Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? Please check this page first.
For procedures regarding cancellations and order changes, please refer to this page.
If you cannot find the information you are looking for, please contact Customer Support.
General Camp Questions
A. We offer 5-day camp programs during school summer vacations, winter holidays and spring holidays, for children in the 1st through 9th grades.
Please check sessions and programs available for your child at the launch of each camp.
Eligible grades are based on the Japanese school system.
A. Each camper may participate in up to two sessions per camp season. However, consecutive sessions are not allowed. (Example: Attending English Summer Camp Session 1 and Session 3 is possible.)
Since the activity content is the same, the second participation may feel less fresh. Therefore, even for non-consecutive sessions, the maximum is two sessions per season.
English Levels and Programs
Please view our program comparison on this page to guide your choice. If you still have questions about your child’s specific situation, please feel free to contact us.
If your child is comfortable conversing in only English at a basic level, 24/7, the Immersion Program is right for her. If this sounds too difficult, please choose either the Challenge or Challenge Plus Program.
A. Many returnee kids become “rusty” when they are not in an English environment all the time. However, as long as they are willing to try and speak only English, we recommend the Immersion Program. You may be surprised at the improvement at fluency after camp!
A. Please register for the Immersion Program. While reading and writing are important skills, our camps are not reading- and writing-intensive. If your child can basically converse in English, we’ll help him/her with any gaps they may have in their skills.
A. Please register for the Challenge Program.
Just being at camp, your child will get an ‘English shower’, don’t worry. But she will actually learn more English in the Challenge Program. Also, we do promise parents that the Immersion Program is an all-English environment. Please assist us by registering for the program that best fits your child’s current abilities.
Winter Holiday & Spring Holiday English Camps
A. Campers ski about 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon (4 hours total per day). On the first and last days, skiing is only in the half-day sessions (2 hours each). If the weather or visibility is poor, skiing may be shortened or replaced with other activities for safety.
A. Yes, absolutely. We provide careful instruction starting with how to put on ski boots. Every year many beginners and first-time skiers participate.
A. We will notify you by email one week before camp whether skiing will be possible. If there is little snow or if lifts stop due to strong winds, we will offer sledding, snowball fights, building igloos, etc. On rainy days, we enjoy indoor English games and crafts.
A. Each room has hangers and a hanger rack. Because ski gloves dry slowly and are easy to lose, please prepare two pairs. Thick items like ski boots are dried overnight in a designated drying room.
A. Comfortable clothing is recommended. For example, fleece or jersey tops, and long pants.
A. During meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), free time, and evening events, they wear regular clothes. For breakfast, children may come in pajamas and then change into ski wear afterwards.
A. Helmet rental is included in the tour price. Skis, boots, poles, and ski wear (jacket & pants) can be rented as optional items. You may also bring your own equipment.
A. Yes. Groups are organized by skill level. You’ll be asked to register your child’s ski level at the time of application, and groups may be adjusted during camp as children improve.
A. While some days may feel spring-like and warm, there is usually enough snow for skiing every year. We will notify you one week before the start of camp whether skiing is possible.
Camp Life
A. We do not allow campers to bring cell phones to camp. Outside of emergency situations we also do not allow campers to use camp phones to contact parents.
If they would like to take pictures during camp, we encourage them to bring a camera. We feel this is the best way for campers to focus on the activities they are participating in and get the full experience of camp without any distractions. Cell phones/smartphones will be confiscated.
A. Outside of emergencies, we do not allow parents to contact campers or staff during camp - we believe this distance from home plays an important part in fostering campers' independence and creating the magic of camp. During camp, our campsite staff is focused on ensuring the safety of your children and making camp an enjoyable place - so please understand that we may only respond to emergency inquiries.
- Please refrain from making non-emergency inquiries, for example: "How is my child doing? Is he/she having fun? My child doesn't look happy in this photo, are they ok?"
- You may not hear from us immediately if we consider the case non-urgent.
- If there were any incidents including serious injuries or illnesses, we will contact you immediately at your registered email address or phone number.
- We may also contact you to clarify any details about your child's medical or dietary needs.
Here is how best to contact us:
Weekday 10:00AM - 5:00PM (excepts Japanese Public Holidays)
English Adventure Customer Support
Email: info@english-adventure.org
Weekend, Public holidays, Outside of office hours (Weekday 5PM-10:00AM)
Campsite email address
campadmin@english-adventure.org
A. Yes, each group enjoys each meal in the cafeteria on the second floor of our accommodation. In summer, we sometimes eat lunch outside. Campers are welcome to have seconds if they’re still hungry. If your child has any food allergies, please be sure to include the details in the “Allergy” section of the camper information. We can provide special meals as needed.
