The "Beginner-Friendly Ski Program" was held at Shiga Kogen Yokoteyama Ski Resort from December 26, 2025. Out of 44 participants, exactly half, 22, were trying skiing for the first time, truly making it a beginner-friendly program. While each individual's journey had its ups and downs, by the final day, everyone had made great strides, able to ride the lift on their own, falling and getting up countless times, and skiing down from the top of the mountain.
Here's a full account of that emotional program!
First, we immediately boarded the bullet train for Iiyama Station. On the train, everyone was eating snacks and playing card games, becoming friends so quickly it was hard to believe they had just met. We were surprised at how close they became in just one hour.
Upon arriving at Iiyama Station, it was significantly colder than Tokyo! Despite the heavy snowfall obstructing our view, the children were delighted to touch the fluffy fresh snow. Although our arrival at the destination was significantly delayed due to the heavy snow, the travel time brought everyone closer, and even the leaders couldn't help but smile.
After arriving at the hotel and having lunch, it was finally time for skiing! ...Unfortunately, due to heavy snow, the lifts were stopped, so on this day, we only practiced putting on ski gear and did some stepping and sliding in front of the inn.
However, children have a talent for enjoying any environment with flexibility. As soon as ski practice ended, snow play began, with leaders and kids engaging in sledding races and snowball fights. The ability of both leaders and children to fully enjoy such "unstructured time" reaffirmed that this is the very culture of CampShip, which is dedicated to the quality of experiences.
After sunset, we enjoyed the "twirling towel" activity, unique to snowy regions! We vigorously swung wet towels around, and before we knew it, they were rock-hard! Everyone was enthusiastically swinging them around, having a great time.
The morning of the second day was beautifully clear! Perfect weather for skiing.
Excited, we began our ski session. We split into groups based on skill level and started skiing. The sensation of gliding on snow for the first time, or skiing again after a long break. With these individual feelings, we fully enjoyed the slopes until the afternoon, with a lunch break in between.
Even after skiing, there was no time to rest as we played in the snow and worked with leaders to make oshiruko (sweet red bean soup). The oshiruko we made together felt much warmer than usual.
Afterward, we held the CampShip original content, "Capture the Flag"! This simple game, where two teams compete to capture flags, was a huge hit. Seeing the leaders enjoying themselves as much as the kids further intensified the children's excitement. This sense of unity is truly unique to CampShip.
At the CampShip party in the evening, we tried "Fukuwarai" (pin the features on the face). Each group had to complete the face of a leader who had lost their facial features. While it seemed easy, when we actually tried it, eyebrows ended up where the mouth should be, and faces became unrecognizable! At first glance, it seemed like just a fun game, but communication among teammates was key to success, and before we knew it, a natural sense of unity emerged, and the team's cohesion strengthened, which was very impressive.
The final day, day 3. Children who took a long time to get ready on the first day were now smoothly and expertly putting on their boots and heading outside. Their growth wasn't just in skiing technique, but also in "taking care of their own things." Watching them visibly grow was truly heartwarming.
On this day, a ski certification test was also held. Since it was an in-lesson test where their skiing was checked during a lesson no different from the second day, everyone showed confident skiing without any tension.
The fun-filled three days and two nights quickly came to an end, and it was time to head back on the bus. Before boarding the bus, we announced the Room Clean up Award, given to the group that kept their room the cleanest during the program. The prize was a special privilege: "getting to cover a leader in snow." The children discussed who they would cover in snow, and together, they worked to bury the leader! It was an exciting time right to the very end. On the return bullet train to Tokyo Station, some children chatted about their memories, some engrossed themselves in card games, and others, exhausted, drifted off to sleep, each spending their time as they wished.
Upon reuniting with their families at the dismissal point, the children seemed to have an endless stream of stories to share about their first skiing experience and their adventures during the program.
Looking back, everyone seemed a little taller than on the first day. As a leader, I received a lot of courage from the children's expressions and actions as we wrapped up 2025.
I would be delighted if these three days became an irreplaceable "winter memory" for the children who participated. And I truly hope they will come back here again.
Above all, if, at some point in their long lives, the children remember the challenges and excitement of this camp, nothing would make me happier.
See you again at CampShip!