今年で2年目となる関西国際学園中高等部のサバイバルキャンプ。今年は定員を大きく上回る応募があり、抽選で選ばれた生徒たちが徳島県神山町で2泊3日の挑戦に臨みました。
川辺で生き物を観察しながらの昼食から始まり、夕食のために罠にかかった猪を締め、さばき、調理する過程を見学。「命をいただくこと」の意味を学び、食への感謝を深めました。自分たちでテントを設営し、汗を流した後は透き通る清流へ飛び込むという、自然の中ならではの体験も楽しみました。
2日目は沢登りとシャワークライミングに挑戦。いくつもの滝を越え、神山町を代表する「雨乞いの滝」を目指しました。最後は岩壁を鎖と自分の力だけで登り切り、その先に広がる絶景を全員で見ることができました。
夜には花火を楽しみ、満天の星空と田んぼを舞う蛍を眺めながら、都会では決して味わえない静かな時間を過ごしました。
最終日は慈眼寺で「穴修行」に挑戦。ろうそくの明かりだけを頼りに暗い洞窟を進む厳しい修行でしたが、誰一人諦めることなく全員が最後までやり遂げました。
この3日間で生徒たちは、限られた環境の中で考え、行動し、助け合いながら生活することで、レジリエンス、協働力、自律性、そして「自分ならできる」という自己効力感を育みました。
世界の多くの学校でも、アウトドア教育は人間性や社会性を育む重要な教育として位置づけられています。関西国際学園では、こうした実体験を通して、国際社会で活躍するために必要な力を育む教育をこれからも大切にしていきます。
This year marked the second annual Survival Camp for Kansai International Academy’s Secondary School. With applications far exceeding the available places, students were selected through a lottery and spent three unforgettable days immersed in the rich natural environment of Kamiyama, Tokushima Prefecture.
The adventure began with lunch by a crystal-clear river, where students observed local wildlife before taking part in a powerful learning experience. They witnessed the entire process of preparing wild boar caught in a trap—from dispatching and butchering to cooking—and gained a deeper appreciation for the meaning of receiving life and developing gratitude for the food we eat. Students then chose their own campsite, set up tents, and cooled off with a refreshing swim in the pristine river after a hard day’s work.
On the second day, students challenged themselves with river trekking and shower climbing. After making their way upstream past a series of waterfalls, they reached Kamiyama’s famous Amagoi Falls. Their final challenge was climbing a rock face beside the waterfall using only the natural rock surface, iron chains, and their own strength. The reward was the sight of a breathtaking pool hidden beyond the climb, accessible only to those who reached the top.
That evening, students enjoyed fireworks before spending time under a sky filled with stars, watching fireflies dance above the rice fields. It was a peaceful and unforgettable experience far removed from the noise and lights of the city.
On the final day, students took part in the traditional Ana Shugyō (Cave Training) at Jigenji Temple. Holding only a single candle, they made their way through a dark cave in silence. Although the experience proved far more demanding than many had expected, every student persevered and completed the challenge.
Throughout the three-day camp, students learned to solve problems with limited resources, adapt to unfamiliar situations, and support one another while living together in small groups. In doing so, they developed resilience, collaborative skills, independence, leadership, and, perhaps most importantly, the confidence that comes from discovering, “I can do this.”
Outdoor education is recognized by schools around the world as a powerful way to develop character, resilience, and essential life skills. At Kansai International Academy, our Survival Camp is one of the many authentic learning experiences that prepare students not only for academic success, but also to thrive as capable, compassionate, and resilient global citizens.
