Going Beyond the Classroom
This program is perfect for campers who are intermediate English speakers or who have studied English extensively, but aren’t yet ready for a 100% immersive English environment. Our Challenge Plus program is a big step up from our basic Challenge program. English learners often struggle taking the English they’ve learned in the classroom out into the real world. Essential to taking that step is practicing with fluent speakers. Camp is a perfect place for campers to build English confidence by using words and phrases that they’ve learned in the classroom in everyday situations.
Camp life without relying on Japanese
In the Challenge Plus program, campers are encouraged to use as much English as possible throughout the day. Staff speak almost entirely in English to Challenge Plus campers, and Team leaders speak only English with campers. If Japanese is needed, we have support staff to help with Japanese support. Japanese support from staff will be limited to translation, emergency/dangerous situations, and socio-emotional support.
However, we do not entirely forbid Challenge Plus campers from using Japanese. We believe one of the most important aspects of camp is the relationships built between campers, and most Challenge Plus campers aren’t ready to make friends using only English.
New: The Challenge Plus Self Assessment Video.
Choosing the correct English level is critical for your child’s camp experience. Too easy, and they may be bored and unchallenged. Too hard, and they risk having an unsafe and discouraging camp. Challenge Plus is just right for campers who are already comfortable with communicating in English, but who are not yet at the near-native level required for our 100% English-only Immersion Program. To help you make the right choice, we have created the Challenge Plus Self Assessment Video. Please watch the video below with your child, and see if the Challenge Plus Program is right for your camper.
Or please click here to watch the video.
For help determining what program suits your camper’s English level click here.
Campsite
Come enjoy summer at our private campsite, located in the beautiful mountains of Niigata Prefecture, near the small town of Tsunan Machi.
Our little corner of the Japanese Alps is a perfect example of the variability of the seasons. In the winter, Tsunan is known for being one of the snowiest places in Japan, but in the summer the weather is simply stunning. Blissfully warm but not as hot as Kanto or Kansai, summers in Tsunan are magical. Our campsite is blessed with forests, clear skies, and a warm, swimmable lake. And at night, away from the light pollution of the big city, the night stars are uncountable and clear.
For more information about the campsite, please visit this page.
Camp Activities*
From Swimming to Bouldering, Kayaking to Crafts, Activity Leaders are in charge of camp activities! Selected due their specific expertise, Activity Leaders make each camp activity unique and special!
◆Water play
◆Kayaking (G3 to G9)
◆Bouldering
◆Slackline & low rope course
◆Nature inquiry (G1 to G2)
◆Overnight hike for G7 to G9
◆Field games (All grades)
◆Crafts (All grades)
◆Gaga and 9 square (All grades)
◆Camp games (All grades)
◆Camp fire and marshmallow roasting (All grades)
◆Stargazing (All grades)
◆Tie Dye (All grades)
◆English games (Challenge and Challenge Plus programs only)
*Activities subject to change due to weather, disease prevention measures and other factors.
