Empowering Youth in Care Homes Through Nature

In August, we were able to hold shorter overnight summer camps for 2 care homes that requested them. This summer reaffirmed the impact of the longer overnight programs through wholesome learning opportunities Mirai no Mori creates in nature.

“I learned to respect nature, English, the ability to get along with others, and how to interact with friends at Mirai no Mori. If I can come back to Mirai no Mori again, I want to learn many things with everyone! I love the people of Mirai no Mori who support me in happy times and sad times. I am glad that they always welcome me with a smile. I enjoyed every single day of my four days at Mirai no Mori very, very much.” by a camper

“I was a kitchen leader at the summer camp, and I was very happy to be able to communicate with the kitchen staff in both English and Japanese. I felt a sense of accomplishment when I was able to work together in Session 2 to do things I could not do well in Session 1. Many campers came to help me in the kitchen and we prepared food together. It was nice to hear people saying, “This is good, I want another one!”” by a LIT

“I really enjoyed talking with the various staff members and the LIT high school students. Above all, I realized how important it is to participate not as a “staff member” but as a “big camper,” and that if I truly enjoy myself, the children will enjoy themselves even more.” by a care worker

We would like to thank once again all of you who were so flexible in dealing with the repeated changes and helped to bring the camp to a successful conclusion.

Links:

• Summer Camp 2022 Blog

            April is a month full of new beginnings for the children, such as new school, new grade, or new independent life. For Mirai no Mori, it was a month of reuniting with repeaters and meeting and welcoming new children to our programs.
            Following the lifting of the COVID-19 measures at the end of March, we were finally able to host the "Snow Program" in Niigata, which was postponed many times. We also hosted the "Game Day Program" in Mitake under the warm spring sun. Sledding and snowball fights in spring snow were memorable experiences, but lunches by the riverbanks, climbing trees, and just casual conversations with the staff were also valuable and memorable experiences for many children, especially when there are still so many restrictions in their daily lives.
            In this year's LIT program, eight high school students, including three first-year students, are planning to join us. We are so grateful to be able to provide such a unique learning experience to those who would benefit the most.
            We also welcomed three new members to our Graduate Program this April, and we hosted our first outdoor event this year. Four members joined the event, including one with a full-time job, two university students, and one in-between job. They all enjoyed the activities and the company, sharing their goals, challenges, and what they are looking forward to this year. We will continue to stay connected with our graduates and support them individually towards their goals.

Links:

• Winter Program report
• April Game Day report