My husband found out a while ago that we will be PCSing to Zama in June and so I have a couple questions. We are a family of 4, with a 5 year old and a 1 year old. This is our first move outside of the U.S. and so some of my questions may be basic.

1. First, what would you recommend to ship is the advanced shipment?
2. Also, I have heard that the flight and drive to Camp Zama can be very long and intensive, does anyone with small children have any recommendations on how to make the travel day easier.
3. Additionally, we are a very active family and value sports and outside activities in general. Are there organized sports on base or activities for adults and children alike to become involved in?
4. Finally, this one is a little more specific. I myself am a licensed clinical counselor, does anyone have any knowledge of openings in that field? I have checked USAjobs.gov, however I haven't had much luck.

I appreciate any input. Thanks!

1. First, what would you recommend to ship is the advanced shipment?
~ I shipped computer stuff and seasonal clothes.  I boxed it all up and weighed it on a scale at home so there would be no surprises later.  Just bring the things you need right away and can't wait for very long.  Temporary housing was furnished and had kitchen ware etc.

2. Also, I have heard that the flight and drive to Camp Zama can be very long and intensive, does anyone with small children have any recommendations on how to make the travel day easier.
~ You can get a private shuttle van it runs about 120-160.00 the benefit is it's on your schedule and you can stop for breaks if you want to also.  The regular bus I believe to Zama is free, the trains would be a bad idea in that scenario.

Ask George what he charges to Zama: https://sites.google.com/site/yokotajapan/home/private-shuttle-service
I have used him, he's on time and great.

3. Additionally, we are a very active family and value sports and outside activities in general. Are there organized sports on base or activities for adults and children alike to become involved in?
~ There is plenty to keep you busy, Zama also has a little fishing pond, a small water park well a large twisting slide into a pool, golf course etc. etc.

4. Finally, this one is a little more specific. I myself am a licensed clinical counselor, does anyone have any knowledge of openings in that field? I have checked USAjobs.gov, however I haven't had much luck.
~ I have seen several substance abuse positions in that area previously and they seem to have a large need for those services, you may want to consider DoDDS as well, I don't know if your program directly translates into the educator counseling requirements but it's all online and I do know they hired a local hire counselor that commutes to work in Zama because they couldn't fill the position internally/ locally.

Posted By yokota on 04-03-2012 10:25 AM



3. Additionally, we are a very active family and value sports and outside activities in general. Are there organized sports on base or activities for adults and children alike to become involved in?
~ There is plenty to keep you busy, Zama also has a little fishing pond, a small water park well a large twisting slide into a pool, golf course etc. etc.

Actually there is nor water park at Zama. Never has been. We (yes I actually do live here) have an indoor pool at the Fitness Center (which is very nice by the way) on Zama. They are also buidling a new facility at Sagamihara Housing Area. Youth services host many organized sporting activities as do the schools have their sports teams.