A tremendous amount of research has been devoted to understanding reticence in the EFL classroom. This presentation will highlight some of the major factors in the traditional Japanese education system that inhibit students from being more active in the English-language classroom. Following this, the presenters will outline the development and implementation of a two-day English camp that has proven to be very successful in preparing university students to become more active learners. Through group activities, including sports and cultural experiences, this camp has shown to help students understand the importance of cooperation and promote the development of empathy towards people from other cultures while at the same time greatly reduce anxiety.