Welcome to the exciting world of summer school at the International School of Nagano, Gojo Campus! From July 29th to August 2nd, 2024, students had an amazing time filled with fun activities, new friends, and lots of learning. Let’s dive into the highlights of our first week!

Morning Adventures

Every day started with a morning meeting with our friendly homeroom teachers. This was a great time to gather together, share our thoughts, and get ready for the day ahead. After that, we headed to the Gojo Sky Room for a lively school assembly. Here, we celebrated our community and learned about exciting things happening at school!

Team Building Fun

Next up was our team-building activity! We had a blast working together to build tents using bamboo, which was not only challenging but also super fun. We also played games like chasing sounds and bamboo line, and even got creative by making fairy houses! These activities helped us bond with our classmates and learn the importance of teamwork.

Exploring Interests

After a short morning break, we jumped into our interest clubs. These clubs allowed everyone to explore their passions, whether it was art, science, or sports. It was a fantastic way to discover new hobbies and make friends who share similar interests! The interest clubs at our summer school have truly created a vibrant environment for exploration and connection among students. Each club offers unique opportunities for participants to dive deep into their passions, whether it’s through sports or culinary arts.

In the Basketball Club led by Mr. Art, students engaged in a variety of drills focusing on passing and shooting techniques. The sessions were not just about improving skills; they also fostered teamwork and camaraderie, allowing students to bond over their shared love for the game.

Meanwhile, the Football Club with Mr. Thapelo emphasized footwork and agility through a series of fun exercises. Participants learned essential skills that not only enhance their gameplay but also promote physical fitness and strategic thinking on the field.

For those interested in racquet sports, the Badminton Club with Ms. Rosa provided an exciting platform to refine footwork and improve overall game strategy. Students practiced tirelessly, learning the importance of agility and precision while enjoying friendly matches that encouraged sportsmanship.

Lastly, the Eco Club led by Ms. Phoebe offered a different kind of engagement, focusing on sustainability and environmental awareness. Students learned kitchen safety rules before diving into hands-on cooking activities. They prepared simple yet delicious recipes like jellies and strawberry jams, as well as baked sweet potatoes and pancakes using just eggs and bananas. This club not only taught valuable cooking skills but also emphasized the importance of healthy eating and environmental responsibility.

Overall, these interest clubs have been a fantastic way for students to discover new hobbies, develop skills, and forge friendships with peers who share similar interests. The summer school experience has truly enriched their lives, making it a memorable and impactful time.

Lunchtime and Clean-Up

After all that fun, it was time for lunch! We enjoyed delicious meals together and then teamed up with non-ISN students to help clean our classrooms and the school. It felt great to work together and keep our space tidy!

Afternoon Adventures

In the afternoons, we participated in SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) activities. These included workshops where we learned about taking care of our planet. Once a week, we also went on exciting bus trips. During these trips, we visited places like Azumino City Hall, recognized as one of Japan’s SDG cities, and the Hotaka Clean Center. We even got to swim once a week, which was a refreshing treat!

Fun Fridays

Fridays were extra special because we had water activities! We splashed around in the river, raced down the water slider, and enjoyed the somen slider, which was everyone’s favorite! It was a perfect way to end the week with laughter and joy.

A Melting Pot of Cultures

Throughout the week, we met so many new friends from different prefectures and even countries! It was amazing to hear students and teachers speaking various languages like French, Chinese, and even Turkish during our assemblies. This cultural exchange made our summer school experience even more enriching and fun!

Conclusion

The first week of summer school at the International School of Nagano, Gojo Campus was filled with laughter, learning, and lasting friendships. We can’t wait to share more adventures from the second week! Stay tuned for more exciting stories and memories from our summer program! 🌞🎉