Program Details
| Schedule |
Challenge Plus Session 1 Grades: 1-2 7/20 – 7/24 Challenge Plus Session 2 Grades: 3-4 7/24 – 7/28 Challenge Plus Session 3 Grades: 5-6 7/28 – 8/1 Challenge Plus Session 4 Grades: 7-9 8/1 – 8/5 Challenge Plus Session 5 Grades: 1-2 8/5 – 8/9 Challenge Plus Session 6 Grades: 3-4 8/9 – 8/13 Challenge Plus Session 7 Grades: 5-6 8/13 – 8/17 Challenge Plus Session 8 Grades: 1-2 8/17 – 8/21 View all sessions' availability and pricing |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Mountain Park Tsunan Tsunan, Niigata |
| Meeting Point and Time | Tokyo: Tokyo Station 7:00 - 7:45am (Tentative) Nagoya: JR Nagoya station 7:30 - 8:30am (Tentative) Shin-Osaka: JR Shin-Osaka station 7:15 - 8:00am (Tentative) Campsite Drop off: 11:00 - 11:30am (Tentative) *Details will be emailed 2 weeks before camp |
| Return Point and Time | Tokyo: Tokyo Station (Tentative) 17:30 - 18:15 Nagoya: JR Nagoya station 18:15 - 18:30 (Tentative) Shin-Osaka: JR Shin-Osaka station 19:25 -19:45(Tentative) Campsite Pick-up: 13:00 - 13:30pm (Tentative) *Details will be emailed 2 weeks before camp |
| Transportation | Tokyo: JR Tokyo Station – JR Echigo-Yuzawa Station (Joetsu Shinkansen Toki or Tanigawa), JR Echigo-Yuzawa Station – Mountain Park Tsunan (chartered bus), all return-trip Nagoya (optional fees will apply): JR Nagoya Station – JR Nagano Station (Limited Express Shinano), JR Nagano Station – JR Iiyama Station (Hokuriku Shinkansen Hakutaka), JR Iiyama Station - Mountain Park Tsunan (chartered bus), all return-trip Shin-Osaka (optional fees will apply): JR Shin-Osaka Station – JR Tsuruga Station (Limited Express Thunderbird), JR Tsuruga Station – JR Iiyama Station (Hokuriku Shinkansen Hakutaka), JR Iiyama Station - Mountain Park Tsunan (chartered bus), all return-trip * Travel routes and means of transport are subject to change, due to seat availability and other factors. * Details will be emailed 2 weeks before camp. |
| Open To | Elementary 1st through 9th grade |
| Price | From ¥114,700 View pricing details |
| Included in Program | All-inclusive: Round-trip bullet train and chartered bus from Tokyo (Nagoya and Osaka options are available), lodging, meals, activity fees, travel insurance, handling fee (5,000 yen per camper per session, non-refundable) and applicable consumption tax. |
| Options | Nagoya Meetup and Dispersal ¥15,000 Osaka Meetup and Dispersal ¥30,000 Campsite Drop-off and Pick-up (Round Trip) ¥-6,000 |
| Meals | (3-night 4-day camps) 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners (4-night 5-day camps) 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners (8-night 9-day camps) 8 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 8 dinners (12-night 13-day camps) 12 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 12 dinners |
| Bus Company | Uonuma Chuo Transport Co., Ltd., Nagano Kotsu Co., Ltd., or a bus company with equivalent services |
| Tour Conductor | This tour will not be accompanied by a tour conductor. Panorama GK staff will accompany the tour from check-in to check-out. |
| Mimumum Number of Participants |
(4-night 5-day and 3-night 4-day camps) 90 per session and 4 per grade (2 per gender group) (8-night 9-day camps) 4 per grade (2 per gender group) *Maximum participants: 16 (12-night 13-day camps) 4 per grade (2 per gender group) *Maximum participants: 16 |
| Payment Details | By credit card. A confirmation email will be sent once your payment is confirmed. It will take up to 5 days.
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| Regarding Cancellations | Camp sessions are filled in the order we receive payment in full for registered campers.
Camp cancellation fees: Cancellation 20 to 8 days prior to camp start date: 20% charge Cancellation 7 to 2 days prior to camp start date: 30% charge Cancellation 1 day prior to camp start date: 40% charge Cancellation on the camp start date before check-in time: 50% charge Cancellation without notice or after camp check-in time: 100% charge Cancellations will be processed within 10 business days. The actual timing of refund to your credit card depends on your credit card company's policy. Also, a handling fee of 5,000 yen per camper per session and Mirai no Mori donations will not be refundable. To cancel your camp registration, please send us a request via the link below. We will confirm your cancellation by email. Camp Cancellation Request Form |
| Organizer | Panorama GK Registered Travel Agent Ko 1745-1, Kamigo Ueda, Oaza, Tsunan Nakauonuma-gun, Niigata (License No. 2-430 approved by the Governor of Niigata) Full Member of All Nippon Travel Agents Association |
