Camp Kokoro

Camp Kokoro is designed for our current students, former students, AND children who want to try martial arts for the first time.

The fun, spirit, respect, and inclusive community that characterize Camp Kokoro (meaning heart/mind) entices campers to return year after year and attracts new families looking for quality summer activities. For the past twenty years, Thousand Waves’ two-week summer day camp has provided intensive karate training for all levels of students, white belt to black belt, structured and non-structured outdoor recreation, and field trips to a very popular Chicago area water park.

Twenty to thirty children from age 6 to eighth grade attend each session. Some are new to Thousand Waves and martial arts training, others have attended our martial arts camp previously, and many are our current students.

Young teens aged 12 through 8th grade are counselors-in-training (CITs). They receive leadership training in addition to enjoying all the other activities. First aid, conflict resolution, respectful communication, and problem-solving/mediation are among the skills they learn at Camp Kokoro. CITs also help carry equipment, apply sunscreen, search for lost lunches, and perform countless tasks needed to make Camp Kokoro successful. Adored by the younger campers and appreciated by staff for their hard work, they wear their CIT t-shirts with pride and enthusiasm.

Another layer of leadership is provided by older high school and college-aged adult-ranked black belt counselors. They work closely with our professional teaching staff, learning how to develop class plans and lead group activities. Each morning, campers meet for team time, in which small groups of kids approximately the same age, led by counselors and CITs, gather to discuss the day’s events and get to know each other. The sweet intimacy of these team meetings helps the children feel comfortable and confident at Camp Kokoro and nourishes deep and lasting friendships.

A hallmark of Camp Kokoro is quality martial arts instruction and a rigorous training schedule that facilitates remarkable growth in students of all levels. Their relationship with Thousand Waves deepens, and their understanding of their art broadens as they explore nunchaku and other traditional weapons, participate in kata and sparring tournaments, learn board breaking, and take a Seido karate class every morning, five days a week. Our code of ethics – love, respect, non-quitting spirit, responsibility, and courage – permeates the day’s activities, providing a safe and secure place for every camper at Camp Kokoro.

• Camp runs from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm weekdays.
• The staff to camper ratio is 1 to 6.
• Campers bring a bagged lunch and beverage.
  We serve healthy snacks.