NEWS
International Christian University and Mitaka City Sports and Culture Foundation Co-Hosted Outdoor Camping Class for Parents and Children
Update: December 18, 2024
The Outdoor Camping Class for Parents and Children, co-hosted by International Christian University and Mitaka City Sports and Culture Foundation, was held on November 30. This event was a day camp experience program mainly targeting children in early elementary school. A total of 45 children and their parents participated in the program.
This event was planned last year with the concept of utilizing ICU's nature-rich campus, which has been certified as a "Nationally Certified Sustainably Managed Natural Sites" by the Ministry of the Environment, to convey the importance of environmental conservation and ways to connect with nature. This year onward, it has been held as a co-hosted program with the Mitaka City Sports and Culture Foundation.
The initiative was conducted through a business partnership agreement with an external organization, which is a rare example among educational corporations. As a new model for event management, its future development is garnering attention.
The program was organized under the leadership of Masao Higashiyama of the University's Health and Physical Education Program, with the cooperation of student staff, and included the following activities.
【Program Outline】
| 13:00 | Program Start、Icebreak |
| Program① | Fire Making Challenge, Making steamed bread |
| Program② | Nature craft（Grilling board, Wood key chains, etc.） |
| 16:30 | Program End |
On the day of the event, some children tried to light a fire with matches, and parents and some families struggled to keep a steady fire going. Participants warmed themselves by the fire they grew with great effort, made steamed bread, and fully experienced the difficulties and joys of outdoor living.
According to the survey results from participants, an impressive 100% responded "I would like to participate again" when asked if they would attend another session with the same concept, making this event a resounding success.
The Lifelong Learning Program will continue to deepen interaction with the neighboring community through programs that take advantage of the campus' rich natural environment.