This year, the annual English & Leadership Camp was held from August 31st to September 2nd in Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture. Through the cooperation of Otemae University and the Asago City local government, 26 students and two faculty members participated in promoting educational exchanges with children (ages 6-12) of the community.

A fundamental element of the camp is experiencing Japanese culture. The first day began with an excursion to the historical Takeda Castle where students walked among the ancient ruins after a long hike up a picturesque mountain trail. This was followed by a 50-minute scenic bus drive to the Uegotakiso waterfall, where a sudden rain and thunderstorm forced the group to retreat to the town of Ikuno where they stayed for the next two nights. Upon arrival, the students conducted a two-hour practice session for teaching English songs and games to children scheduled for the following day. After checking into accommodations and preparing dinner, the students enjoyed a night of gameshow-like activities which included teacher trivia, pie plate throwing, and more until late into the evening.

Planning and collaborative activities are also central to the camp. Therefore, the second day required focus and energy for a day of hard work and play. After preparing breakfast and cleaning rooms, students set up tents, tables, chairs, and cooking utilities for an outdoor cooking event titled, “英語であそぼう!” (“Let’s Play in English”). Together, the students and local children worked to make a hearty lunch that consisted of “yakisoba,” frankfurters and corn on the cob. Desert was turned into an occasion by playing “suikawari” where kids broke open watermelon with a stick while blindfolded. Due to rain, lunchtime was followed by a series of English songs and games conducted indoors. The entire occasion was documented by local television as well as the Kobe Shinbun newspaper.

After the event, students used their remaining energy for a game designed as a means to explore a historical town. Using English maps, four teams competed to be the first to find ten iconic monuments and buildings. Upon discovering the sites, the groups were instructed to take photos in various prescribed poses and show them at the conclusion of the game. The shots taken were stellar! Winners were relieved of cleanup duty and awarded a prize. The day concluded with a relaxing evening of eating snacks, playing UNO, and watching a movie.

The final day started with cleaning up accommodations, preparing breakfast, and ensuring that borrowed kitchen facilities were immaculate. Students were then provided time to reflect on the camp and write about their experiences. Before boarding the bus to return home, the morning concluded with a guided tour of actor Takashi Shimura’s birthplace which included four historical homes containing antiques and other nostalgic items.

Despite the damp weather, the camp was an overall success. True to the vision since the conception of leadership camps, students were provided with an atmosphere conducive to collaborating in English, colluding through problem-solving activities, building cooperation among peers, and instilling motivation to further their language skills. Moreover, lasting bonds were formed, service towards others was displayed, and leadership skills emerged over three fun-packed days of being in an idyllic outdoor classroom.