It was her son, Koki—now 16—who came up with the idea to bring Dream Seeds to Europe
A new chapter in creative education is unfolding in Palma, as Dream Seeds Camp, a pioneering STEAM programme from Tokyo, sets down roots in Mallorca. Founded six years ago by Japanese educator Kayoko Ikushima, Dream Seeds blends science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics into hands-on, imaginative learning for children and teens. Now, with the support of her teenage son and co-director, Koki Shimamura, Kayoko is launching the first European edition of the camp right here on the island.
The story began in Tokyo, where Kayoko noticed how many children were drawn to technology—but often only as consumers. She wanted to change that. “Children need guidance to become creators, not just users,” she explains to Euro Weekly News. Through her camp, she developed a learning model where kids build, explore and share their ideas using real-world tech tools.
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But it was her son, Koki—now 16—who came up with the idea to bring Dream Seeds to Europe. Having grown up attending the original camp, he eventually became a teacher himself. “I watched him grow, learn, and then lead,” Kayoko says. Koki’s passion for STEAM education turned into a personal entrepreneurship project, with Dream Seeds Camp Mallorca as its first step.
Now, Koki leads the curriculum design, class planning, and digital platforms, while Kayoko supports the project as co-director, handling finances, logistics and legal matters.
Trial sessions start this May
Dream Seeds Camp Mallorca is kicking off with free trial classes on Saturday 31 May and Sunday 1 June at Parc Bit in Palma. Designed for children aged 6 to 15, the sessions offer a taste of the full programme, with Saturday half-day camps (10:00–13:00 or 13:30–16:30) and a full-day Sunday option (10:00–16:00).
Trial sessions will continue each weekend in the same format throughout late May and early June.
A different way of learning
What sets Dream Seeds apart is its ‘learn by doing’ approach. Each day, students take on new challenges—whether building robots, programming drones, crafting digital art or editing their own short films. Just as important is the opportunity to reflect and present: by creating slide shows or videos in English, learners sharpen their communication and public speaking skills.
“The key isn’t just what they learn, but how,” says Kayoko. “That cycle of creating and presenting builds confidence and helps them truly understand and remember what they’ve done.”
The full programme is taught entirely in English, providing a dynamic bilingual environment. For native speakers, it’s a chance to gain confidence in digital fluency. For local and international Spanish-speaking students, it’s an immersive language experience with real-world purpose.
Future-ready skills for curious minds
The Dream Seeds curriculum is designed to spark curiosity and give young learners a head start in the digital age. Core areas include:
Coding: Taught through creative problem-solving rather than rigid syntax, to build flexibility and understanding across platforms.
Drones & robotics: An introduction to automation and its growing importance in fields like transport, engineering and media.
Digital art & design: Enabling expression through music, video, painting and motion graphics.
3D modelling & printing: Where ideas take physical shape, and children gain insight into spatial thinking and design.
Presentation skills: Encouraging students to speak confidently and clearly in English, with daily opportunities to share their work.
Technology with heart
While the programme is tech-focused, Dream Seeds Camp is also about confidence, creativity and collaboration. Children aren’t just learning how to code or design—they’re learning how to express ideas, work through challenges, and support one another. The camp maintains a highly personalised atmosphere where each child is encouraged and celebrated for their unique ideas.
“In a world where technology often leads to isolation, we want to show kids how to use it to connect, create and lead,” says Kayoko.
Palma: the European hub
Since relocating to Mallorca in September 2024, Kayoko and her family—now settled with both sons attending Green Valley International School—have found the island’s international spirit to be the perfect home base. “We were drawn by the diversity and openness of the community,” she explains.
Although STEAM camps are increasingly common in the US and UK, they remain scarce across much of continental Europe. Kayoko says families in France and Spain have often struggled to find quality programmes nearby. In fact, several flew to Tokyo just to attend the original Dream Seeds sessions.
That gap is precisely why Palma has been chosen as Dream Seeds Camp’s European headquarters, with plans already in motion to expand into other EU countries.
Want to try it out?
📍 Venue: Parc Bit, Palma
🗓 Trial sessions begin: Saturday 31 May & Sunday 1 June
🕒 Saturday sessions:
– Morning camp: 10:00–13:00
– Afternoon camp: 13:30–16:30
🕒 Sunday session:
– Full-day camp: 10:00–16:00
📧 Email: dreamseedscamp@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.dreamseedscamp.org
📍 Location map: Parc Bit on Google Maps
Parents can get in touch via email or DM on Instagram for more information or to reserve a spot.
AloJapan.com