Yap Project
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Stream Climbing Camp 2005: Perfect Weather, Splash of Stream |
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Get "wet & wild" with our participants. Find out more about the fun & challenges experienced by them during the 2-days camp at Kuzuha River in Hadano, Kanagawa prefecture
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A stream climbing camp was held on 1st & 2nd Oct 2005 at Kuzuha River in the city of Hadano, Kanagawa prefecture with a total of 15 participants.
Initially, there were concerns about the fall weather but the two days turned out to be hot & sunny like any mid-summer day; an ideal weather condition for outdoor activities.
Some participants were so excited upon arriving at the climbing site on the 1st day that they dashed into the stream with their helmets & socks on!
The 1st climb started at the Kuzuha Spring at an altitude of 400 meters and took the participants 3 hours to reach to another 300 meters in height. Over the 2 days, the participants also scaled a vertical rock cliff face of a 10 meters waterfall.
Though physically & mentally challenged, the participants did not forget to support & encourage one another while attempting to overcome the flow of current during the climbs. Everyone felt a strong sense of achievement when they managed to “conquer” the tremendous power of the current to complete the climbs.
At meal times, the participants, who were mostly adults, cooked up a storm & dished out mouth-watering gourmet creations like Kenchin-jiru (a kind of Japanese soup) made from local vegetables that everyone helped to cut, a roast chicken prepared using a popular Dutch oven method, Middle Eastern bread baked from using a pan from Israel & a 20cm long layered German cake, known as "Baumkuchen", baked using a piece of bamboo pole over open fire. Through cooking together, the participants were able to learn about different cultures and feel connected to the land, which gives us food.
Some comments from participants:-
-“ I thought that stream climbing was merely like hiking but it isn’t. Through the experiences I gathered from this camp, I become physically stronger, hence more confident about myself.”
-“I realized that I have been overly dependent on too much of the convenience provided by city life.”
-“In my daily life, I do not encounter so many strenuous challenges but I have learnt that there will be situations where I will have to work hard.”
-“Nothing changes unless you move ahead. Get rid of unnecessary material excesses & enjoy a simple life. Take time to touch the land. Care about others, nature & animals. Love your hometown.”
Someone also commented “ I hope my future boyfriend is someone who enjoys the outdoors.”
Look out for & join us at our next camp !
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