Japanese Youth
Welcome to Mori no Ike!
Where else can you dabble in the martial arts of aikido, judo, karate, or kendo in the morning, and try out traditional Japanese creative activities such as origami (paper folding), ikebana (flower arranging), sumi-e (ink painting), sado (tea ceremony), odori (dancing) or shodo (calligraphy) in the afternoon? There are always a lot of different activities to choose from-we never get bored! At Mori no Ike, counselors love sharing Japanese culture and activities with you-and they're great at helping you learn new Japanese words and phrases at the same time.
Mori no Ike counselors bring to life the cultural festivals of Tanabata (the star festival) and Omatsuri (summer festival) in evening programs. They'll help you learn Japanese songs and make sure you find time for Japanese sports and games, including water-passing relays, hashi races, and games like daruma san ga koronda, which is similar to red-light/green-light. At Mori no Ike, you can experience both traditional Japanese customs and modern, even trend-setting Japanese lifestyles, all while you're learning and practicing new Japanese language skills. There's no better way to learn Japanese than to practice using practical words and phrases all day, every day.
When you arrive at Mori no Ike, enthusiastic native speakers and language experts will greet you. You'll go through "customs," select a new Japanese name, exchange your dollars for yen and move into your cabin. The grassy hill and field provide a safe space to run and explore. The nicely groomed paths are well-shaded from the summer sun by the site's grove of trees. And the knotty tree near the dining hall has become a Mori no Ike villager favorite, loved for its open branches that invite you to sit and relax in the shade with your friends.
Fast Facts
Village: Mori no Ike, Dent
Founded: 1988
Borders: Pine Lake
Population: 90 Villagers
Language: Japanese
Currency: yen
Time Zone: CDT (Daylight Savings)
Dormitories
At Mori no Ike Dent, villagers will share large dormitory spaces with between 9 and 17 other kids who are about their same age and are their same gender. Bathroom and shower facilities are located right outside the sleeping room doors. The dormitories are in traditional camp-style buildings with comfortable bunks and completely up-to-date safety features.
Mori no Ike is a relaxed place. All you'll need are shorts, t-shirts, sneakers, a swimsuit, and a sweatshirt and jeans in case of a cool evening. There isn't much need for "dress up" clothing, but if you would like to bring some, there will be a banquet or dance night where you can show off your fancy duds. We'll send a packing list after you have registered. Please pack wisely as there is limited storage space.
Overnight session choices:
· One- and two-week sessions
· Four-week sessions: high school credit for students entering grades 9 through 12
Want to learn more about Japanese Dent?
· Visit our Village Page to see pictures of last year's villagers and camp activities.
