The Gyoshu Junior and Senior High School Immersion program held its annual MYP (Middle Years Program) Summer Camp at YMCA Gotemba from August 26–29. Grade 9 and Grade 10 students attended the camp, and it gave them an opportunity to foster closer relationships with each other through a variety of outdoor and indoor activities. The camp required the participants to be cooperative, creative, and open-minded.
The activities were centred on the main theme “With my own two hands,” with sub-themes highlighting each MYP Area of Interaction. Most of the activities were done in groups, which made the students realize the importance of open communication and teamwork. One student from Grade 10 wrote in her journal, “We should not be hesitant to work with each other because [this hesitation] prevents us from being open-minded.”
Each group was challenged to come up with original and creative songs, dances, stories, skits, costumes, and posters that related to culture as well as local and global issues. Another student from Grade 9 said, “It was hard to make new things; we used a lot of time thinking about our characters.” Even though some of the participants found the activities difficult, it brought out the talents within each team and made each activity very entertaining! The camp activities concluded with a test of the students’ English writing skills through the creation of a group poster. They highlighted some unique challenges and the most memorable camp experiences.
This camp was another successful one because of the excellent initiative from all the students and unwavering support from the teachers. A Grade 10 student aptly summed up his camp experience by stating, “Everyone is different and that is why we are cool. Everyone can change the world.” — GAY-ANN BAGOTCHAY
