The third event for the summer of 2025 is the Nasu-Nikko National Park Forest Art and Sports Program. This will be the second time the program has been held, following last year.
<Day 1>
On the first day Although the meeting time was early in the morning, more than half of the participants were already on the bus before the meeting time. The air was filled with happy laughter. Some participants seemed nervous as it was their first time, but as soon as they got on the bus they started enjoying conversations with their new friends.
On the bus, we listened to the leaders introduce themselves and the group sing their requested songs. Before we knew it, we arrived at Nasu Koshi Youth Nature Center.
After arriving, it was time for lunch! The children had so much fun eating their first meal together with the friends they made on the bus, and there was so much to talk about.
The afternoon was spent on orienteering. This was an activity where groups worked together to earn points in the vast natural surroundings of the Nasu Koshi Youth Center. Due to the age difference this time, the children were divided into two large teams based on age, and the total points earned was determined by the group. Both the younger and older groups ran around in the natural surroundings in their own way.
The first night was a campfire. We all gathered around a big fire, singing, talking, and having a lovely time. The song we all sang, "Rainbow," was a wonderful match with the sound of the guitar and the burning fire. Afterwards, it was marshmallow time. The first day ended with everyone smiling.
<Day 2>
On the second day, we had the Camp Ship Cup. We enjoyed activities using a racing track. Regardless of the living quarters, the students were divided into three large teams. Using face paint and bibs, the students developed a sense of unity among the teams.
The participants enjoyed a large-scale exercise that was different from their everyday lives, including a large-scale cross quiz, a long jump rope, and a relay race where everyone passed the baton to each other. During the long jump rope event, it was impressive to see each team trying and testing how to jump the most number of times despite the differences in age and height. During the morning of the second day, many participants were seen trying their best to the end without giving up.
We had lunch outside, where everyone enjoyed themselves with their friends and leaders in their own spot. After that, we went for a swim. It was the start of an afternoon of fun playing in the water until we were soaked.
After that, we had outdoor cooking. Two groups worked together to make curry. They made the curry themselves, doing everything from starting the fire to cooking it. Despite being tired from the morning, everyone finished cooking and enjoyed a delicious dinner. They all ate well.
<Day 3>
On the third day, we had the long-awaited art workshop. From the morning, many children were excited and asking, "Is there an art workshop today?" With the cooperation of Atelier Mado again this year, we created a flip-book using collages.
First, we learned a little about what art is, what beautiful colors mean, and what collage is. Everyone's eyes lit up when they realized that even that picture book was made with collage! After that, we started creating. First, we started by deciding on the color of the construction paper that would become the base.
Once that was done, the children started choosing from the colorful construction paper and other papers spread out on the main table. Each of the design papers prepared by Atelier Mado had a different design, and everyone was engrossed in choosing. They could be heard happily saying things like, "This one's nice too!" and "This one's pretty too!"
The students continued to make progress in their work. Each student worked on their own page at their own pace. In the morning, they got as far as creating the content. Everyone was concentrating on their work, but they were starving. Then they all went to lunch. Even during lunch, you could hear the students excited about the afternoon's work.
In the afternoon, the students started by creating the front and back covers. They compared papers, trying to decide which cover color would match the base color. Once they decided on the color, they started making the cover. Each student created a cover based on a story or theme.
And finally, it was finished! Everyone at the table had a viewing party. They shared what they liked about their work and the story behind it.
Then we took a group photo outside on a sunny day. All of the works sparkled and shone.
That evening, we had a campship party. The participants of ROOTS, a leadership program for junior high school students, organized a leadership gesture game that was a big hit. At the end of the party, everyone enjoyed chatting with the leaders and friends over sweets.
<Final Day>
On the final day, the participants were seen working hard from the morning to tidy up. By the fourth day, it was impressive to see all the participants moving from room to room without waiting for instructions from the leader. After leaving the Nasu Koshi Youth Nature House, we headed to the ropeway. Everyone was excited about the ropeway that takes you to the top of the mountain in just a few minutes. Each group spent their time doing a little trekking, enjoying the scenery, and eating their packed lunches.
After descending the mountain, it was time for souvenirs and soft serve ice cream. Everyone took their time choosing souvenirs. Choosing the flavor of the soft serve ice cream was a challenge. Many people were heard saying, "Which one should I get?" The soft serve ice cream everyone enjoyed at the end of the last day seemed especially delicious.
After saying goodbye to our friends who were leaving the venue, we got on the bus and headed to Tokyo. On the way back, there was a constant stream of people talking. Before we knew it, we were in Tokyo.
It was a four-day event filled with art, sports, and a variety of experiences. We hope that it will be a one-of-a-kind summer holiday memory for all participants.
See you again at Campship!
