The Baltimore–Kawasaki Sister City Scout Exchange Program was established in 1985 with the aim of fostering international friendship and promoting world peace through the Boy Scout movement.
Rooted in the belief that Scouting can unite young people beyond differences of race, religion, and language, this program has connected Scouts from Kawasaki City, Japan, and Baltimore, Maryland, USA for over four decades.
Since the inaugural delegation from Kawasaki in July 1985, the two cities have taken turns hosting each other’s Scouts annually. Through two-week joint camps and homestays, participants immerse themselves in each other’s cultures, build lifelong friendships, and grow into globally minded citizens.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the program, and we are honored to welcome the 31st delegation from Baltimore to Japan.
We sincerely hope that this exchange will continue to be passed on to future generations and grow even stronger in the years to come.
■Record of Exchange Activities
■Commemorative publication/Report
■Theme Song of the Baltimore–Kawasaki Scout Exchange
In the summer of 1985, the Scout Exchange Program between Kawasaki City and Baltimore City was born.
Though it began nearly forty years ago, it is remembered not only as a historical milestone, but as a living tradition—one that continues to bring together Scouts and host families from both cities in joyful reunion.
Back then, international exchange was far less common than it is today. With little more than passion and determination to guide us, we built the program from scratch, learning through trial and error how to make each exchange better than the last.
During those early days, as representatives from Kawasaki and Baltimore engaged in heartfelt discussions, many emotions and ideas came to the surface. And from that shared spirit, a phrase emerged—one that would become the heart of the program’s theme song:
“May this program continue for generations to come. Let us join hands across borders and build a peaceful world together. Let us shape that future side by side.”
This song was created with that wish in mind—a musical expression of hope, unity, and enduring friendship.
➤ Make a Peaceful World (1987)
“Make a Peaceful World” was composed in 1987, two years after the launch of the Baltimore–Kawasaki Scout Exchange Program.
This heartfelt song captures the spirit of unforgettable experiences: camping at the SAJ Yamanaka campsite—now a place of fond memories—and at Broad Creek Scout Reservation, owned by the Baltimore Area Council, as well as the exhilarating challenge of climbing Mt. Fuji.
It was sung with deep emotion, etched into the hearts of those who took part in these meaningful programs.
➤ Pepsi Boys Coming (1988)
In 1988, the year Baltimore Scouts were scheduled to visit Kawasaki, the Scouts of Kawasaki—overflowing with excitement and eager to welcome their friends—wrote and composed a song titled “Pepsi Boys Coming.”
This lively tune was inspired by the playful spirit of the Baltimore Scouts, who often slipped away from their leaders during camp, bubbling with energy like a can of Pepsi. The title reflects the youthful, trendy image of Pepsi Cola, a drink known for celebrating vitality and coolness.
The lyrics capture joyful memories from the Funny Bear Camp held at the SAJ Yamanaka campsite and the adventures at Broad Creek Scout Reservation. Every time the song is heard, vivid scenes from those unforgettable days come rushing back.
■Introduction to the 31st Baltimore Delegation Visit to Kawasaki 40th anniversary 2025
From July 19 to August 3, 2025, the 31st Baltimore Scout Delegation—comprising 16 members—visited Kawasaki to commemorate the 40th anniversary of our exchange program. During their two-week stay, the delegation experienced Japanese culture through homestays, Mt. Fuji climb, and a collaborative camp known as “Funny Bear Camp,” held with Japanese Scouts. To ensure the health and safety of all participants throughout the program, we received generous support from St. Marianna University School of Medicine, including the dispatch of medical professionals and emergency care readiness.