A. Campers are able to fill their water bottle throughout our facility. Our facility water supply comes from fresh spring water that is delicious and refreshing to drink. They are free to drink during activity breaks and whenever they feel thirsty. Our facility water is fresh spring water and it's delicious!
A. Both kayaking and swimming take place on the lake, which is about a 5-minute walk from our accommodation. To ensure safety, all campers are required to wear life jackets at all times when near the water. Two trained waterfront staff will be monitoring the lake, with additional staff supporting the activities.
Children who cannot swim are absolutely welcome to join! Many campers experience kayaking or swimming for the first time through our program. The lake’s clear, spring-fed water is refreshing and beautiful—it's one of the most popular spots at camp year after year.
A. Yes, we notify parents of our emergency contact during camp, in the camp guidebook we send one month before camp. Please use that contact in emergencies, including when you need to pick up your child urgently at campsite.
A. We regret that we do not accept requests for participants to share rooms or groups.
We value the opportunity to meet new people, develop friendships and expand your child's scope at camp. At camp, we want your child to be exposed to people with different ideas and nationalities, to be exposed to different values, to learn the importance of caring for others, to develop a broad perspective and to develop a global sensibility in an environment away from their everyday life.
We also see many children attending alone, meeting new friends, making wonderful memories and returning home promising to see them again at the next camp. We hope you will send your child off to our camp with a warm welcome.
A. Basically yes, but activities are adjusted based on age and physical ability. The way they enjoy activities changes with age, so each child has a suitable experience. At English Summer Camp, there is a special night hike only for junior high school students.
A. We switch to indoor games or crafts if the weather is very bad.
At English Summer Camps, outdoor activities may continue in light rain with rain gear. Experiencing nature in the rain can also be a valuable memory.
Accommodation: Lodge
A. We offer showers only, not baths. In winter, the whole facility is heated, so the changing rooms and corridors are warm enough to keep everyone warm and cozy. If for some reason your child would like to take a shower alone, please enter its information in the Comments and Notes box of your camp registration or e-mail customer support.
A. All room assignments are based on gender, grade (age band), and English program, ranging from rooms that sleep six people to larger rooms that sleep around 21 people.
All rooms are equipped with bunk beds. If you have any special requests, such as sleeping on the bottom bunk, please enter the information in the Comments and Notes section of your camp registration.
Accommodation: Glamping Site (for Summer Camp only)
A. For the upcoming summer G5/6 will stay in our tents, we are planning to expand the site to accommodate more grades in the years to come.
A. Maximum 6 campers, in 3 bunk beds.
A. The new glamping site is located in a serene and peaceful open space surrounded by trees. Although it is only 200 meters away from the camp main lodge, it has an atmosphere of a little secret spot away from noise.
A.
They are Montbell's large tents, the frames are made of stainless steel and they very strong against all weather conditions. It comfortably houses 3 bunk beds and a living area, with an awning that gives nice shades. The inside dimensions are 420cm x 280cm, with a peak height of 250cm.
A. Yes, there will be electricity and residents can use it for fans and lights. Campers will use toilets in the building right by the glamping camp site (30m away), and showers in the main lodge.
A. Our director team constantly monitors the weather. In the event of a severe weather event, we will pull campers into one of our auxiliary buildings until it passes. We will continue to monitor and check the campsite for any potential damage.
A. Yes, 4 team leaders and 1 residential manager will also live at the glamping site.
A. Wild animals are a part of life in Niigata. However, we have set up motion sensor lights, along with other preventative measures to ensure that wild animals do not enter the campsite.
During staff training, we host a segment on bear and wild animal safety. Our staff are taught what to do in the extremely unlikely event of an encounter.
A. Our staff are always nearby and reachable, ready to help anytime they are needed, just like for campers in the main lodge.
Camp Preparation
A. We will send you a Camp Guidebook to your registered e-mail address about one month before camp, which contains detailed information on what to bring and other information for camp.
A. Campers do not need to bring money. We will supply everything they need during camp. Please do not send any money with your children.
