Child Protection Japan Project #25368

Empowering Youth in Care Homes Through Nature

by NPO Mirai no Mori

Project Report | Jul 19, 2018
July Back to Nature - PROGRAM REPORT

By Kozue Oka | Executive Director

Another successful Back to Nature! Due to predicted rain on the day of the program, July 7th, we lost a large portion of our group. We were joined by 9 brave campers and 4 Leaders in Training who wanted to come out despite the weather forecast. Luckily, we had no rain on Saturday and an awesome time in the woods of Mount Takao!

We kicked off the day by dividing into teams, each with team names that had to do with wood, and enjoyed hiking through the woods. The 4 LITs did a great job of facilitating activities and helping the younger campers get through the woods safely.

For lunch, we enjoyed a delicious obento. Everyone—campers, staff, and volunteers—meshed together and enjoyed one another’s company. Afterwards, we transitioned smoothly into the main event of the day: Kanbatsu! We learned that peeling off the tree’s bark helps it to fall naturally in order for the rest of forest to flourish. We thank Morito Odoru for an awesome kanbatsu workshop!

Many of our participants were surprised to find how smooth and clean the tree is under the bark. It was a day of new experiences and knowledge for many of our campers and volunteers. By the end of the day we were covered in mud and sweat, but everyone had a great time.

We would like to extend a warm thanks to you all for your ongoing support at our Back to Nature programs. We are pleased to see that many of the campers now recognize the volunteers who have joined us previously. Your longterm relationship with us means a lot to us and the campers, and we hope that you can see the impact you have on them.

Many of the campers who were at this month's program will be joining us at Summer Camp. Keep an eye on camp reports on our Facebook!

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Apr 25, 2018
April Back to Nature: New Beginnings

By Kozue Oka | Executive Director

Mar 9, 2018
February and March report

By Kozue Oka | Executive Director

Morito Odoru

Kanbatsu Taiken

On Feburary 25th, we were back in woods of Takao with our partners from Morito Odoru.

Last summer, campers got to experience “kanbatsu,” where they learned how to peel the bark off of the trees. This month, they got to choose which trees need to be cut down. They learned that the cutting down of older trees is healthy for the forest because it allows more sunlight into the forest and it nourishes the growth of other trees.

They had to use math as well as their mind, heart, and gut to choose which trees to cut. Through this activity campers learned that they have the ability to affect how the forest will look in 500 years.

Campers showed great enthusiasm in participating in the activities and the LITs did an amazing job of guiding young campers and encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones.

LIT Closing Ceremony

On March 4th, we were overjoyed to welcome back our LIT participants from their overnight expedition in Yamanashi. At the LIT Closing Ceremony, we informed the campers and guests about the journey the LITs had to prepare for. The campers were excited to learn how to make a tent, blow up a sleeping mat and see how the LITs, they so look up to, prepared for their expedition. Soon after we welcomed the LITs back from their expedition with cheers, high-fives and a round of applause. After a delicious lunch that the campers helped serve, the LITs lead a game called 50/50.

The LITs showed their leadership skills they have developed from the program by facilitating the game and making it fun for everyone. Next the LITs gave their speeches they had prepared that were about 5 camp values, which are Leadership, Courage, Responsibility, Kindness and Respect. They were confident, articulate and passionate as they gave their speeches, explaining to the audience how these values resonated at their time in the program. Everyone in the audience was very proud and moved by how much each LIT had personally grown over the year. Everyone had a wonderful time congratulating and celebrating the LITs. While we are sad that this year’s LIT program is over, we are excited to see these LITs be successful in the world as young adults and look forward to welcoming the next group of LITs!

We truly appreciate your ongoing support to empower the youth in need.

February Group Photo in the woods

Working together to measure how big trees were

March LIT closing ceremony group photo

LIT congratulations cake decorated by mini-LIT

LIT making speech in front of all the guests

Links:

Details for Mirai no Mori event on March 17th

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