With the cooperation of JA Kyosairen Ibaraki, we held a Stadium Camp at Mercari Stadium over two days from Saturday, July 18th to Sunday, July 19th.
Although we were forced to postpone the event due to an approaching typhoon, we were delighted to welcome 56 participants on the day.
For this event, which focused on the theme of "sustainability," we once again received tremendous support from JA Kyosairen Ibaraki. They provided locally grown organic vegetables and rice for our meals, and helped host activities such as "Vege-Check" (a vegetable intake measurement), a "Rice-Guessing Challenge," and the Finnish-born sport of Mölkky.
Furthermore, through activities like a barbecue featuring an abundance of Ibaraki-grown ingredients and sustainability-themed quizzes, the event became a fulfilling experience where participants could learn while having fun.
Presentation Ceremony
We were provided with fresh, locally grown organic vegetables. "Organic farming" is what invigorates the Earth; by growing food using the power of nature without chemical pesticides, we protect the soil and leave a rich ecosystem for the future. "Local production for local consumption" protects the air and our atmosphere; by eating locally harvested vegetables, we reduce the greenhouse gases (CO2) generated during transportation.
DAY 1: Saturday, 7/18
■ Opening Ceremony & Orientation
The weather was pleasant on the day, with a cool breeze making it comfortable for all the camp participants.
Since the event was held in July, Suntory Tennensui (natural mineral water) was distributed to all participants beforehand as a heatstroke prevention measure.
■ Tent Setup
Once again this year, families and friends worked together to set up their tents. Our staff provided full support, and everyone successfully finished the setup! Among the families who attend every year, some were seen finishing their preparations even faster than the staff could help, showing just how experienced they have become.
■ JA Kyosairen Activity: "Vege-Check"
The "Vege-Check" hosted with the cooperation of JA Kyosairen was a huge hit again this year. Whether they were concerned about their daily diet or health-conscious, participants looked at their results with serious eyes as they sought to check their vegetable intake levels.
■ JA Kyosairen Activity: "Rice-Guessing Challenge"
In the "Rice-Guessing Challenge," participants tried to scoop the exact target weight of rice. Since we had prepared luxurious prizes, many participants tried multiple times, making the event incredibly exciting.
■ JA Kyosairen Activity: "Mölkky"
We played the Finnish-born sport of Mölkky, which can be enjoyed by people of all ages. This time, we used a special rule where participants had to aim their throws at skittles featuring images of vegetables that Ibaraki Prefecture produces more of than anywhere else in Japan.
■ Sustainability Activity: "2-Choice Quiz"
Our sustainability activity, designed to help participants learn about the environment while having fun, was a huge success! We held a quiz competition where everyone challenged themselves alongside our mascot, Anton, and enjoyed a bingo game. It served as a valuable opportunity for everyone to learn about the importance of renewable energy and the eco-friendly initiatives taking place at Mercari Stadium with big smiles on their faces.
Antlers BINGO
■ Suzuki Herb Laboratory Workshop: "Find Your Own Scent!"
The "Original Sachet & Bath Salt Making" workshop, where participants could mix their favorite herbs, was extremely popular. As the venue filled with the gentle fragrance of natural herbs, it transformed into a relaxing healing space in an instant!
Adults and children alike were absorbed in finding their one-of-a-kind scent.
■ Our popular annual barbecue gets an upgrade!
The program featured homemade plum syrup and plum wine making, which adults also enjoyed, as well as a barbecue using organic vegetables and even trying our hand at cooking rice in mess kits using local rice. It was a valuable experience for learning about the difficulty and importance of cooking rice! After the meal, everyone worked together to sort their trash, spending a fun and sustainable night until the very end. We also had the pleasure of enjoying organic vegetables and Okukuji-shamo chicken, getting a taste of their incredible quality.
*Organic vegetables refer to agricultural produce that has been grown by building soil that draws out the inherent power of nature without relying on chemical pesticides or fertilizers, and which meets the strict "Organic JAS Standard" certification.
■ Sky Balloon
At night, we held the highly anticipated "Sky Balloon" event! While we were unable to do it last year due to bad weather, this year we were blessed with perfect conditions and calm winds, allowing us to carry it out successfully. We enjoyed a relaxing, special time while gazing at the dreamy lights gently rising into the stadium's night sky. Furthermore, just before the event, we were treated to a wonderful, spontaneous surprise: watching a local fireworks display from the stadium, making it an unforgettable night.
DAY 2: Sunday, 7/19
The second day was packed with exciting programs, including refreshing morning yoga, a soccer clinic led by academy coaches, and a tour of the behind-the-scenes areas of the stadium! Shikako also rushed over to cheer us on, instantly filling the venue with bright energy. The grand finale was the popular "All-You-Can-Stuff Vegetable" corner provided by JA Kyosairen Ibaraki! The event came to a close with everyone carrying home bags full of fresh organic vegetables and "off-spec" (imperfectly shaped) produce grown locally in Ibaraki, accompanied by radiant smiles.
■ Benefiting from the Earth's Bounty: "Utilizing Off-Spec Organic Vegetables"
Vegetables grown under the sun have their own unique personalities, and they come in various shapes and sizes, but their hidden nutrients and deep flavors are top-tier. Appreciating them as they are and bringing them to our dinner tables helps reduce food loss and protects precious food resources.
Organic vegetables are those grown through "organic farming" which invigorates the Earth; by growing them using the power of nature without chemical pesticides, we protect the soil and leave a rich ecosystem for the future.
■ Morning Yoga
We held a gentle, relaxation-focused yoga session while soaking in the calm morning sun. Feeling the pleasant breeze and the sense of openness unique to the stadium, participants looked refreshed in both mind and body as they stretched their bodies.
■ Soccer Clinic
Under the special guidance of Antlers academy coaches, the children fully experienced the charms of soccer in a way different from a regular match—such as the joy of chasing a ball and the pleasure of cooperating as a team. Getting direct advice from the coaches on the dream pitch made for a fantastic activity that left the children beaming with smiles!
■ Closing Ceremony, Stadium Tour, and All-You-Can-Stuff Vegetables
The stadium camp concluded with a stadium tour guided by our director! Participants were full of curiosity as they heard behind-the-scenes stories and history of the stadium that they wouldn't normally get to hear. Following this was the closing ceremony, which featured our exciting "All-You-Can-Stuff Vegetables" event. Watching families work together to pack their bags to the brim with fresh organic and off-spec vegetables provided by JA Kyosairen Ibaraki, the area was filled with smiles and excitement. Although this event was postponed due to the typhoon, it became a special, laid-back two days that was only possible because of the smaller group size. Thank you very much to everyone who participated.
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