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.
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!
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
