Aloha Meets Snow: Hawaii Students’ Winter Experience
The trip began on January 18 with flight HA 863, landing in Haneda on January 19. Immigration and customs went smoothly thanks to the QR codes on the phones. After a long flight, the group collected their luggage and headed to the bus area to transport to the Domestic Terminal. Check-in at the JAL counter was quick, and the students successfully checked in their carry-ons. Upon arriving in Chitose, Tanaka-sensei and Nomura Kocho-sensei greeted the group and escorted them to the bus, where they enjoyed a bento lunch on the way to the hotel.
For lunch, the group visited Chuo Oroshiuri Shijo and enjoyed seafood at Kitano Gurumetei, followed by some time exploring the nearby shops. Afterward, they headed to Hokkaido Jingu, where many students purchased amulets and tried their luck with the omikuji. They then took a stroll through Maruyama Park, where the students had fun throwing snowballs at each other. The group split into three smaller groups based on their interests before gathering for dinner at a Gengiskan restaurant. Afterward, they returned to the hotel to rest after a full day of activities.
On the third day of the Hokkaido Snow Camp, the group joined twenty other high school students from across Japan at the Hotel Lifort Sapporo for the Environmental Summit. The event featured engaging lectures from experts, including Dr. Honda, who delivered a detailed presentation on the Ocean and its environmental challenges. The talks, paired with workshops on environmental issues, provided a deeper understanding of the urgent need for change. The students were then tasked with creating proposals to promote positive environmental action for the Ocean. After the summit, they were interviewed as they exited the conference hall, sharing their reflections on the day’s discussions and insights.
On the first day of snowboarding, the students from Clark Memorial High School and Hawaii traveled to the Sapporo Teine Ski Resort for a day of learning. Experienced instructors guided them through the basics of snowboarding, focusing on techniques to help the students find their balance and get comfortable on their boards. After a productive morning, the group took a break and enjoyed lunch at the resort’s restaurant, where they could choose from a variety of meals. The rest of the day was spent refining their skills as they practiced maneuvering on the slopes.
By the second day of snowboarding, the students had gained enough confidence to ride down an actual hill. With a new set of instructors, they were given the opportunity to take a lift up to a different course. There, they tested their improved skills, navigating the slopes with much more ease. After a day of progress, everyone—students and teachers alike—enjoyed the popular dish, Katsu Curry, at the resort’s restaurant, making for a delicious and satisfying end to a productive day on the slopes.
The final day began with the group leaving their luggage in the lobby before enjoying breakfast and taking photos of the fresh snow. At Clark International School, the students created a collage using printed photos, followed by speeches. Afterward, they traveled to Chitose Airport, where they had time to shop and eat. Despite a flight delay on their return, the group managed to board a later Hawaiian Airlines flight and arrived back in Honolulu, where they were greeted by loved ones. The trip concluded with the students reflecting on their experiences, having gained valuable knowledge, made lasting memories, and formed deeper connections with peers from both Hawaii and Japan.
