camp in japan comes one step closer to seriousfun

By Kelly Elliott, Senior Program Manager

We are thrilled to announce that Solaputi Kids’ Camp in Japan has reached a significant milestone in the path to becoming the next SeriousFun camp.  With a clear vision and strategy for development, skilled leadership and staff in place and a demonstrated excellence in serving children with serious illness, the SeriousFun Board has accepted Solaputi’s application for provisional membership, the final step before becoming a full member camp.

Becoming a SeriousFun camp is a journey, one that started for Solaputi in 2001. At that time they had a piece of property donated to them by the city of Hokkaido, in northern Japan, and a dream that one day children from all over the country could come and experience the simple joys of childhood. In 2006, the camp began serving children in a limited capacity. Since this time they have brought over 200 children and families to participate in both summer and winter programs.

Solaputi is continuing to build out its camp property with new facilities including: a tree house, rope course, archery range, horseback riding, mini pond, and crafts building, all a part of the master plan.  Beyond the physical camp facilities, the team at Solaputi will continue to develop its programming, as well as its capacity to fundraise in support of sustainable operations.

While Solaputi still has more steps to take before becoming a full member camp of SeriousFun Children’s Network, it has proven to have a promising foundation and future.  Their journey reminds us that “seriousfun” is a universal idea; one that can help children with serious illness in every corner of the world.

To Solaputi, we say “Kangei” and “Omedetōgozaimasu” (welcome and congratulations)!

To learn more about Solaputi, visit http://www.solaputi.jp/en/index.html.