Through the coordination of Otemae University and the Asago City local government, a Halloween event for children was held on October 28, 2017 at the Itami Campus. The event was a reunion of sorts between Otemae students and Asago children who participated in a summer event called “英語であそぼう！” at Otemae’s annual English & Leadership Camp. For four and a half hours, 22 kids aged six to twelve could enjoy SPOOK-tacular games, food, costumes, and makeup!

As always, the desired outcome for this event was to promote communication, responsibility, and collaboration. When students are presented with opportunities to participate and lead through example, the end result is the strengthening human bonds and realizing personal growth.

Such a process is summed up BOO-tifully in the words of senior, Megumi Iguchi, who said “the work was sooo hard but at the same time I also enjoyed hard work because of those great friends and teachers. I got power and smile from cute children and awesome friends. And I realized, I love children. I hope this experience becomes a great resource to my full time job in next year.” All students agreed that the party was a success. If given the chance to do the same event in the future, the next time will be un-BOO-lievable!

A team of 26 Otemae students took part in the event, working a myriad of responsibilities to ensure fun and success. Besides hours spent decorating, preparing food, organizing materials, and constructing an indoor putt-putt golf course, students stepped up to the opportunity to exercise leadership skills through conducting various activities and games.

The schedule and list of events were as follows:

08:00 – Setup begins

10:00 – Pre-event meeting & decorating

11:30 – Arrival of Asago guests

11:40 – Lunchtime

12:10 – Welcome under the Pumpkin Tree

12:15 – Face painting and mask-making

12:45 – Games & Activities:

1.     Spelling “Halloween” Treasure Hunt

2.     Pumpkin Golf Tournament

3.     “No Hands!” (getting snacks on a dangling string)

4.     Halloween Cookie Decorating

5.     English Halloween Bingo Game 

6.     Freeze Dancing

7.     Rhythm Dance

15:30 – Snack Time & Photo Opportunity

16:00 – Saying “Good-bye”

16:30 – Clean up

More pictures to come!