[Day 2] Summer Camp 2025 Highlights

This year’s summer camp brought together nearly 25 children from different care homes and close to 50 participants in total — making it the largest camp we have ever hosted. Over two days, the children learned, played, and connected in ways that left lasting smiles and new friendships.

Day 2 – Tonndemi Adventures and New Friendships

On the second day, we followed a beloved camp tradition: a special trip chosen by the children. This year’s destination was Tonndemi, a trampoline park in Tokyo. The morning was pure joy—children bounced high into the air, raced along tracks, and tested their balance on obstacle courses. This experience allowed for the children to build confidence in themselves, as they tackled one obstacle after the other.

By lunchtime, we had made our way to Shinagawa International School, where the energy shifted to a calmer but equally engaging challenge: the Life Skills Game. In small groups, the children were given themes based on our five core life skills and tasked with creating their own games. Ideas flowed, laughter filled the room, and each group proudly shared their creations.

What stood out most, however, was the connection between the children. Many said that the highlight of the camp was meeting and talking to friends from other care homes. Some were shy at first, but by the end, they were starting conversations, cooperating in games, and making plans to meet again at future programs.

Here are some of the key reflections from the children from both days in the summer camp:

• "Talking with everyone and giving opinions was new for me. I want to do it more in the future.”

• "Preparing for the poster presentation was fun. I had already made the poster, but talking with everyone to present was even more enjoyable.”

• "The presentation was hard because it was difficult to agree with team members, but in the end, we worked it out.”

• "The volunteer helped me communicate with friends, and I got used to it by the end of the day.”

• “After thinking about the environment, I learned about the current situation in Japan and how important it is to protect nature.”

• “Today I was able to talk to people from other orphanages for the first time. At first it was difficult, but it became easier as we played together."