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International Youth Campers Come to School (February 22)
On February 10, participants in the International Youth Camp being held in Karuizawa came to visit Yamanouchi Middle School. About 600 students from our school were on hand to meet the campers, but only eight of them were able to make the trip. Many Youth Camp participants had caught a bad cold, it seems.To introduce some aspects of Japan's culture to our visitors, some Yamanouchi students put on displays of judo, kendo (Japanese fencing), and calligraphy. The foreign students joined in and tried all the activities. They were very interested in the activities--they took lots of pictures and were really excited to try them themselves.
At lunchtime, the campers sat together to eat with representatives from each class. I was nervous just to be sitting next to a German camper during lunch. I got asked question after question--I had to stay on my toes the entire time! But gradually, as I watched how my classmates interacted with the visitors, I became able to ask some questions of my own. I can't say we had a very smooth conversation, but I definitely think we were able to become better friends.
At the parting ceremony, we all got together to do the same dance as the Olympic mascots, the Snowlets. In the end, I felt I would like to speak with many more foreigners if I had the chance. (Report from Yamanouchi Middle School: T.O., Y.A.)
International Youth Campers try their hand at calligraphy.
We taught the visitors some judo moves.
We all enjoyed talking with each other over lunch.