Real people, real problems, real impact
1-13th August - 8-14 years - fully residential - Wakayama, Japan
What if your child's ideas could change a life? What if leadership wasn't something they studied, but something they lived?
This six-day immersive leadership challenge, led by world-renowned humanitarian Linda Cruse, harnesses the best and brightest brains to solve the world’s most critical social and environmental problems.
Rooted in Kurt Hahn's belief in character, courage and responsibility, Gordonstoun Japan brings British heritage together with Japanese wisdom to create a new kind of education: one where learning meets real life, and character is built through action.
Instead of asking young people, “What do you want to be?”, we ask, “What problem do you want to solve?”
Ready for an adventure that actually matters?
Our 2 week programme is structured as two six-day sessions. Week one is focused on our impact challenge, where workshop sessions will build on an action based solution for a real world problem. Led by Linda Cruse, renowned worldwide humanitarian, Linda brings expertise, experience and an unrivalled energy to encourage children to think beyond themselves and work with one another and business mentors within her me-we-world framework.
The culmination of the children's efforts will come together on the final day, where families, friends and local businesses are invited to a full presentation.
Week two of the programme takes students beyond their workshops into the Wakayama landscape where expedition, adventure and physical challenge will meet them on the coast, the rivers and mountainside of the prefecture.
“Young people must move beyond themselves and learn through
real responsibility, real people and real experiences.”
Kurt Hahn
Beginning on 1st August, our full two-week programme is divided into the impact and adventure courses, with a day of rest in-between.
More than just a Summer Programme
Following the Summer Impact Challenge, selected students will have the life-changing opportunity to travel to Nepal, accompanied by renowned humanitarian Linda Cruse. This is where learning moves from classroom to real life.
Business Mentors. Future Leaders. Future Fit.
Our business mentors play a central role in supporting each student’s journey, not only as
learners, but as emerging leaders.
As part of the Friends of Gordonstoun Japan network, business leaders from prestigious companies will be joining the programme to give their time and talent to mentor students, bringing real-world insight and experience into the programme.
Mentors introduce students to the power of business as a force for good, guiding them to create
solutions that have meaningful, lasting impact. Through this partnership, students become future-fit: equipped with the skills, mindset and values to lead with purpose in an ever-changing world.
Booking and Fees
Places on the Gordonstoun Japan Summer Impact Challenge residential programme are strictly limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. This is not simply a summer programme. It is the beginning of a life shaped by courage, compassion and purpose. Plus est en vous — there is more in you.
The programme is open to students 8-14 years old.
Fees include:
Full accommodation with all meals and recreational facilities.
Daily sports and social activities.
Expeditions include transport and lunch.
Dates and Prices
Option 1: 1–13 August 2027 ¥750,000
Option 2: 1–6 August 2027 ¥350,000
Option 3: 8-13 August 2027 ¥350,000
Apply for Summer 2027
