued with
everyone should find their own path using Buddhism as their guide. At the conclusion of service each YBA chapter came out individually and took pictures followed by a large picture taken of the entire conference.
A series of workshops came next with lunch sandwiched in between. Closing Service ended the official part of the conference. After a break everyone convened at Delta Hotel in Santa Clara to be entertained by
San Jose Taiko, eat dinner, and dance the night away.
2023 Coast District YBL Conference
MVBT Chapter.
Official start of the conference.
On the way to next workshop.
Lunch time with Molly Stones sandwiches.
Event listing in hotel lobby.
Screen with rings all set up.
Taiko in place.
Ready for the dance.
Waiting for stuff to begin.
MVBT YBA Cabinet.
MVBT YBA Parent Advisors.
San Jose Taiko 50th Anniversary
San Jose Taiko debuted back in 1973 at the Coast District YBL Conference. To commemorate this golden anniversary, founding members PJ and Roy Hirabayashi returned, 50 years later, to where it all began at
the latest CD YBL Conference to perform for all the delegates, advisors, and parents! It was a major surprise for everyone lucky enough to be in attendance.
Connor and his group of friends from the YBA got together for Brad's birthday at Maggiano's in Santana Row. This group is always finding ways to hang out together whether it's for boba or to share in each
other's special day.
For the second year in a row, the MVBT Dharma School hosted a Movie Night for kids and families to enjoy. Connor came early to help set up and then stayed late to clean up.
This was the first YBA Campout in a number of years due to COVID. Getting back into the swing of things was a little challenging since it had been so long since anyone had organized this event. Fortunately,
everything came together as it should, and the kids had a great time. As always, there was a beach day, Iron Chef competition, and fun had by all.
During Obon this year, the Salt Lake City YBA visited MVBT. Connor and the rest of the YBA got to know the kids from Utah and spent
time together both at Temple and down in Santa Cruz. They also had a sleepover, played volleyball, and generally hung out. YBA has been a true blessing not only for Connor but Jordyn and Tyler as well. All of
the kids created life-long memories and enjoyed true friendship and fellowship through YBA.
In the early part of August the Salinas YBA always coordinates a beach activity in Santa Cruz. All Coast District YBA's are invited, but inevitably, only Salinas, San Jose, and Mountain View participate. As
in past years the weather was gorgeous and the kids loved hanging out with one another.
Every year the MVBT YBA has a Halloween Party. This year was a little different because the MVBT ABA (Adult Buddhist Association) joined them to share tips on how to grill steaks, brats, and vegetables. This
was the first of a number of joint YBA/ABA "life lesson" demonstrations (learning to tie a tie and ironing were next on the list of upcoming joint activities). After grilling all the food, everyone sat down to
an amazing steak dinner. Everything was cooked to perfection. Following dinner dessert was served (5 pies) and then the annual pumpkin carving contest took place. To round out the evening, with so many members
in attendance, they rehearsed their dance/skit for the upcoming CC Jr. YBA Conference in Fresno in two weeks.
Dr. Kitasoe explaining the finer points of grilling.
So, we were very interested in finding out if Connor learned anything at the joint YBA/ABA Life Lessons Demonstration. Deb pulled out some steaks that we thawed and seasoned, and we had Connor go out to our
gas grill to see if he could cook two steaks. If you look at the pictures you can see he did a tremendous job. It's possible he might be our steak griller from now on!
The Central California Jr. YBA Conference kicks off the year for the MVBT YBA. This conference, always held in Fresno, continues to set the bar for all other conferences that follow. The workshops are
always current, the people always friendly and helpful, and the food is ono! Prior to heading down to Fresno, all attending YBA's have to create a skit with a Buddhist message to perform for the attendees.
Mountain View always places in the top 3, and last year they won the event. This year they came in second to San Jose Betsuin who after coming in third last year was determined to win (they got help
choreographing their routine). Through it all, the Mountain View students did themselves proud by developing a message to align with the conference theme, choosing music, creating a dance, recording their
lines, rehearsing, and performing in front of a live audience. Later, in the evening, dinner was provided by the sponsoring conference chapter followed by a dance and udon! In the end, the best thing about
this conference and all the other conferences the kids attend is their ability to spend time with one another and to develop lifelong friendships.
2023 Central California Jr. YBA Conference!
Badge and schedule.
Delegates from Central California, Concord, Mountain View, Oxnard, Palo Alto, San Francisco, San Jose, and Southern Alameda County!
Mountain View.
Just us.
Workshop group, Team Fred.
First workshop.
Second workshop.
Lunch.
Advisor lunch.
Time out for shave ice!
Deb and her shave ice!
Emi, Kylie, Connor, and Jillian.
Skit time.
Skit.
...and more skit.
Skit video.
At the hotel before the dance.
Seniors.
Connor and Deb.
At the dance.
Advisors at the dance.
Dinner time.
Udon.
Connor, Brad, and Lacey.
November 18, 2023
For seven years (except during COVID) this group of YouTubers, TikTokers, and social media influencers have played in a Bay Area charity basketball game. Like last year, Asian Americans for Community
Involvement was the beneficiary of this wonderful collection of talent playing their hearts out for this worthy cause. Last year we purchased tickets
to see this game, but this year we got free VIP entries from the organizer of the event who happens to be an Advisor for the San Jose Betsuin YBA! Connor and a bunch of his YBA friends all attended. We even
got some former and future MVBT YBA kids to come out too! It was an incredibly fun evening to watch these talented creators/entertainers/entrepeneurs hoop it up for charity.
