Pokemon “Become a Pokémon Trainer!” program (Japan)

[RememberSchiff]

Now for something completely different.

The Scout Association of Japan is teaming with Pokémon to host a “Become a Pokémon Trainer!” program for kids in Japan!

Aspiring Trainers (scouts) "will go through a variety of missions to learn what it takes to become a Pokémon Trainer. With lessons in teamwork, respect, and discipline, there’s a lot more that goes into it than just catching Pokémon. The program is available across many regions of Japan, with limited spots for those who want to apply."

Sources:

https://nintendowire.com/news/2025/06/16/pokemon-is-launching-a-special-boy-scouts-program-in-japan-where-kids-can-become-trainers/

https://saiganak.com/event/pokemon-scout-2025-summer/

 

[Tron]

19 hours ago, RememberSchiff said:

Now for something completely different.

The Scout Association of Japan is teaming with Pokémon to host a “Become a Pokémon Trainer!” program for kids in Japan!

Aspiring Trainers (scouts) "will go through a variety of missions to learn what it takes to become a Pokémon Trainer. With lessons in teamwork, respect, and discipline, there’s a lot more that goes into it than just catching Pokémon. The program is available across many regions of Japan, with limited spots for those who want to apply."

Sources:

https://nintendowire.com/news/2025/06/16/pokemon-is-launching-a-special-boy-scouts-program-in-japan-where-kids-can-become-trainers/

https://saiganak.com/event/pokemon-scout-2025-summer/

 

Perfect example of meeting the scouts(youth)  where they are at to get them engaged. 

[RememberSchiff]

Will this take off where geocaching did not? 

So is this sort of Train the Trainer program?  

IMO scouting is real world with an outdoor classroom. Though fun, this seems just the opposite but then I have never caught and trained a Pokemon.

My $0.02 or virtual money equivalent

[Tron]

12 hours ago, RememberSchiff said:

Will this take off where geocaching did not? 

So is this sort of Train the Trainer program?  

IMO scouting is real world with an outdoor classroom. Though fun, this seems just the opposite but then I have never caught and trained a Pokemon.

My $0.02 or virtual money equivalent

I think that it all comes down to the system being maintained and the navigation points being accurate. The big problem with geocaching are all of the garbage caches that are not maintained, not accurately placed, and not placed in a clearly meant for geocaching container. My kid is into geocaching and the number of geocaches found by accident by me because I thought it was a piece of trash while he is searching is equal to the number of caches he has found. Every time I see a nature made vitamin bottle I now think of all the hobo geocaches.