This year in the Eucalyptus classroom, we journeyed into the lovely scenery of Hakuba for our yearly trip, the Odyssey. We were met with a warm welcome by the Evergreen staff (our hosts), and we embarked on a five-day journey of bonding, self realisation, and, of course, fun. We rode the rapids, traversed the rural area, and mastered the compass. But don't take it from me, see for yourself what we middle schoolers have to say about it.
Trial by Fire!
My favourite moment of the Odyssey was definitely the river rafting. Sure, to the casual observer it was a simple river stroll, but to a keen eye, it was a show of glorious naval combat, trial by fire! We battled for supremacy across the waves! Until we came to dock, victorious until the last.
– Benjamim
What I thought was really fun about the Odyssey was the rafting. I liked jumping off the rock and rafting through the rapids.
– Mina
My favourite activity was the rafting. It was super fun. Would experience again, 10/10 experience.
– Mona
We built our own rafts
Some were better than others
Sadly, we got last.
– Francisco, haiku poet
A New Experience
I enjoyed rafting because I don't raft regularly in Tokyo or Japan and it was fun.
– Ian
My favourite activity was white river rafting on the second day. We played games, raced other rafts, and just had so much fun overall.
– Moka
Rafting was my favourite part of the Odyssey. I've never done rafting before and it was fun to learn.
– Alexander
I liked rafting because we played games on the boat and the group and guide were really nice.
– Nina
Splashing Fun
At the Odyssey, I enjoyed splashing water against each other while we were rafting. I also enjoyed playing volleyball together in our free time.
– Emilin
Odyssey this year was fun because we didn't have to work all the time and instead did really fun activities all day, like rafting and stand-up paddle boarding!
– Juno
Grateful for Our Hosts
Before I talk about my favourite activity, I'd like to thank Evergreen services for all the great experiences. Thank you. I loved rafting because of the different games we played on the raft and the thrill of jumping off that rock. I also enjoyed SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboard) especially because of the crystal clear water and the fun I had when my group and another connected our boards to play games.
As for raft making, while I wouldn't say it was the most fun, especially since our group came in last, but what stood out to me was the dedication of our team. All the other activities were great, but these were my favourite. Once again, thank you Evergreen!
– Kai
Roughing It in Perfect Weather
My favourite activity was rafting. It was very good, and I also liked the campfire. Hakuba’s weather was good, not too hot and not too cold. The toilets were bad. I don't know why people didn't complain about the toilets. I really disliked the toilets.
– Yoonji
It was fun because we got to swim in the river, mountain bike, and river raft. I also liked the end of day dinner, and campfire.
– Virgile
I liked mountain biking because I didn't get wet. I didn't want to get wet because I forgot my swimsuit.
– Patch
My favourite activity was the raft building. My group didn't think I was valuable enough to help row the raft, because of my “weak arms”, so they confined me to the cold water, swimming alongside the raft and pushing it slowly along. So, while they weren't looking, I swam over to the raft Benjamim and his group had created, and had a nice chat with them. Overall, pretty decent experience, 10/10!
– Archer
A Fulfilling Experience
The trip to Hakuba was really good, and I am happy. My favourite activity was rafting on the second day. Everyone on my boat was working really hard on paddling. When we jumped off that rock and into the water, I felt as if I were a fish. Kai did an amazing front flip into the water!
After that we swam a lot, and at the end of the day we were all tired, but happy. The onsen was a nice end to the day. The next day, we went to the lake to do Stand-Up Paddleboarding, and we played volleyball on the water! We also got to jump into the water a lot, and I think me and Moka did the best jumps overall. I loved the trip to Hakuba. It gave me a nice feeling that I had never felt before. I felt happier than ever.
– Junning
Odyssey Updates
Included below is a collection of all the updates and emails that were sent out on the Odyssey, in case you were wondering what days we got to do certain activities.
Day 1: Orienteering
So happy to let you know that we arrived safe and sound, and participated in an orienteering activity that involved using compasses to reach certain destinations around the local area. After that, we set up our tents, and helped the camp staff cook an amazing dinner for our group.
Day 2: Rafting
Archer here with the second Odyssey update of the week. This morning here in Hakuba, the weather was bleak, with grey clouds and showers of rain. But, as the day continued, the mood took a turn for the best (both metaphorically and in terms of weather). The class had fun rafting, with all of us splashing around in the water at times, and jumping off rocky outcroppings into the water.
Day 3: Paddle Boarding
Hello everyone! Yesterday’s activities were SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) and raft building. We grouped up into pairs and each group got a paddle board. Afterwards, we began raft building in groups of five or four, and brought to life four rafts of questionable stability, and began a competitive race down the lake and back.
Day 4: Mountain Biking
Today, the Eucalyptus class went on a wonderful mountain-bike ride throughout the area. At the end of the ride, we were all exhausted, but content nonetheless.
– Archer, Eucalyptus Communications Manager