Schedule and Activites

Monday - Friday · 9AM - 3PM · Before and After Care available

Our fun and educational day includes:

• Training in the Japanese Martial Art of Aikido
• Japanese language lessons and games
• Japanese Arts and Crafts
• Japanese culture activities and movies
• Group games, relaxation, and time to socialize and make new friends

Age Groups

Our camp community is based on Japanese traditions of village and clan unity. We spend some parts of the day as one large group, some parts separated into age groups, and some parts separated into small "clans" of mixed ages. In this way, children experience age-appropriate instruction and a variety of roles that promote social skills, leadership, and responsibility.

Weekly and Family Discounts

Campers can attend one or both weeks. Discounts are given for campers who attend more than one week and for family groups. New campers receive a free uniform.

Dojo Chief Instructors

Florida Aikikai is one of the most prestigious Aikido Dojos in the United States and a family-run business with a thirty year history in South Florida. Dojo owners and chief instructors Peter and Penny Bernath travel throughout the country and the world teaching Aikido. Peter Sensei is a 7th degree black belt Master Instructor and a member of the technical committee of the United States Aikido Federation. Penny Sensei is a 6th degree black belt and is currently completing a doctorate degree in Instructional Leadership with a minor in early childhood education. They teach Aikido lessons during camp and oversee the children's program throughout the year.

Head Counselors

Helen and Keith have studied and taught Aikido at Florida Aikikai for the last five years. They have lived and taught English in Japan, Mexico, and the Czech Republic and have worked in a variety of educational, recreational, and therapeutic children's environments for the past fifteen years. At camp, they teach Aikido classes and they program and lead the daily camp activities.