Camping Trip

 

Our camping trip started at 8:30 a.m. at Shinjuku South Gate. From there, we took the Chuo Line to Ome and transferred to another train before arriving at Shiromaru.

After getting off the train, we walked down the mountain to our first activity: Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)!

The instructors first taught the students how to safely use the SUP boards. The boards were connected with a rope, and the students carefully crawled across them on their hands and feet, one by one, until everyone was sitting on their own board.

Next, the instructors showed the students how to stand up slowly and paddle correctly. We then explored the lake together. The students had lots of fun trying different challenges, such as lying down and paddling with their hands, sitting at the back of the board to make it spin, jumping into the water, and even getting several people onto one board!

After about an hour on the lake, we headed back up the mountain, changed our clothes, and got back on the train.

Our next stop was Okitama. The students enjoyed lunch and ice cream at a local bento shop before taking a 40-minute bus ride to the campsite.

Once we arrived, the students settled into their cabins and set up their beds. They then worked together to create a script for their second presentation for Performance Day. They shared their ideas, talked with their friends and teachers, and discussed their goals and thoughts for the trip.

After finishing their scripts, it was time to make dinner! Everyone helped prepare curry. The students took turns cutting vegetables and meat, stirring the curry, and working together in the kitchen.

Finally, we all sat down and enjoyed our homemade curry together. After dinner, the students relaxed, played card games, and enjoyed some free time with their friends.

It was a busy but exciting first day filled with new experiences, teamwork, and lots of fun. Everyone was ready for a good night’s sleep after a long day, and we finished the day at 9:00 p.m. 🌙