School of Fun for Children in Fukushima

Please find a Japanese version of this report here.

In recent years, high school sub-leaders have begun playing an important role in Academy Camp’s learning community. This past year, nine high school students joined the program as sub-leaders, including five from the Tohoku region. Many of them first participated in Academy Camp as children. Now, they are returning to the camp in a new role—learning alongside younger participants while also helping support the collaborative learning environment.

Traditionally, university students served as leaders who guided discussions and supported younger participants. Recently, we have experimented with a new approach: high school students experience parts of that role as part of the camp program itself. They join team activities on topics such as AI, robotics, and future communities, while also encouraging discussion, helping teams connect ideas, and supporting younger children when they need guidance.

For example, one high school girl who has been attending Academy Camp since elementary school often says that she will “never miss a camp.” At last month’s camp, she designed and led a sub-leader activity based on a creative variation of the game Fruit Basket, bringing everyone together in laughter while helping participants interact across teams.

Importantly, these students are not simply “leaders.” They are still participants themselves, exploring ideas, experimenting, and learning together with everyone else. The sub-leader experience allows them to gradually develop leadership through practice—by participating, supporting others, and reflecting on their role in the community.

This cycle—where former participants return and begin supporting the next generation—is one of the most meaningful aspects of Academy Camp. Through these experiences, young people build friendships, curiosity, and confidence in imagining the future together. Today’s participants grow into tomorrow’s mentors.

Donations help us continue creating opportunities where young participants can grow into the next generation of mentors and leaders, supporting children from Fukushima and across Japan as they explore technology, creativity, and the future together.

PLEASE SUPPORT US THROUGH LITTLE BY LITTLE

This year’s GlobalGiving Little by Little campaign begins at 10:00 a.m. EDT on March 17, 2026, and ends when the matching funds run out or at 10:00 p.m. EDT on March 20, 2026, whichever comes first. GlobalGiving has prepared $125,000 USD in matching funds for this campaign, and donations of up to $50 USD per donor to each organization will be matched at 50%. We would be deeply grateful for your support for Academy Camp for the children of Fukushima and for children across Japan during this opportunity.

Links:

• Academy Camp Facebook page in English