This was the last Shiga Kogen Central Ski Resort program of 2024, and we spent 2 nights and 3 days at the end of the year with our friends.
This year, the early observation of the first snow in Tokyo was a hot topic, but Shiga Kogen was like another world! The pure white scenery everywhere had people cheering even before they arrived at the ski resort.
Once you arrive at the ski resort, you'll be skiing all day long, and it's easy to get the impression that the only time you'll be doing it is when you eat and sleep. Being up close and personal, it's fascinating to see the participants not only skiing but also getting used to the preparations. From those with no prior skiing experience to advanced skiers, everyone is quickly learning how to ski.
The weather on the snowy mountains in winter can be unpredictable. Just when it gets cloudy, a cold wind starts to hit your face. As darkness falls and snow blows head-on, the children encourage each other over and over again to get their spirits up. But even if they do get discouraged, it's okay. That's because the rescue leader will warmly welcome them at the rest hut. He will sit next to them and ponder with them whether to continue skiing or join in as rescue workers. The participants, who take turns coming to rest between runs, also take a breather here with their leaders and coaches.
The snowfall was particularly strong in the afternoon of the second day, so once the test was completed, the ski coach decided to end the lesson a little early. After that, each participant split up into three activities to get started: free skiing if they wanted more, sledding or making snow huts if they wanted more fun, or making sweet red bean soup for everyone in a large pot if they wanted to warm up. Even in the bad weather, the participants were full of energy and there was no limit to what they could do.
On this day, Santa Rico arrives at Shiga Kogen late! It turns out the leaders are actually his minions... With prizes at stake, the participants form makeshift teams and give their all in a balloon relay and a gesture message game.
The three days of skiing went by in a flash. But before we got on the bus back, there was one last chance! The Room Clean Up Award winning team had earned the right to "throw one person into the snow, just once." This was their last chance before departure. The participants who cooperated to throw the leader and the leader who was thrown with joy both had such refreshing expressions on their faces that they all had one last good laugh before leaving for the ski resort.
As soon as we set off on the highway bus, we often heard voices asking, "Are we in Shibuya already?" and "How many more minutes?" I thought it was a bit hasty, but when I saw the participants meet up with their families in Shibuya, I realized I had misunderstood their true intentions. The exhausted participants grabbed their leaders and dashed off to their families! They must have been looking forward to telling their families about how much fun they had and what they had learned.
I only remember being much more dependent on others as a child. As 2024 draws to a close, the participants are showing signs of increasing their numbers and becoming independent. Their expressions encourage me, and I feel motivated to continue working hard in 2025 as a leader.
We hope you feel energized and want to come back to camp again! We look forward to seeing you again at Campship next year and beyond.
