Jul 2010 [Summer Camp 2010!]

July 30 marked the end of our first-ever summer camp, with lots of smiles and hugs, and some tears.

We tried to condense the essence of the school we envision into two weeks. 34 middle school students gathered from all over Asia-Pacific, including several recipients of scholarship. In the morning, we offered student-centered academic classes taught by the world class faculty team. In the afternoon, there were multiple extracurricular activities held in the beautiful nature of Karuizawa. In the evening, we had country presentations by students from Nepal, the Philippines, Myanmar, etc., as well as talks by guest speakers. Learning and sharing constantly took place inside and outside classes.

It was astonishing to see our students grow in just two weeks. Some overcame homesickness, and other language barrier. Some organized a Filipino language session because they became interested in the country after they met fellow students from the Philippines. The Q&A session went on endlessly after the talks by the Head of McKinsey&Co Japan and by a social worker at a nearby orphanage. Students surprised us with very creative solution ideas after two-day Design Thinking classes taught by the program director from Stanford University d.school...

It reassured us that, if we can recruit first class teachers with high aspiration, design a program that reflects our education philosophy, and attract talented and intellectually curious children, then we can make a huge impact on their way of life and thinking in just two weeks. Can you imagine what it would be like to do this for a full school year...?!

Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the donors who generously provided scholarship, the volunteers who worked literally day and night, and the corporations who made in-kind donations. Thank you all so much...!!