July 20th, 21st & 22nd - Summer Camp - Urbana University

What is a Taekwondo Camp like? 

Taekwondo camp is just like any other sports related camp.  It is a time for us to get away and develop as martial artists under the direction of several instructors, not just your own.  We do not work out all the time.  Far from it.  We have plenty of free time and recreational time as well.  A typical day at camp consists of three classes in the morning, then free time and supervised activities in the afternoon, then two classes in the evening. 

What are the classes like? 

Classes will typically be about 45 minutes focusing on a particular aspect or skill of the martial arts.  Each workout will be lead by a different instructor.  Unlike classes at your school, there are very few conditioning drills. You get plenty of that at your school.  We focus primarily on skills to make you a better martial artist.  Whenever the classes are scheduled back to back, there will be a 15 minute break between the classes to go the bathroom and get a drink. 

Where will the workouts be? 

If the weather is good, classes will be on a sports field outside that is near the dorms and the gym.  Bathrooms will be convenient between workouts.  Should it rain, the workouts will be moved into the gym. 

What are the accommodations? 

We will be staying in air conditioned dorm rooms with two people per room.  Boys in one dorm/floor and girls in another.  Schools are housed together and room assignments are made by the Chief Instructor of that particular school.  Generally, room mates are about the same age.  Like most dormitories, they have the typical hall bathrooms and showers.  There are no refrigerators or microwaves in the rooms.  Vending machines are located in some of the dorm common areas and around campus. 

What kind of adult supervision is there? 

Camp usually has as many or more adults than kids.  Adults and instructors are housed on the same floor as the kids (but not in the same room).  They provide the supervision.  At no time are the kids left unsupervised or outside of earshot of the adults. 

Free time.  Is it totally free? 

Yes.  We provide activities for the kids to do in the afternoons if they wish. (Kickball, Volleyball, Flashlight tag, etc.)  However, they are not required to participate if they are feeling tired or just want to hang out.  We do want them to spend some time indoors during the afternoon to cool down and re-hydrate.  We feel it is important just to give them free time to play with their friends and to make new ones. 

Is there a curfew? 

Yes.  All kids must be indoors by 9:00 p.m. and in bed no later than 10:00 p.m.  Teens have a similar requirement.  The adults are so tired by that time, they are already inside hanging out.  

What are the meals like? 

Typical college cafeteria food.  We know we have some picky eaters, so we are planning around that. 

Can I bring snacks and drinks?  

Of course,  but please refrain from bringing too much.  Remember, you are only there for three days.  No need to bring a mini-mart. 

This sounds like regular old camp.  Am I right? 

Yes.  Instead of archery, we do kicks and instead of canoeing we do punches. 

Do I wear my uniform at camp?

No.  Keep your uniforms at home.  Just pack plenty of shorts and T-shirts. 

My child takes medication regularly, what do we do about that?

That needs to be handled with your instructors on an individual basis.  

What if my child gets sick or injured? 

Immediate care will be given and you will be called for anything that requires care beyond a band-aid.  

My child has never been to any type of overnight camp, how do I decide if he or she is ready or not for this? 

If you do not believe they are ready, please don't send them.  This should not be their first experience away from mom and dad.  However, even if they have been away from home before, some kids will still get homesick.  Kids are permitted to call home whenever they choose and we will make an attempt to distract them with fun activities.  But if they are miserable and want to go home, you are free to pick them up. 

What can I bring with me? 

Hand held game systems, cell phones, iPods and small personal entertainment systems are fine.  Anything more than that, such as laptops, console games systems, etc, should not be brought to camp. 

What should I bring with me? 

  • full set of sparring gear (an extra cup for boys is a good idea)
  • target if you have one (if not, we have old ones we loan you for camp)
  • any prescription or over the counter medications needed
  • sunglasses
  • at least 8 sets of clothing (adults may want 10) (there are coin operated washers/dryers in the dorms) Clothing does not need to be tkd clothing, and stuff will get dirty so don’t buy expensive stuff.  No spaghetti strap tops (tank top straps must be 2”), guys can wear sleeveless t-shirts.  No bare midriffs, ripped clothing or inappropriate messages/images.  Shorts should go to mid-thigh or wear bike/compression shorts underneath.
  • a bag with extra socks and underthings
  • 2 pairs of tennis shoes
  • 1 pair of flip flops for the shower only, open toed shoes not permitted outside the dorms
  • rain jacket
  • 1 sweat shirt or sweater
  • 1 swim suit for water games
  • sleep wear/pajamas
  • pillow
  • sleeping bag or twin sheets and blanket (these are college dorms and there is air conditioning)
  • cell phone and charger / alarm clock
  • 2-3 bath towels (light weight are better so they will dry)
  • 1 large bar of soap(jrs will be required to shower at least 1x/day)
  • shampoo/conditioner
  • toothbrush and toothpaste
  • body/face lotion if needed
  • deodorant
  • razor, if needed
  • brush/comb
  • A LOT of sun screen, 30 spf if you normally don’t burn, 50 spf if you do; aloe or something for sunburn
  • bug spray, if needed
  • refillable water bottle to take water to every workout
  • flashlight with extra batteries
  • laundry bag for dirty clothes
  • tall kitchen size trash bag (there are no trash cans in the rooms)
  • non-perishable snacks (for juniors think healthier like crackers rather than candy)
  • change for vending machines; there are also snack & sundry shops in the college community center
  • Optional fun things: books to read during free time, crayons, pencils, paper, small board games, deck of cards, Frisbee, small football, etc. (some kids do bring their electronic hand-held game systems, but no computers!)  

 

Important things to remember about Camp.

Camp is supposed to be fun. It’s a great opportunity to learn new stuff and meet new people from around the country. And to make sure it’s fun for everyone, there are some important things to keep in mind. 

Once participants arrive at the camp on Thursday, they may not leave the camp (the college grounds) for any reason except for medical emergencies, until dismissed Sunday morning. This includes adults, as well as juniors who may have family staying at the camp or nearby. Parents/family may watch the workouts and may visit with the camper on the camp grounds during free time. 

After unloading Thursday, men/boys may not be in the females’ dorms (except in the lobby) and women/girls may not be in the males’ dorm (except in the lobby) for any reason until it is time to load back up again Sunday morning – even if you are a parent with an opposite gender child at camp. 

Pranks of any kind are not permitted. 

Every person at camp is to be addressed as “ma’am” and “sir” and a respectful tone used. There will be many 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th degree black belts at camp.  Since no one is in uniform, you don’t know anyone’s rank or if they are a school owner or not. 

Every student must attend and participate in every workout, and with a positive attitude. 

Be early to every workout so that you are ready to participate when the workout starts. 

For any drills requiring partners, please find people from other schools so you meet new people every drill. 

Every student is expected to eat meals in the dining hall and at the appropriate time. 

No cliques. Nobody is to be excluded or talked about or left out. 

Don’t go anywhere alone ... always go with at least one other person. 

Don’t run (except during workouts) ... we don’t want to be bandaging up skinned knees and elbows. 

Only go to approved areas of the campus: the workout area, your dorm, the grassy area around the dorms, the dining hall. 

Take your gear bag and water to every workout. 

Boys/men, wear your cup to every workout. 

If you don’t know ... ask an instructor.