from the October, 2014 issue of Kiai!

Thoughts on Camp Kokoro 2014

 

By Jun Shihan Sarah Ludden
6th Degree Black Belt and TW Co-Executive Director

Camp Kokoro 2014  – another wonderful Thousand Waves summer camp!  I look forward each year to Camp Kokoro, summer days spent with our students both inside and outside the dojo, having a great time, and expanding our understanding of what it means to be a multi-generational martial arts community.  I’ve enjoyed moving into “grandmother” status – the next generation is, truthfully, running the show. 


Camp Kokoro campers and staff celebrate after the camp tournament.

Senpai Jordan Garcia, third degree black belt, 24 years old, a student of mine since she was a small child, now works with me to design the programming, supervise the staff, oversee karate instruction and afternoon play time, and keep the peace on the bus each afternoon.  Working with her are high school and college-age black belts, also students of mine since they were young children.  I, of course, keep an eye on everything and everyone, arrange for bus transportation, reserve our days at Mystic Waters Water Park, buy endless quantities of fruit and crackers, and pay the bills, etc., etc. But the day to day camp is brought to you by this next generation of dedicated, loving, energetic and talented young people.

This year the staff included Senpai Brandon Garcia, Thomas Keene, Julian Ehsan, Saul Friedman, Mattie Greenblatt, Gabby Afable, Jake Baumstark, Adam Flam, Parker Ljung and Graham Burleigh.  We meet at 8 AM every morning, review the day’s plans, discuss any issues that arose the day before, and share insights and observations of the children.  Great pride is taken by the teachers when they do a good job connecting with the kids or helping the kids connect with each other.

Senpai Gabby, who gives more than 100% as a teacher and mentor, and is a joy for me to work with, speaks for all of them when she writes:            

I have so many good memories from Camp Kokoro that it would be impossible to mention them all. One pattern that runs through them all though, is that most of them happen outside of class. Of course, I love getting to teach the kids every morning, but what I really look forward to every year is the opportunity to get to know them in different ways. Learning about what the campers are interested in and watching how they interact with one another is really fun and entertaining, and in fact oftentimes, it provides perspective on how to help them with their karate. I'm really lucky to have a job where I get to befriend these kids and improve as a Senpai.

Camp Kokoro is a gem.  Children deepen their relationships to their martial arts, to their teachers, to Thousand Waves, to each other.  They enjoy the athletic challenge of daily intensive karate training.  They experience competition in a positive, skill building, and character building format, the Kata/Kumite tournaments and the Chess/Checkers tournaments.  They play outdoors every day!  We sing camp songs, hug each other and laugh with joy.

Registration for Camp Kokoro 2015 will open in January.  Scholarships ARE available.  The camp fills up, so register early.  It serves 1st through 8th graders, brand new beginners to junior black belts, and children who are not TW students are welcome.  The counselors can’t wait to create another meaningful and unforgettable camp experience for your children.