A First Challenge for Everyone! Tree Climbing Activity
Children's Disaster Prevention Association: What's this camp about...?
This time, we are being hosted by the "National Hanayama Youth Outdoor Learning Center" in Kurihara City, Miyagi Prefecture.
It is a nature-surrounded, two-story facility located a little ways past the Roadside Station Hanayama.
On the morning of the second day, after everyone wakes up, we make our beds and get ready.
After breakfast, we gather in the play hall. In this large hall, which is like a gymnasium, we did some "English Game Dancing Exercises" as a morning workout.
We played English games mixed with dancing together with volunteers who came from various countries.
Since it was the second day, the children were already comfortable with each other, but playing these games together made it even more exciting. They became great friends.
We've finished our warm-up exercises, so our bodies are nice and warm. Now we're off to do today's main event: "Tree Climbing."
Trying Tree Climbing at Disaster Prevention Camp!
Tree climbing is climbing trees using ropes. It's a popular activity right now that both children and adults can enjoy.
Climbing a tree sounds difficult because it's slippery and requires strength. But when you use ropes, it's surprisingly easy.
So, first, we need to learn rope work. Those who go camping might know that there are many ways to tie ropes.
Setting up tents and tarps, or getting hammocks ready. This rope work is a necessary skill for survival. If you learn rope work techniques, they will definitely come in handy during a disaster.
Learning various rope knots at Disaster Prevention Camp
For example, the "bowline knot".
It's a knot used to tie canoes and boats to the shore, but it can also be used in disasters when tying a rope to a bucket to draw water from a river, or when tying a dog to a tree.
Then there's the "taut-line hitch." A convenient knot for when you want to change the length of a rope midway.
"Figure-eight loop" is a knot for making a loop in a rope, so it's useful when you want to hook it onto something.
Besides those, we also learned the "clove hitch" and "timber hitch."
As we entered the mountain with the volunteers, we could see trees with many ropes hanging from them.
Actually, the staff members had been working hard to prepare them!^^*
It's time to try tree climbing here.
Finally, it's time for tree climbing!
After receiving explanations on how to place our feet, how to use the ropes, and how to put on the harnesses, we took on the challenge with their careful guidance.
"Hmm, I wonder if I can do it..."
"It looks a bit difficult..."
The children said things like that with tense faces, but once they started, they were surprised to see themselves going up little by little!
"I feel like I'm actually climbing!"
"You're doing great! Keep it up!"
Being praised by the volunteers gave them a burst of energy.
Feeling the warmth of the tree, we moved little by little toward where the sunlight filtered through the leaves.
As we got higher up in the tree, a refreshing breeze blew in.
It was a bit chilly on the mountain, but our bodies were warm and it was so much fun!
"How's the view from up in the tree?"
"It's so beautiful! It feels great!"
We had a wonderful time.
Rope work is useful in many situations, so if you remember it, it will surely be helpful in a disaster.
I hope that what we tried together today will remain in everyone's memories along with the fun times we had.