GIC at a glance — More than a camp, a first step into the world

• Participants: 131 children ｜ Camps: 2 (Biwako)
• Staff & Camp Leaders: 41 ｜ Nationalities represented: Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, USA, India, Nepal, Myanmar, Sierra Leone, Thailand, South Korea, Fiji, Japan, Bangladesh, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, France, Singapore
• Motto: “Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Let’s try communicating in English.”
• Slogan: “Let’s explore together, and make this world a better place to live.”

What makes GIC different: Six promises we make to every family

1. Live the world, don’t just read about it: share a roof with Camp Leaders from many countries.
2. Use English for real purposes: speak, listen, ask, bargain, present—joyfully and often.
3. Connect learning to issues that matter: discover cultures and global topics, then ask “What can we do?”
4. Choose courage, safely: a program that makes trying feel possible—and fun.
5. Be known and be yourself: recognize differences, reflect on who you are, and tell your story.
6. Keep the momentum: post-camp events and an alumni network so growth continues.

Program Report: Six days, six turning points

Day 1 —

Crossing the threshold: from nervous hellos to the first brave English steps in a brand-new home
Entrance Ceremony／Get to Know Me
Handmade name cards, careful listening, and the first self-introduction in English. Children co-created room rules and discovered that communication begins with kindness.

Camp Manager’s note: “Today’s goal was settling in. New language, new friends, life away from home—yet smiles spread quickly as children proudly shared their hometowns and hobbies.”

Day 2 —

From “me” to “we”: we name our team, raise our flag, and learn that fun grows when responsibility is shared
Team Building／Group Flag & Presentation
Teams chose a name, designed a flag, and presented in English, gaining a sense of ownership.
GIC Festival & Team Play
Fashion walk, gesture games, Ball Relay, River Crossing, Human Chain: simple English used loudly and gladly.

Camp Manager’s note: “Our target was bonding. By afternoon, laughter and chatter had doubled, and children even hummed their team names between sessions.”

Day 3 —

The world walks into the room: five countries in ninety minutes and a market where courage is the currency
Traveling Around the World
Stations for the USA, Thailand, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Vietnam: daily life, music, and questions that mattered.
World Food Market
Play money, essential phrases, real choices. Children compared, negotiated, and discovered that even imperfect English connects when the intention is clear.

Camp Manager’s note: “Today nurtured curiosity about other countries. Proactive attitudes turned language into bridges.”

Day 4 —

Learning that changes lunchtime: understanding food loss and turning insight into a promise you can keep

Wonderland (Theme: Food Loss)
An English presentation put numbers to a familiar issue; small groups discussed what they could change at home and school. Many of these changes started with that very meal, resulting in fewer leftovers, more gratitude.。
OBOG Presentations
Alumni Aoi and Yuran shared how GIC shaped their choices. Hands shot up and questions flowed—in English.
Dear Future Me!
Each child wrote to their future self about “what I learned and what I will try next”.

Camp Manager’s note: “We aimed to recognize social issues and consider action.  With attentive listening and bold questions, the children’s attitudes moved the speakers, and us.”

Day 5 —

Courage on stage, kindness backstage: quests that test trust and a night that celebrates every small victory
Challenge Quest
Rotate, cooperate, communicate: Make a Tower, Pass It, Puzzle. Building trust by giving and following English instructions.
Talent Show & SHOWBIZ
Group skits, solos, dances, and Camp Leader performances, too. A hall full of cheers where courage felt normal.
What I Want to Challenge After GIC
Children crafted short English messages about the challenge they will take on next, and practiced until it felt like theirs.

Camp Manager’s note: “Today was about taking on challenges. Rehearsing those English messages was deeply moving. So much talent; even more heart.”

Day 6 —

Confidence with a diploma: goodbye for now, hello to what’s next—because the real camp starts after today Graduation Ceremony

Teams presented “Challenges we took at GIC” and “Our next challenges,” and shared cultural performances inspired by Camp Leaders’ countries. Children showed pride and a few tears, both beautiful.
Saying Bye-bye

Thank-yous, photos with families, contacts exchanged.

Manager’s note: “The theme was confidence. For us, GIC isn’t an ending; it’s a beginning. Let’s meet again at the next event and keep growing together.”

Faces of KUMON — the people behind GIC (the “who” and “how” of 2025)

• Children who risked mistakes—and discovered that effort is understood in any accent.
• Camp Leaders from 17 countries who turned culture into conversations and care.
• GIC/KEIA staff who designed a safe stage where trying is more important than perfection, every time.

These are the living “faces of Kumon”; leaders, alumni, and staff collaborating so every child can say, “I tried, and I grew.”

Comments:
Participant
By participating in GIC, I could learn the merits of challenges and world culture. Friends and Camp leaders were very kind. And my group camp leaders said, “Be more confident and keep studying.” I was very glad.
The most interesting activity was “Traveling around the World.” I have never been abroad, but I could learn about many cultures. The most important thing is don’t be afraid of making mistakes and enjoying English and try a lot. Thus, I could make a lot of fun experience through GIC. So, I want to join next year too!

Parent
Before joining GIC, my daughter said “I like English! Kumon is fun; I’m interested in the world!” But she didn’t know exactly what the world was. My daughter seems to have gained some confidence and realized that the world she lives in is so wide. I think she was able to take a big step this summer. I would like to thank all the Kumon staff, Camp Leaders and her Kumon teacher from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for a wonderful time!
Would you recommend Global Immersion Camp to others? — 4 (Strongly agree)

Kumon Instructor
I appreciate the GIC’s members’ kindness and her parents’ warm support. She will never forget this wonderful experience and will continue her studying. She is really interested in English and other things since she was little, so I’m very proud of her. GIC enabled her to be more confident and to try a lot. I hope all of my class will be influenced by her good experience and growth. I’ll recommend them to participate in GIC 2026.
Would you recommend Global Immersion Camp to your students? — 4 (Strongly agree)

After camp: Keep the spark
GIC continues through KEIA follow-up events and alumni network. Children meet again, reflect, and report on their “after-GIC challenges.” The message is consistent: your voice matters, your action counts, and your English can serve both.