Empowering Youth in Care Homes Through Nature

Dear Mirai no Mori Supporters,

After wrapping up our biggest Summer Camp in 2024, we continued to expand our programs through the fall and winter, ensuring that the children we support had consistent opportunities for growth, adventure, and connection:

• In November, our forestry experience weekend program gave campers the chance to immerse themselves in nature, learning about forest ecosystems and teamwork.
• In December, we closed out the year with Christmas programs and care home visits, filling the holiday season with warmth, joy, and a sense of belonging.

We kick off 2025 with our Snow Programs in January and February, where children enjoy winter adventures in Niigata, a prefecture north of Tokyo. Activities include sledding, snowball fights, snow cave building, and climbing. A special highlight of Snow Program is our night hike, where campers experience the stillness and beauty of a winter night under the stars.

Session 1 in January was particularly inspiring, with 90% of participants being returners, demonstrating how much they’ve grown by applying what they’ve learned in previous programs. In February, we will hold two more full weekend sessions, each welcoming around 40 children for a weekend of new challenges and self-discovery.

Looking ahead, we are excited to have more and more camper participation from the care homes we collaborate with, maximizing our impact in 2025.

Your continued support allows us to provide transformative outdoor experiences and a safe environment for the children we support to build resilience, confidence, and problem-solving skills.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being a part of our mission!

We’re excited to update you on the progress we’ve made in our Back to Nature programs this year, thanks to your generous support.

Rafting Program – September 2024
After a successful summer camp with 100 campers in August, we jumped right into the next Back to Nature adventure in September with a Rafting program. Our teams communicated through the waves of the powerful river, enjoyed the cool, fresh water on a hot day, and showed courage by jumping from rocks into the river. It was a thrilling experience that connected our campers to nature while fostering teamwork and resilience.

Dairy Farm Visit & Hiking Day – October 2024
October marked the start of our fall Back to Nature programs. One highlight was a visit to a dairy farm, where we learned how milk and other dairy products make their way to our dinner tables. It was a valuable lesson in respecting and caring for animals, while also appreciating the hard work that goes into producing the delicious products we often take for granted. We also had a day of hiking, where 70 participants—including children, program staff, and sponsor volunteers—conquered a 4km trail together. The sense of accomplishment was palpable as the group reached the summit, followed by some well-deserved free time, where many of us enjoyed river play—perhaps for the last time before the cold sets in.

Building Growth and Resilience
As we continue through the fall, we’ve been thrilled to welcome many new faces, along with many campers who have returned to experience the continuity of our programs. Through the diversity of activities offered in our Back to Nature programs, these children are learning new skills, building a growth mindset, and being inspired by the natural world around them.

Your support makes this all possible, and we are incredibly grateful. Thank you for helping us create life-changing outdoor experiences for children in Japan!