A Mini Camping Experience at TARPtoTARP
Preschool
July 30, 2019
In July, Mountain class (age 4) was learning words such as “mountain,” “summit,” “s’mores” and “campfire” during Talk Time.
CGK values opportunities to experience real things whenever possible, so we considered how to bring this topic to life.
A camping-themed cafe called TARPtoTARP had recently opened near CGK. When we asked whether they could help, they kindly agreed, making this off-site learning opportunity possible.
It took us only about a minute to walk from CGK to TARPtoTARP.
The children were both nervous and excited to visit somewhere new. The owner, Suyama, who has lived overseas, greeted them in English and showed a camping video using a projector.
Next, we put up a one- or two-person tent, with the children helping. They quickly learned to assemble the poles and put the second one together without Suyama’s help. Once the tent was ready, everyone took turns going inside. They lay down and cheered with delight. A tent really is one of the highlights of camping!
We then tried stacking wood in a fire pit to prepare a campfire. Because we were indoors, we could not actually light it, but learning how to arrange the wood and smelling it were valuable experiences.
Finally came the s’mores the children had been eagerly anticipating. This classic camping dessert sandwiches toasted marshmallow and chocolate between graham crackers.
We placed marshmallows on disposable chopsticks and toasted them over a two-burner camping stove. Once they browned and began to melt, we sandwiched them with chocolate between graham crackers. The children ate happily, with marshmallow all around their mouths!
An hour and a half passed in no time. We took a group photograph before saying goodbye to TARPtoTARP.
Without TARPtoTARP’s help, the camping topic might have remained limited to pictures, videos and classroom pretend play devised by teachers.
Having this cafe nearby, and receiving its support for our lesson, allowed the children to explore real camping equipment and activities.
We sincerely thank TARPtoTARP for this opportunity.
Suyama has also introduced us to other people.
One person who helped with this visit is now working with us to plan an optional parent-and-child camping event for November.
The event is planned as a two-day, one-night opportunity for CGK children and their parents to experience camping.
Tent camping can feel daunting for people who have never tried it. I have no experience myself and would not know what equipment to prepare. We are therefore planning the event with support from experienced campers.
Rather than organizing special games, we hope to offer experiences that are part of camping itself: setting up camp, lighting a fire, cooking and exploring what is possible in nature.
We are preparing to share details with CGK families after mid-August, following a campsite visit planned for that time. We hope many families will join us!
The cafe that supported this visit
[TARPtoTARP]
Inoue Building 2F, 6-70 Otamachi, Naka-ku, Yokohama (about a one-minute walk along the same street as CGK)
CGK values opportunities to experience real things whenever possible, so we considered how to bring this topic to life.
A camping-themed cafe called TARPtoTARP had recently opened near CGK. When we asked whether they could help, they kindly agreed, making this off-site learning opportunity possible.
It took us only about a minute to walk from CGK to TARPtoTARP.
The children were both nervous and excited to visit somewhere new. The owner, Suyama, who has lived overseas, greeted them in English and showed a camping video using a projector.
Next, we put up a one- or two-person tent, with the children helping. They quickly learned to assemble the poles and put the second one together without Suyama’s help. Once the tent was ready, everyone took turns going inside. They lay down and cheered with delight. A tent really is one of the highlights of camping!
We then tried stacking wood in a fire pit to prepare a campfire. Because we were indoors, we could not actually light it, but learning how to arrange the wood and smelling it were valuable experiences.
Finally came the s’mores the children had been eagerly anticipating. This classic camping dessert sandwiches toasted marshmallow and chocolate between graham crackers.
We placed marshmallows on disposable chopsticks and toasted them over a two-burner camping stove. Once they browned and began to melt, we sandwiched them with chocolate between graham crackers. The children ate happily, with marshmallow all around their mouths!
An hour and a half passed in no time. We took a group photograph before saying goodbye to TARPtoTARP.
Without TARPtoTARP’s help, the camping topic might have remained limited to pictures, videos and classroom pretend play devised by teachers.
Having this cafe nearby, and receiving its support for our lesson, allowed the children to explore real camping equipment and activities.
We sincerely thank TARPtoTARP for this opportunity.
Suyama has also introduced us to other people.
One person who helped with this visit is now working with us to plan an optional parent-and-child camping event for November.
The event is planned as a two-day, one-night opportunity for CGK children and their parents to experience camping.
Tent camping can feel daunting for people who have never tried it. I have no experience myself and would not know what equipment to prepare. We are therefore planning the event with support from experienced campers.
Rather than organizing special games, we hope to offer experiences that are part of camping itself: setting up camp, lighting a fire, cooking and exploring what is possible in nature.
We are preparing to share details with CGK families after mid-August, following a campsite visit planned for that time. We hope many families will join us!
The cafe that supported this visit
[TARPtoTARP]
Inoue Building 2F, 6-70 Otamachi, Naka-ku, Yokohama (about a one-minute walk along the same street as CGK)
Author Profile
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Reiko - Services and Community Coordinator (Japan)
Reiko joined CGK as an opening staff member after working in licensed nursery care in Japan and two international preschools, alongside volunteering at a daycare in Canada. These cross-cultural experiences shape her approach to supporting children. She values opportunities for learners to discover their interests and strengths, express themselves and broaden their possibilities through meaningful experiences.