Katoh students debating which direction their tribe should move in. KATOH GAKUEN
During the last week of August, Katoh Gakuen’s Gyoshu Junior and Senior High School’s Bilingual Program held its annual IB Middle Years Program summer camp in the Susono area in Shizuoka.
The camp provided grade 9 and 10 students with the opportunity to get to know each other better through a series of English-centred academic and recreational activities.
The theme for this year’s camp was “With my own two hands.” With an emphasis on the areas of interaction, students were made aware of the importance of making peace (Health and Social Education), serving others (Community and Service), cleaning up the environment (Environments), and changing the world (Human Ingenuity) with their own two hands.
Upon arrival, camp participants were put in teams and asked to form their own tribe. Each tribe faced the challenge of coming up with a song, dance, attire, and motto that represented their culture.
All tribes had a chance to showcase their talents. Activities included a model United Nations session, student-created skits, and a series of outdoor and indoor team-building activities. Tribes accumulated points based on certain elements such as originality, creativity, and collaboration within the group. Camp activities culminated on the last night with group presentations about important global issues. The camp was a success thanks to the initiative and dedication demonstrated by all the students and teachers. — CARL HADLEY