Every year the Mountain View Buddhist Temple honors its Temple elders - 70 years and older. This year there were two Keiro's who even turned 100! The YBA always helps by serving tea, serving dessert, and
cleaning up. It's always a fun time, and all the attendees get to sit around, eat, and catch up.
One Sunday every December, the Mountain View Buddhist Temple makes mochitsuki. This cultural event brings together the entire Temple community (Sangha) where volunteers steam rice, grind it, pound it,
cut it, and shape it. It's quite a production and was managed brilliantly this year by the leadership in Temple Zone 3 (Sangha is divided into zones to help disseminate information and chair all Temple events).
The YBA always helps out at this extraordinary event by helping with shaping, cooling, packaging, and take out (distribution). The following video aired Monday morning after Mochitsuki Sunday on KNTV with Temple
member Mike Inouye (NBC Bay Area Morning Traffic Anchor) giving some background and "color" about the event. Kudos to anyone who sees Connor, and extra kudos to those who can find Ran. Watch the video first,
but if you can't find them, click here.
The night before Christmas Eve, Connor slept over at Ryan's house with a bunch of his long-time YBA friends. Ryan, Jake, and Jarret had all returned from college for the holiday break so it was the
perfect time to get the gang together before Christmas. As a fun event they did their own version of "Chopped" where they separated into two groups and made desserts using the same ingredients. Connor along
with Jillian, Lacey, and Brad made crunchy dark chocolate cookies with milk shakes. Ryan, Jarret, and Jake made deep fried Oreos with a creamy topping.
The biggest YBA fundraiser of the year is the Annual Spaghetti Dinner. Everyone chips in to help out. Duties are delegated to every member from taking pre-orders, soliciting for donations, making signs, coordinating bingo prizes,
providing desserts, and the list goes on. While preparations are made in the weeks/months prior to the event, the day before and the day of are the busiest. Despite all the challenges of coordinating a fundraiser of this size, it all
comes together as over 300 dinners are served to an eager crowd of friends, family, and Sangha.
While the sauce is cooked the night before, the spaghetti noodles are cooked by a group of dads about 4 or 5 hours prior to dinner in the YBA Hall kitchen. They start boiling water around noon, and while they wait they eat lunch
(usually sandwiches with beer). As soon as the water comes to a boil they start adding about 4 or 5 pounds of noodles to each pot. Over the course of the next 3 hours or so approximately 100 pounds of spaghetti noodles are cooked (al
dente), rinsed, and put in large tubs to be transported over to the Sangha Hall kitchen where they will be reheated before serving.
On Saturday, March 16th Connor and Mom headed up to the Palo Alto Buddhist Temple to attend the Bay District Jr. YBA Conference. The Bay District YBA consists of YBA's from Palo Alto, San Francisco, San Mateo, Oakland, Southern
Alameda, Berkeley, and Marin. Prior to COVID the Coast District YBA's and Bay District YBA's would alternate years to have their conferences. While the Coast District found a way to have their conferences either online or in person,
this was the first year the Bay District was able to hold their conference in four years. It was an all-day affair that began at 8:00am and lasted into the late evening around 10:30pm. Throughout the day the delegates (students)
participated in an early morning service, ice breaker event, and numerous workshops. All meals were provided and at the end of the day everyone attended a dance. For Mom, as an advisor, it was the first conference where she didn't
have any duties (she always helps at the Coast District Conferences). So, while all the kids were busy with their conference activities, she and the rest of the advisors were able to meet and plan upcoming MVBT YBA events.
The YBA Mother's Day Brunch is always something to look forward to at the Mountain View Buddhist Temple. Unfortunately, due to COVID this annual event had to be postponed for several years until things returned to normal. Now that
things have settled down, the YBA resumed this annual tradition this year to roaring success. All members provided some kind of dish (mostly casseroles) to be shared with whomever showed up. One of the best surprises was a passionfruit
boba that Dylan's dad, Stuart, provided. It was especially nice to see all the members showing up to pitch in and help. Great food and great kids!
YBA members ready to help.
Everyone working.
Early diners lining up.
Brunch!
Mother's Day Tradition
One of the neat traditions of the Mother's Day Brunch is the pinning of corsages by YBA members for all the moms who show up. Here is Connor pinning Deb with her corsage.
Summer is here and perhaps one of the most enjoyable and fun YBA activities is the Camp Out. Always held on the weekend during Nakayoshi Gakko,
the YBA and YBA Advisors drive down near Santa Cruz to New Brighton State Beach. While there they participate in activities, most notably "Iron Chef" where they are all assigned a special ingredient to
incorporate into a dish that will be sampled against the creations of the other groups. While he didn't win this year, he still had a great time working with his group trying to figure out how to use mandu
dumpling wraps. He also went to the nearby beach and just hung out with his long-time friends.
Like last summer when Connor and his fellow YBA'ers went to Arnold, CA, this year they headed up to Dillon Beach. They stayed 2 nights and basically hung out, ate, and went to the beach. Here are a few
pictures from his last summer before college.
