On Monday, USA Ninja Challenge Camp Hill hosted the KIDcrew to try out their brand new Ninja studio and classes and it was everything we had hoped for and more. The website boasts that Ninja Training is the worlds best sport, where children learn skills that keep them healthy, happy, and strong, and we are not about to disagree! Here's everything we learned and why you should try a class for yourself ASAP.
I'm not sure about you, but the past couple of weeks have been a little rough for the KIDcrew, and frankly for this VERY tired momma. The excessive heat across the Harrisburg Area and Cumberland Valley has had us cooped up and everyone has been grouchy and too close for comfort. The unbearable weather kicked it up a notch just as the novelty of the unstructured summer days started to wear off and it all has this Macaroni MOM asking what the heck is in retrograde and when will these changling gremlins bring my beloved children home. If I hear one more whine or snack request, I'm going to sell a kid to the circus. When USA Ninja Challenge invited us in to check out their new studio with a sample class, we (literally) jumped at the opportunity.
From the moment we first glimpsed the gym, I knew we'd found a winner. The equipment made even a 41 year old pregnant lady want to challenge herself, so you can imagine the excitement the kids felt. I got to see it reflected in their eyes. The Ninja Instructor explained that the modular equipment rotated and was modified every week to keep the challenges new and exciting and to encourage critical thinking in young Ninjas.
The class itself was fantastic and started with a warm up where the instructor laid out expectations and set the kids up for success.
After the warm ups, the kids moved to the obstacle courses. Two complex and distinct obstacle courses were set up and each obstacle had modifications to make it easier or more challenging as appropriate for each individual kiddo. They split the kids up into two groups, based generally on size and took each group to a separate course. Our group spans practically the entire range of ages they serve and I was incredibly impressed with how seamlessly they were able to keep everyone engaged, challenged, and happy - providing firm but positive redirection to the incredibly... ahem... spirited... five-year-old, making quick and simple modifications for my disabled 7 year old, offering opportunities for further challenge to the teens and tweens and setting them up as models for the other children, and more. It's clear that these instructors are experienced and know kids.
The instructors led each group through the course, instructing them verbally and visually through each obstacle, then let the kids try, while they moved through providing instruction and encouragement. After being able to traverse the course several times, the groups switched so each kiddo got to learn and practice both courses. Finally, the kids rotated through a series of specific skill stations with some of the more challenging obstacles where they learned and practice specific skills to help them grow and develop as ninjas.
There's a lot love to about USA Ninja Challenge Camp Hill and we will absolutely be back:
- Increases physical fitness: Easily one of the best workouts my kids have had this summer
- Safely encourages testing limits: I've written at length about the importance of children being able to test their physical limitations and how hard it is in today's society for them to do it. This space gives kids this critical opportunity and I'm THRILLED!
- Develops the whole child: teaching social skills, teamwork, discipline, and language Skills
- Individual focus on personal growth: I love that kids can compete and develop individually, striving not to beat others, but to improve and be the best they can be.
USA Ninja Slideshow by Kendra Bradford
Thank you again to USA Ninja Challenge - Camp Hill for inviting Macaroni KID Harrisburg & West Shore and Macaroni KID Carlisle in for a free visit in exchange for our honest testimonial. While we received our visit for free, opinions expressed are always our own. If you are a family friendly business interested in inviting Macaroni KID in for a hosted visit, please email rachaelb@macaronikid.com.
Click here for more information and to schedule a class or camp, visit USA Ninja Challenge.
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