Outdoor Recreation

This chapter focuses on outdoor recreation and how Japanese Americans’ engagement with nature through leisure helped to strengthen their resolve and contribute to a sense of freedom. While they initially decried the barren environment of the camps and their surroundings, they soon transformed and forged intimate ties to the camp lands and waters. In the process, they beautified their surroundings, experienced renewal, or simply passed the time. Recognizing the value of outdoor recreation, WRA officials often supported these activities. However, they sometimes met with resistance as detainees moved beyond camp boundaries and used finite resources. Topics include hiking, fishing, swimming, camping, and ornamental gardening.