RISE Changemaker Camp [April 4-5th] Event Report

Executive Summary

The RISE Changemakers Camp (April 4–5, 2026) brought together 31 students from Horizon Japan International School at Nojima Youth Training Center. The camp focused on the theme of “Access to Clean Water,” combining experiential learning and project-based action. Through simulations, expert talks, and group projects, students developed empathy, responsibility, and actionable solutions for their local community.

The camp was designed with the following objectives:

• Foster empathy toward global water inequality through experiential learning

• Develop a changemaker mindset (compassion → responsibility → action)

• Encourage students to translate global issues into local action

• Strengthen key life skills, including social, thinking, and self-management

Program Highlights

Day 1: Building Empathy Through Experience

Students arrived on Saturday and were warmly welcomed by our staff and counselors. We began with ice-breaker activities to create a supportive and inclusive environment, followed by an introductory session where students formed into their activity groups, created team names, and selected team leaders. Each group was also introduced to their camp counselors who are active changemakers creating positive impact in their respective fields.

We followed this with one of the main highlights of the day which was our Water Fetch activity. In this challenge, students worked in teams using maps to locate water sources and carry buckets of water to a final destination. Initially, the activity was introduced as a fun and competitive game.

However, after completing the activity, students watched a short documentary that revealed its true purpose, helping them understand the daily reality of children and communities around the world who must travel long distances to access clean water. This moment led to a powerful shift in perspective, as students began to reflect deeply on their experience and connect it to real-world challenges.

Following this, students discussed global water issues and explored who is responsible for solving such challenges. They also began thinking about how they, as students in Japan, can take action locally.

"At first, the water fetch challenge was tiring and I felt frustrated, but after watching the documentary, I understood the purpose. It made me feel emotional and motivated me to take action so that someday I can become a changemaker.” — Grade 6 student

In the evening, students participated in a collaborative cooking activity where they prepared a Mediterranean dish together, strengthening teamwork and communication skills.

We then moved into one of the most memorable parts of the camp, the candle fire session, where students gathered in a calm and reflective setting to engage in life-skill activities. The day ended with a lively and fun talent show, where students and staff shared performances ranging from singing to group activities.

Day 2: From Empathy to Action

The second day began with breakfast and a large-scale game of capture the flag, where students worked together to develop strategies and communicate effectively. This was one of the students’ favorite parts of the whole weekend, as they were able to talk and strategize with new people they had not talked to yet, and work as a team for a common goal.

We then transitioned our focus back to becoming changemakers, where we welcomed our special guest speaker from mymizu, Robin Takashi Lewis, who is the co-founder and director of the organization. He introduced mymizu's work in promoting free water refill stations and reducing single-use plastic, the story of why he started it, and the lessons he learnt throughout his journey as a changemaker.

This session helped students realize that while Japan has strong access to clean water, unlike other developing countries they were able to empathize with yesterday (during the water fetch activity), we are yet unable to leverage these clean water systems and rely on single-use plastic bottles. This was an important point in the camp where students were able to realize how rather than seeing an issue by itself, many issues are actually interconnected to one another.

Inspired by Robin and his work with mymizu, students worked in groups to design their own projects. Their ideas focused on:

• Encouraging more people to use refill stations

• Increasing awareness of sustainable water usage

• Increasing the number of mymizu partner locations with local cafes and stores to increase the number of filling locations available on the app

Each group presented their amazing and innovative ideas and received thoughtful feedback from teachers and staff.

After a relaxing lunch under the cherry blossoms, students participated in one final group activity before closing the camp with a reflection circle, where everyone shared their most memorable and meaningful moments.

What's Next?

This camp is just the beginning.

Over the next two months, students will continue developing their ideas through our RISE Extension Program, where they will take action on the projects they designed during camp.

We are excited to see how their ideas grow into real impact, and showcase the students’ learning and project outcomes in the project showcase in late May.

Reflection

Throughout the camp, students engaged in meaningful reflection, demonstrating growth in empathy, leadership, and self-awareness. Below are selected reflections from participants:

“The most difficult part was when we had to carry a bucket full of water up the hill. If I were to do this every day, it would affect my energy levels and make me tired before any other activities. Therefore, I learned the importance of being grateful to have access to water and to not use it unnecessarily.”— Grade 5 student

“If I had to do this every day, it would affect my school life because I would spend my time supporting my family by carrying water, leaving no time for learning.”— Yumi

🤝 Social Skills & Confidence

“After attending the RISE camp and socializing with many new people, I am no longer scared of interacting with others and don’t feel shy anymore.”— Grade 6 student

“Overcoming my fear of speaking in front of others was possible because we presented together as a group.”— Grade 5 student

“Making new friends from different grade levels was one of the most enjoyable parts of the camp.”— Grade 6 student

🧭 Leadership & Responsibility

“I showed leadership during the water fetch activity by motivating my team and helping them navigate using the map.”— Grade 6 student

“I used my self-management skills by making sure I had the team bag with me at all times. As a group leader, this taught me responsibility.”— Grade 7 student

“One challenge I overcame was thinking without relying on AI or my phone. I was able to work together with my group and solve problems without technology. Participating in this camp allowed me to experience two days without using my phone or AI”— Grade 6 student

🚀 Action & Changemaker Mindset

“I was able to brainstorm different actions we can take to support water-related issues, especially through ideas connected to mymizu.”— Grade 5 student

Conclusion

We would like to sincerely thank all parents and guardians for your support in allowing your children to participate in this camp. It was inspiring to see the students challenge themselves, build new friendships, and grow into more confident and thoughtful individuals.

We are incredibly proud of their efforts and look forward to continuing this journey with them through the RISE Extension Program.

Photo credit: Toru Hiiragi, Reiji Uemura