International School of Nagano
WILD WONDER SUMMER CAMP 2024
10 to 15 year olds
ISN Wild Wonder Summer Camp 2024
(July 28 - August 17)
(July 28 - August 17)
A 3 week learning adventure full of outdoor survival skills, personal challenges, team building and good old fashioned play in the great outdoors located in the town of Ikeda in Nagano prefecture. Fellow adventurers are encouraged by skilled instructors to push the limits of what they think is possible in a safe and controlled environment.
Campers will also have the chance to go on various field trips, including an exciting rock climbing experience in Omachi and a Stand Up Paddle (SUP) adventure on beautiful lake Kizakiko and multiple day hikes with stellar views of Japan's scenic Northern Alps.
This exciting summer program is designed to cultivate a love for being active outside regardless the weather, to teach outdoor skills that are slowly being lost to time, and finally to find joy in the simple pleasures in life like a quiet sunset while soaking your feet in a cool mountain stream.
Come join us on our next adventure in the summer of 2024!!
Who we are
ISN is an international school located in Matsumoto City and Nagano City in Nagano Prefecture, with a total enrollment of about 320 students from 0 years old to junior high school.
As an International Baccalaureate (IB) accredited school, we provide an environment where students can learn about nature, local activities, society, and the world in English, which is unique to Shinshu, and we aim to nurture international people who are Japanese. Thanks to your support, we are celebrating our 10th anniversary since we started the school to create learning options in the regional city of Matsumoto.
A Typical Daily Schedule
6:00 - Wake up while the weather is cool!!
6:15 - Tai Chi session to get the blood flowing
6:45 ~ 7:30 - Breakfast / clean-up
8:00 ~ 11:30 - Morning activities, lessons or team building exercise
12:00 Lunch time (catered lunch)
13:00~14:30 - SOLO TIME and some daily chores while the weather is hot.
14:30~17:00 - Afternoon activities, lessons... Visit the local pool.
17:00 Showers, dinner prep and eating time.
19:00~20:30 Free time, campfire, star watching or night hike
20:30 Circle time - discussion time and planning
21:30 Bed time and lights out
Rotate weekly between locations for 2 unique and rewarding experiences.
**Participants stay at each base for five days with a quiet day of rest and reflection between the next stage of programmed activities.**
A Taste of What to Expect
(**Subject to change depending on weather and situation.)
- Stand Up Paddle (SUP)
- River exploring
- Water play and safety
- Day / night hiking (moonlight walks)
- Exploring the wonders of the night sky.
- Rock Climbing and rappelling
- Ropework and knots
- Orienteering and mapwork
- Nature awareness
- Original artwork and crafts
- Camping skills
- Fire building and safety
- Camp fires and songs
- Team building activities
- SOLO time
- and much, much more!!
What can we expect from this camp?
Team building / Camping skills
Students will learn basic camping skills including mapwork, fire building, and camp set up / take down. Plus, because working as part of a team is an essential life skill, this will be a primary focus throughout the program.
Hiking and SUP lake experience
Long hikes in the mountains, along rivers and around beautiful lakes... Setting up tents and camping in multiple locations with stellar views of the Northern Alps and playing on the lake with not one, but two Stand Up Paddle (SUP) adventures... Sounds pretty nice to me.
Self introspection and reflection
Students will have daily “Me time” sessions to reflect and put their thoughts to paper.
Self-reliance
Students will learn to take care of themselves and others in a variety of outdoor environments including lakes, rivers, and mountains. They will also have the opportunity to learn important life skills including menu prep, cooking and cleaning up after themselves.
Fitness and health
Fitness is a key component to all outdoor activities, but it is something that is often overlooked in today’s society. Students will eat healthy, delicious meals and snacks everyday and will do some form of daily exercise throught the program. Students will not be forced to do anything out of their "comfort zone," but will be encouraged to push themselves and to try new challenges they never thought possible.
Our Staff members
Randall
Randall is originally from Canada where he worked as a Junior High PE and social studies teacher. He has spent the last 30 plus years travelling the world and enjoying / teaching various outdoor pursuits including rock climbing, mountain biking, kayaking and triathlon. He looks forward to continuing to share his passion with the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.
Edgar
Edgar has been playing in the mountains in one way or another for about 35 years, hiking, climbing, skiing or anything outdoors. Since coming to Japan from the U.K. in 2007, he also developed a love of cycle touring and SUPing on the rivers and lakes around Nagano. He is looking forward to sharing his joy of the outdoors with you.
David
Dave is an avid alternative lifestyle sports player. He has climbed extensively in Wales and Cornwall, where he also has led groups in adventures from the wild moors to the stunning coasts, climbing, kayaking and exploring nature.
He has explored much of the beautiful nature of Nagano on his mountain bike and with his beloved dog.
Dave is also an artist, skateboarder and tai-chi practitioner with over 30 years experience. He loves to share his passions and is keen to help you develop yours.
Raita
Raita is our local expert for the trail systems surrounding all three of the camp locations. He has a passion for cycling, and loves being active or simply chilling out in the outdoors. He looks forward to sharing some of his favorite spots with this year's camp participants. He is also our resident origami, zentangle and crafts expert.
Keely
Keely has been spending time in the mountains of British Columbia, Canada, since she was old enough to walk. She spends most of her summers racing bikes, wake-boarding and snowboarding the local resorts in the winter. We are lucky enough to welcome her and her infectious smile to our 2024 summer camp staff roster.
Midori
Midori's loves to be outside. She enjoys SUPing year round, snowboarding and hiking. But her true super power lies in the little things. She enjoys plants, animals, crafts or simply sitting by the river stacking rocks. She truly knows how to spend quality time outdoors. Midori will be filling various roles throughout the program to make our camp life go smoothly.
3 WEEKS
¥378,000
(Recommended)
July 28 ~ August 17
**The program was designed as a 3 week program, so if you have the time, we recommend this plan so your child can have the best possible camp experience.
2 WEEKS
¥272,000
2 Choices:
July 28 ~ Aug. 10
Aug 4. ~ Aug 17
**Students will have the chance to participate in both the Craft Park and Yumenojo programs.
1 WEEK
¥146,000
3 Choices:
July 28 ~ August 3
August 4th ~ 10th
August 11th ~ 17th
Please be sure to specify which dates and which program you would like to participate in (Craft Park or Yumenojo).
**We will try our best to accomodate requests, but will depend on availability.
How to access:
Participants will be met at Matsumoto station where they will travel by bus to the Wild Wonder Summer Camp venue.
Further details regarding access, dates and times will be sent in the information packet sent to registered partipants.
Contact us
Address: 7454-6 Rikugo, Ikeda, Kitaazumi District, Nagano 399-8605
Phone number: (Upon request)
Email: randall.middlebrook@isnedu.org