Health and Safety
A. Yes, please let us know on the registration form. At the check-in point, we will collect your child’s medication, and ensure that he/she takes it as directed. If medicines or creams require refrigeration, we can arrange this.
If your child can manage his/her own medication, that is also fine.
A. We will do our best and can almost always accommodate your child’s needs. Please don’t forget to let us know at the time you register, so we can consult with you and make any advance preparation needed.
A. Panorama GK, the organizer of English Adventure camps, contracts with Ryoko Jigyosha Kyosaikai and purchases a domestic travel mutual-aid insurance for every camper residing in or out of Japan.
This insurance policy covers campers from check-in until check-out and includes special compensation for hospital visits and stays, as well as special indemnities as promised in Panorama's General Conditions of Travel Agency Business.
Coverage:
- Indemnity for death: 15 million yen
- Indemnity for residual disability: Max. 15 million yen
- Solatium for hospitalization: Max. 200,000 yen
- Solatium for hospital visits: Max. 50,000 yen
- Special compensation for hospitalization: 4,000 yen/day
- Special compensation for hospital visits: 2,500 yen/day
- Special compensation for operation: Max. 160,000 yen
- Indemnity for damage to personal belongings: Max. 147,000 yen
- Personal liability compensation: Max. 20 million yen
Also Panorama buys recreation liability insurance, lodging liability insurance and ski resort liability insurance for maximum customer protection.
A. For anything beyond a minor issue, we will contact you as quickly as possible. In the case of mild injury or illness, we will provide appropriate care on site and continue to carefully monitor your child’s condition. In the event that medical attention is required, we will take your child to the nearest appropriate facility, and of course will communicate closely with you.
If your child cannot continue to participate in camp, or poses an infection risk to others, we may ask you to pick him/her up from camp.
All English Adventure staff are trained for First-Aid and CPR, and our camp directors have advanced First Aid certificates. (Please visit Wilderness Medical Associate website for more details about Wilderness Advanced First Aid.)
A. No. Over many years and many hundreds of campers, we have had zero serious incidents. Our staff are trained in risk management and take this matter very seriously.
Of course, because we are running, playing, and exploring the outdoors, we do encounter plenty of scraped knees, bumps, and so on. To us, this means that kids are playing hard, testing their limits, and ultimately learning for themselves how to be safe—critical elements of healthy development. But when your child needs care, our Team Leaders are all trained in first aid, and will take care of your child just as you would.
A. If you are concerned about bedwetting, please fill in the camper information on your account and bring diapers if needed. Please note that staff need to be well rested for an enjoyable camp experience. Therefore, we are unable to provide assistance such as waking up campers in the middle of the night to bring them to the bathroom.
Account Management, Order Cancellations and Changes
A. After logging in to our website, click on “Camp Points” in the upper menu. On the following page, you’ll find details on how to use the system.
When a referred person registers for camp using the Camp Points system for the first time, they will receive a discount of 3,000 points (worth 3,000 yen) per camper. The person making the referral will then earn 3,000 points per camper for each friend who registers. These points can be used for discounts on their future camp applications. There is no limit to the number of people you can refer.
A. Please check your email settings, especially if you have registered your mobile phone address and make sure you can receive emails from "@english-adventure.org”.
We sometimes hear from parents who have not received e-mails we’ve sent. Most of the time this can be resolved by changing your e-mail settings. In particular, those who are using the e-mail service provided by their mobile phone company will need to check their settings to make sure our e-mails will not be blocked. Those using Gmail also sometimes have problems, as our e-mails get grouped under the “Promotions” tab. Please check there if you are not receiving our messages.
A. Please see this page for the procedures.
A. Please go to the following page, enter your registered email address, and click “Send password reset link.” You can log in using the temporary password in the email you receive.
https://app.english-adventure.org/password/reset
A. At the time of registration, phone number, address, and guardian's name can be changed after logging in under “Basic Information.”
For other times, or for changing the email address, please contact Customer Support.
A. Yes. From the top page, click “Camp Application” → “Camper Information” → “+ Add Camper,” and enter/save the required information.
A. Payment is by credit card only. Cards without two-step authentication may cause errors, so please use a compatible card.
If you cancel, refunds will be made to your credit card within 10 business days.
A. Yes, you can make changes or cancellations yourself at the following page. Please note that we cannot make changes or cancellations on your behalf.
https://www.english-adventure.org/procedures/
A. Yes. If siblings register for a camp at the same time, a discount of ¥2,500 per child is automatically applied.