We are happy to share that we have started work on our next big project, CAMP! CAMP stands for a Creativity and Mindfulness Practice. It will be a fun & fantastical story-driven approach to sharing these important traits with kids of all ages.
Our first CAMP poster
Over the past year, I have really come to value the practice of mindfulness and meditation as part of a balanced life. I wish I had learned about some of these basic concepts at a much younger age. I also believe there's a way to share these lessons in a fun way to encourage the natural creativity and imagination in kids. (Read also: The Importance of Creativity)
One of our first official CAMP illustrations
When the pandemic and the BLM civil unrest was at its peak, I spent a lot of time reflecting on Mimochai and how to make sure our work is as helpful and meaningful as possible. I strongly believe that, in addition to more frequently-discussed factors, a lack of mindfulness education is at the core of a lot of our society's issues.
I also happened to have an opportunity to put together a summer camp for my niece and nephew, who like most kids were stuck at home since March. Of course, I wanted to do something that would be both fun and helpful for them.
In this confluence of events, CAMP was born <3
Initial exploration designs for CAMP
I realized I can combine my story & illustration skills with my spiritual practice to create the story I wish I had heard. CAMP will be a combination of:
- an illustrated story,
- an accompanying activity book,
- video lessons guiding kids through, and
- a CAMP kit filled with fun stickers and badges!
It will take a lot of cues from my favorite games and books to make it fun and something kids actually want to learn.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0249/1656/files/Explorer_Select_1024x1024.jpg?v=1602542396)
In July 2020, I finished a test run of CAMP with my 5-year-old niece and 8-year-old nephew. It was just a very rough draft (live Zoom calls and slide decks) for a minimal proof of concept. And I was able to confirm it works! They grasped the concepts so naturally. My brother and sister-in-law helped them set up a Quiet Corner (which they didn't have before), and report that they often meditate between class breaks now. That's so amazing and inspiring to me!
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0249/1656/files/IMG_8492_600x600.jpg?v=1602542239)
My sister in law sent me this picture of my niece learning meditation with me <3
It's hard to believe that Let's Go Explore is already over two years old. I am hoping to finish CAMP by Summer 2021. I'm very excited to share this with the world once it's ready, and will be sharing the progress along the way!
-M