Mirai no Mori creates unforgettable outdoor programs for abused, neglected, and orphaned children in Japan, supporting them into happy and successful adulthood. We provide monthly "Back to Nature" programs, and annual 3 night - 4 days camps in Summer and Winter. These programs are valuable opportunities for the children to go on outdoor adventures, learn real-life English, and see positive role models who join the programs as volunteers.
Children's care homes house boys and girls aged 1-18 whose parents cannot support them. The children struggle with a host of unmet needs and problems such as: emotional and psychological damage, lack of academic, social, and parental support. Many of them will find themselves in difficult life situations after they leave their institution at the age of 18, which adds up to a terrible loss of human potential, and real social and economic costs for Japan.
The 3 night - 4 days winter camp takes place in January in Nagano, a popular destination for outdoor activities in Japan. It is a fun, safe, and memorable camp where participants can be themselves as they build trust and friendships, overcome challenges, and prepare for success in life. The program aims to instill 5 core values of "courage", "leadership", "responsibility", "respect", and "kindness" into the participants. We encourage them to come back and grow with us at their own pace.
In addition to these 5 values, the participants will bring home a new perspective of nature, enhanced communication skill, and confidence to be creative. They will always have a place with Mirai no Mori and are always welcome to return for future camps as staff members and volunteers. Volunteers will better understand the challenges and limitations faced by youths growing up in homes without parental support, which will raise awareness of the issue in Japan.
