Reflections from Autumn Camp 2025
By Michael Lyons, Outdoor Experience and Learning Lead
The tents are almost dry, and the OEL storeroom is ready to supply the next adventure: winter camp. This autumn camp was our largest yet, with the most students and groups, and trips reaching across Nagano and Gifu, with a small reach into Niigata. Each grade level’s trip is centered around a simple intention, whether it’s an introduction to journeying, pushing to new heights, or beginning to make choices about where and how they travel. Underlying all of these intentions, however, the purpose remains the same: to help students explore themselves and each other. We simply try to do it in beautiful places.
One of the things I love most about outdoor trips is how the stories continue to evolve afterward. Whether it’s the growing exaggeration of distances walked or the weight of packs carried, what fascinates me most is how students’ memories of the experience change over time. What you hear immediately after a trip reflects the raw emotions of the moment. But as time passes, the aches and discomforts fade, replaced by shared stories and laughter. A conversation right after a trip versus one a few weeks later often feels like two entirely different adventures. I highly recommend trying it.
Grade 7 and 8: Developing Skills - Shio no Michi
The grade 7 and 8 students began and continued their journey along the Shio no Michi (Salt Road). For some, it was the second stage of a journey that began last year; for others, it was their first step into the world of OEL and the Shio no Michi. This was also the first year I was not leading the trip, and I felt a little sadness at missing something that has been such a regular part of my autumn for the past four years—but enough about me.
The trip hit a hiccup before they even left Miyama when the trains were cancelled. Fortunately, our great staff stepped in, and vehicles were quickly rallied to drive the students to the starting point. From there, they set off into the high hills, following roads, tracks, and trails as they wandered north toward the coast. The trip offered all the hallmarks of Japan in autumn: changing colours, crisp air, and the occasional rain shower.
Grade 9: Expanding Limits - Hakuba Oike and Renge Onsen
For most students, this trip marked their first time going above the tree line—reaching 2,400 meters. This brings its own challenges: steeper climbs, exposure to colder weather, and changing conditions. The weather was not entirely cooperative this year, so the students did not get to stay at Hakuba Oike for more than one night. Still, extra time at an onsen is not a bad consolation prize.
One comment from a student made me reflect on how much they have grown from these trips:
“Michael, it was great to have a different leader, with different viewpoints. It helped me to think about these trips and the mountains differently.”
It’s those different perspectives and experiences that make these journeys such a rich opportunity for learning.
Grade 10: Exploring the Journey So Far - Hotaka Valley
This trip marked several firsts, the biggest being our first truly single-gender trip at HIS. (We did have one in the first year, but that included one honorary girl—me.) Several of the girls reflected that they were able to connect and bond in ways they hadn’t before. I’ll let them share their experience in their own words:
"My experience on the 10th grade autumn camp was interesting, I was put in a leadership role for the first time which was challenging but an invited quest. I learned more about my capabilities as an individual, like facing the challenge of going to the bathroom in the dark, or figuring out how to manage my oily hair because I couldn't shower for 5 days. However, I was also able to expand my abilities to work as a team, becoming a LOT closer with the 10th grade girls, as we all struggled with hiking vertically and bonded over the uncomfortable feeling of our slightly damp clothes. We were also all able to find joy in nature, when our group's exhaustion and morale ran low getting to the top of the peak on day 4. Seeing our camp for the last two nights from a microscopic view, brought us all a sense of relief and joy. We felt a big sense of accomplishment when we all got to the top and we truly saw all the progress we made."
— Lizzie Gifford, G10
The boys had a different but equally meaningful experience, spending time together and engaging with leaders who offered a variety of perspectives on what it means to be a young man.
Single-gender trips can be a powerful way for students to explore their own identities. But it’s through a range of experiences and the chance to compare and contrast them that we can truly appreciate what we gain and lose from each choice. Hopefully, this week gave them plenty to reflect on.
Grade 11: Challenges by Choice - A River Journey
By grade 11, most students have a wealth of experience in a variety of outdoor activities. The challenge at this stage is to encourage them to use those skills and experiences to make informed choices for both autumn camp and the end-of-year camp. It’s also the point where staff move from leading at the front to taking on more of a background and safety role. The question becomes: how will the students rise to the challenge?
Our trip was a five-day, all-weather river journey that revealed the planning, logistics, and teamwork required to paddle from point A to B—and then get everyone back to school from B. By being involved in every part of the process, students began to understand what it takes to plan and execute their own trips. With greater freedom comes greater responsibility. We faced challenges and moments of tension, but also many examples of leadership, reflection, and growth. We discussed how individuals can contribute positively, remain neutral, or even detract from a group’s dynamic, all within a single day. We saw students shine, reflect, and continue discovering who they are and who they want to become. That journey will continue in the years to come, and OEL will continue to support them long after they’ve left school.
Here are a few reflections from the students:
"I feel grateful for the recent river trip, which was a wonderful opportunity to bond with my peers after only joining the school a week prior. The experience was instrumental in developing both my teamwork and leadership abilities, and it highlighted that effective collaboration requires deliberate effort. To foster a truly democratic team environment, I learned that it is essential to be attentive to everyone's feelings and perspectives, ensuring a supportive and inclusive dynamic where each voice is valued."
— Christine Lui, G11
"The 11th grade autumn camp was an unforgettable experience. From getting drenched in heavy rain and being stranded on the riverbank to relaxing at the onsen, every moment was memorable. Canoeing came with a few challenges, but my partner and I didn’t let them stop us. We powered through and had a blast riding the rapids as we canoed! On top of that, I got the chance to talk to more people in my grade, which helped me make new connections and feel closer to everyone. Overall, it was fun, chaotic, a bit tiring but definitely an experience I’ll never forget."
— Isha Perumana, G11
