Okuma Town in Fukushima Prefecture was forced to completely evacuate after the Great East Japan Earthquake. In 2023, schools finally reopened, and children were able to return to their hometown. However, many still live under various restrictions and continue to experience stress in their daily lives. Staff members of the SEISA Group established the general incorporated association Dream Forest Supporters, which operates after-school programs and other activities. In 2023, FGC also organized a donation campaign to provide supplies for children in Okuma, delivering them directly to the town.
From July 22, we held a two-night, three-day camp program, inviting children to a campsite near the Kanto region to enjoy outdoor play and hands-on experiences. The program was conducted in collaboration with after-school teachers and with the support of Okuma Town. A total of 31 children, along with staff and volunteers, arrived safely at Natureland Omu, a campsite in Doshi Village, Yamanashi Prefecture. They enjoyed activities such as cooking curry and fireworks. During the cooking session, they challenged themselves to cook rice with traditional mess tins (hango-suihan) — some groups succeeded perfectly, while others had a few struggles, but everyone had fun making and sharing delicious curry together. Seeing the children running energetically through nature was truly heartwarming.
On the second day, the schedule was packed from morning to night with nature observation, trout fishing, river play, watermelon splitting, barbecue, and a campfire. Members of Techraft, a company founded by SEISA Kokusai High School students and graduates, also joined the event. They filmed the children’s activities using drones and served shaved ice to everyone, adding extra fun for everyone. On the final day, the group departed from Natureland Omu and visited Oshino Hakkai and the Fuji Yusui-no-Sato Aquarium, where they learned about nature and life.
After spending three days together, the children were visibly tired on the last day, but when asked about their experience, many smiled brightly and said, “It was so much fun!” Participants ranged from first graders to junior high school students, and for many, it was their first time spending time away from home, surrounded by nature and friends—a refreshing and valuable experience. We will continue to carry out activities that nurture children’s smiles and create memorable learning experiences for the future.
