Your child can unleash their inner ninja at this unique summer camp in Huntersville
When you walk into Ninja Nation, you notice dozens of different obstacles in the gym. Think American Ninja Warrior, but for kids.
There’s a zipline, monkey bars, a warped wall to climb on and multiple other balance beams to run on in a race against the clock. Plus, every camper gets a ninja name to make it official.
“It’s sort of like gymnastics … but the obstacles are different. It’s funner and a little less competitive.” said 8-year-old Mia Law, also known as The Naptime Ninja. “It’s a fun sport.”
Ninja is a growing sport across the country, but some kids are getting to learn the skills in a unique way at a camp in Huntersville. The Huntersville gym opened in 2021 with classes year-round, but the facility’s summer ninja camp offers a chance to experience the sport from a professional coaching staff.
Each day at camp is filled with ninja activities, classes and skill sessions in the roughly 12,000-square-foot obstacle course, arena-style facility. Campers are split up by age group to work with coaches on balance rails, trampoline jumps, obstacle flow, strength, speed practice, and other skills. Plus, there are competitions, games and open gym time for every child to put their skills to the test on their own.
Here’s what a typical day looks like for Ninja Camp:
9 a.m: Ninja Games and Activities
10 a.m: Snack
10:15 a.m: Skills Challenges
11 a.m: Open Gym
12 p.m: Lunch
12:45 p.m. Board Games and Crafts
1:15 p.m. Skills Challenges and Games
2 p.m. Open Gym
2:45 p.m. Snack
3 p.m. Pick Up
“They do get free play time, but since they kind of work those skill set sessions in there, they do have the opportunity to get better,” assistant manager Bailey Gilmore said. “Then maybe they love ninja because of summer camp and they want to try out a class or try it as a sport.”
Gilmore and other coaches said some kids loved ninja camp so much that they returned as Ninja Nation team members to train for worldwide competitions.
As popular as ninja activities might be for kids — and adults — there are some hazards. It’s a physical activity that requires kids attempting to move their bodies in new ways.
“It’s scary because you look at it like there’s a lot of risks to get hurt, but I think there’s risks with any sport,” said parent Heidi Law. “I think it’s such a positive experience to give them a lot of self confidence.”
Staff members say there are multiple safety measures in place to keep kids safe, like thick cushions throughout the facility.
“The biggest safety measure though is training our coaches and staff on how to properly spot a kid when they are doing certain skills,” Gavin Shulock, the arena manager, told The Charlotte Observer. “When all the staff understands proper spotting and safety techniques, they are able to teach the kids on how to fall better as well, so they can prevent injury.”
DATES AND TIMES:
Weekly summer sessions are offered between June 12- Aug. 21.
Kids can be dropped off between 8:30-9 a.m and picked up between 3-3:30 p.m. Extended pick-up is available until 4:30 p.m.
COST:
$385 per week
Extended pick up: Additional $75 per week
$85 for July 3
$240 for July 5-7
Kids ages 5-12 can sign up for Ninja Camp. Lunch and snacks are provided, campers can also bring their own lunch. You can register online and find more information about Ninja Camp at www.huntersville.ninjanation.com/ninja-camp.
If you want to try out a day camp before summer break, here’s when spring camp sessions will be offered at Ninja Nation:
March 27
April 7
April 10 -14
May 29
This story was originally published February 23, 2023 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Your child can unleash their inner ninja at this unique summer camp in Huntersville."