Kids Art Camp, which aims to develop children's sense of themselves and the environment through art and nature, will be held at a campsite in Aizu, Fukushima Prefecture, from July 19 to 21.
At the camp, artists will help children nurture their artistic imaginations and attempt to foster a sense of coexistence with nature. At night, they will sleep in tents pitched at the campsite.
On the first day, visual media artist Natalija Ribovic, who was born in the former Yugoslavia, will tell the children a story using illustrated picture cards. The story is about environmental issues and hope for the future. After listening to the story, the children will re-create it by drawing on their wooden desks.
Takuya Onishi, a professional fire-maker and adventurer who has climbed the highest mountains in North America, Africa and Europe, will show children how to make a fire using primitive methods.
On the second day, the children will make swings using the desks that they drew pictures on the first day and play in the forest. They will also gather vegetables at a nearby farm and cook them for the dinner. After eating their meal, the children will build a campfire out of the desks that they used for the swings.
On the third day, the children will sow a field with seeds and ashes from their campfire before going home.
The art camp is targeted at kids age 6 to 12 and up to 40 children can join the event.
The ¥39,000 participation fee includes meals and round-trip transportation from Ueno, Tokyo. Sleeping bags and tents are also provided. Children need to bring long-sleeve shirts, long pants, rain outfits and canteens.
The organizer, Gas As Interface Co., is accepting applications until July 16. For an application and to receive more information, call the company at (03) 5775-0825.
