The grand finale of summer 2025 was the highly anticipated Camp Ship Academy camp exclusively for preschoolers! The location for this great adventure was "Okuhitachi Kirara no Sato" in Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture.
A total of 35 participants and 9 leaders enjoyed nature together on a 2-day, 1-night trip, traveling to Kirara no Sato by express train and chartered bus.
Limited Express Hitachi
In addition to the usual living groups, this time a buddy system was introduced for safety management, with children moving in pairs, holding hands.
Some children cried their eyes out as they said "See you later!" to their parents at Tokyo Station. However, once they boarded the express train and started eating their favorite snacks, smiles gradually appeared, and within an hour, everyone was completely excited. We were amazed by the children's adaptability.
Arrival at Okuhitachi Kirara no Sato, Outdoor Play
After arriving at Kirara no Sato and having lunch at the Yamabiko Hiroba grassland, the children were busy chasing dragonflies and grasshoppers and repeatedly going around the athletic course.
Under the hot sun, the next stop was the animal petting farm, where they met ponies and rabbits.
Shopping at the Kirara-shoten candy store
This program incorporated several elements to encourage children's "independence." One such element was shopping at the candy store with 50 yen in hand. Children who couldn't yet read price tags asked older children or leaders, "Can I buy this?" as they chose their snacks. They also showed initiative in communicating with the kind lady at the register, asking things like, "Do you have a spoon?" or "I want scissors to open this."
Japan's Longest Slide: Wakuwaku Slider
After this, they headed to the Wakuwaku Slider in groups.
Partnering with a leader, they gripped the lever and were ready to go! This is Japan's longest slider, at 1188 meters. They navigated sharp curves, skillfully controlled the brakes, and slid down to the finish line without stopping! And no, they didn't reluctantly get off the sleds... they could return to the starting point while still on the sled.
Making Curry
Next, they split into four private cabins to make dinner. Under the watchful eye of the leaders, they took on the challenge of cutting carrots and onions with knives. They took turns, and some children even waited for a second round because they wanted to do it again! These domestic skills show great promise for the future.
The curry they all worked together to make was exceptionally delicious.
Campfire
The night continued. A fire was lit at the auto-campground outside the cabins, and it was time for roasted marshmallows.
"Are you scared? Let me roast it for you," a voice from somewhere in the dark could be heard, making it a night where tears threatened to well up. These tears were definitely not from the smoke of the campfire... probably.
Some children also pointed out and told us how beautiful the stars and moon looked in the dark sky!
After returning to the cabin, they quickly got ready for bed and quietly went to sleep 🌙
Morning of the 2nd day
Good morning, it's the second day.
In the cabin where we spent the night, some children moved to the leader's bedside and slept soundly (really!?) near dawn. I'm grateful that I woke up exactly at the wake-up time, sensing their presence.
Now, the children immediately tidied up their futons and belongings. The cooperative play of 3 to 5-year-olds was wonderfully demonstrated, and everything was neatly arranged. Breakfast was eaten with everyone in the cabin! They recharged their energy with bread and bananas.
Free Play
Free play began on the lawn in front of the entrance for the cabins that were ready to depart.
I suppose insect catching was the most popular. I won't soon forget the sight of a child bringing an oni-yanma dragonfly larger than their own face, caught bare-handed. "Daruma-san ga koronda" (Red Light, Green Light) was also so intense that the leaders were running around seriously.
As the sun rose higher, a shaved ice machine appeared! Although it was cooler than Tokyo, summer still means shaved ice. Mixing syrups was, of course, welcome.
Souvenir Shopping at Hitachi Station and Limited Express Hitachi
Upon arriving at Hitachi Station, everyone headed to the station plaza to choose souvenirs. Children picked out large-sized sweets "for their families" or "for their younger siblings." Among them was a snack called "Panda Dorayaki." Apparently, Hitachi City is promoting the attraction of giant pandas!
The children who met us at Hitachi Station said goodbye a little earlier here! They had become so close that I almost wanted to go through the ticket gate with them.
On the Limited Express Hitachi, about 80% of the children fell asleep once they sat down, while 20% stayed awake and chatted with their neighbors. The children had more energy than the leaders expected.
Goodbye at Tokyo Station
When we arrived at Tokyo Station, we realized just how comfortable the temperature in Hitachi had been. Leaving the platform bathed in the setting sun and passing through the bustling ticket gates, we headed downstairs where the parents were waiting.
Seeing their faces soften into smiles the moment they spotted their families, it suddenly dawned on me that while they had been enjoying themselves so innocently, they had also been feeling nervous and trying their best.
Many of the children had never stayed overnight away from their families before. We were very happy to hear parents say, "They looked like they had fun, and we're relieved."
Although we were a bit nervous about holding the long-awaited preschool camp, we are relieved that everyone returned to their parents without any major injuries or accidents.
And we sincerely hope that these two days will become an irreplaceable "summer memory" for all the children who participated. And we truly hope they come back again.
Above all, it would be the greatest joy if the children remember the excitement and wonder of the Hitachi camp throughout their long lives ahead.
See you again at Camp Ship!