When you
think of a
sleep away
camp, you
think of
going
outdoors,
archery,
eating in
the mess
hall,
and…breaking
boards? Well
at Gold
Coast
Christian
Camp in Lake
Worth,
that’s
exactly what
ninety seven
karate
students,
ranging from
white to
2nd
degree black
belt, did
when they
attended the
5th
Annual
Karate Camp.
Students
from the
Karate
Center,
United
Martial Arts
Center, and
Martial Arts
Academy all
joined to
form a
weekend long
sleep away
camp to help
their
students
broaden
their
martial arts
horizons.
Many events took place at the camp over the span of the weekend. On Friday night, they promoted five E Dan (2nd degree) black belts, eleven Cho Dan (1st degree) black belts, and four Jr. black belts. On Saturday, students woke up to exercises, and didn't waste a minute as they performed six martial arts workshops throughout the day, ranging from Origami to learning about Asian culture, archery, weapons, sparring, kung fu, and breaking. The instructors included; Master Gary Horner, Master Robert Casenza, Sensei Kevin Sisson, Master Constantine and Chris Napase, Sifu Michael McClure, and Ms. Kimico from the Morikami museum who taught origami. After all six workshops, Dr. David Felker gave a lecture to the campers about proper nutrition. Lastly there was a bonfire to end the wonderful and exciting day with a bang. At the bonfire, s’mores were being handed out to those who donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, and Nicole Kelly who organized the fundraiser, raised over $175.
Another part of the camp is the aspect of teamwork and leadership displayed throughout the weekend. Camp members were split into three teams, and throughout the span of the weekend, these teams, on top of all of their workshops were expected to create karate demonstrations, which were presented that Sunday morning.
Overall, the
camp was a
great
benefit to
the students
because it
not only
taught them
karate, it
instilled a
sense of
independence,
brotherhood,
responsibility,
teamwork,
leadership
and charity
in a way
that is not
accomplished
through just
any activity
alone.
