Parenting OC: Learn how physical activity at camp can benefit kids on all levels.
February 13, 2025
(Photo By Ralph Palumbo)
By Jessica Peralta
Swinging, climbing, jumping, running, sliding and smiling. That’s the picture you see when entering Ultimate Ninjas in Anaheim Hills.
Inspired by “American Ninja Warrior” reality sports game show, Ultimate Ninjas offers classes and camps for children who really enjoy some high-energy activity and fun.
“We are definitely all about physical activity, said Barry Sohl, who owns the Ultimate Ninjas in Anaheim. “Our camps are a great escape from devices and screen time.”
He said their camps offer a mix of structured instruction like in their classes combined with some mini-competitions, games and free play.
“The instruction teaches technique on the obstacles, which involve a lot of swinging, climbing, jumping and grip strength,” Sohl said. “Our mini-competitions are typically races with a timer and buzzer just like our real competitions and the TV show. And then we give the kids’ hands a break with some games that range from dodgeball and kickball to an extreme version of Floor is Lava. And of course, there is always some free time for the kids to explore on their own.”
The benefits of physical activity at camps are undeniable. At Ultimate Ninjas, the most evident physical benefits are grip strength and overall upper body strength, according to Sohl.
“There’s also a ton of benefit to speed, power and endurance,” he said. “Ninja is phenomenal cross-training for any other sport. But more important are the mental skills. The sport is quite literally based on overcoming obstacles. You really have to build perseverance and learn how to fail in order to ultimately succeed in this sport. Kids become better at dealing with challenges and develop much stronger self-confidence.”
Local camps offer a variety of physical activity options for all needs and interests. It’s really just a matter of finding the right fit for your kids.
Dorain Cassell, program director of Operations, Child & Youth Development at YMCA of Orange County, said summer sleepaway camps at the Y allow children to have fun with friends while exploring nature and experience daily adventures. They offer two sleepaway camps every summer, including Camp Oakes in Big Bear and Camp E.L.K in Wrightwood. Camp Oakes for all campers ages 8-17 includes activities like zip lining, swimming, canoeing, archery and more. Camp E.L.K. for campers ages 8-17 includes activities like rock climbing, swimming, archery and sports.
“Camps with physical activities are great for children because they help them thrive in a fun, active environment,” Cassell said. “Through engaging in physical activities, children build social skills, boost their confidence, and develop resilience and problem-solving skills. Another benefit is in exposing children to new experiences. Summer camps offer a variety of activities like hiking, swimming, sports and team-building games that children may not have access to at home. These experiences help expand their interests and skills — while providing a break from routine.”
At the Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach, Nature Camp offers nature play and science education in an outdoor, hands-on setting. Science concepts are introduced in a fun environment, with crafts, games and hands-on activities. Campers hike, tree climb, jump, dig and play games like tag, and sharks and minnows.
“Research has consistently shown the vital role of outdoor activity in children’s health,” said Lori Whalen, Environmental Nature Center vice president. “According to studies published in Environment and Behavior, even having nature nearby has been shown to improve recovery from injuries and reduce the occurrence of conditions like asthma and myopia. As noted in The Nation’s Health, the official newspaper of the American Public Health Association, the effects of sedentary indoor lifestyles are evident in today’s startling rates of childhood obesity. That’s why Nature Camp programs are so important — they provide the kind of outdoor engagement that health professionals have long recommended for children’s well-being.”
(Photo Courtesy of Girl Scouts of Orange County)
Girl Scouts of Orange County’s Camp Scherman offers a long list of physical activities, including archery, axe throwing (for sixth grade and over), hiking, pool swimming, canoeing and kayaking on the lake, dance party and more.
“According to the Girl Scout Research Institute, we know girls who spend quality time outdoors thrive physically, intellectually and emotionally,” said Girl Scouts of Orange County’s CEO Vikki Shepp. “At camp they unplug from social media and screens so everyone can be their authentic selves — curious, adventurous and free from the distractions of technology. In a society where many girls identify with experiencing anxiety and depression, the mental health of campers is a top priority for us. With no competition for attention, campers engage in fun/challenging physical activities, meaningful social and emotional learning, and connect with other campers. Camp is a place for lifelong friendships to form. These bonds are often difficult to form in school or other social settings where social media influence is pervasive.”
Erica Jameson, director of Jameson Ranch Camp in Glennville, said their camp offers highly physical activities such as horseback riding, mountain biking, mountain boarding, archery, riflery, rock climbing, swimming, hiking and games.
“These program areas are important due to both their popularity as well as the milestones and achievements that campers can feel, see and experience as they progress in skills,” she said. “This is in addition to our mountainous terrain that challenges campers by providing a space where everything seems uphill, including your bed, lunch and the activities offered. One of the more popular activities at JRC involves ‘extreme downhill running’ when campers can run as fast as possible down a hill, exactly as described. Knowing that you’re relying on two legs, arms and balance for success is daunting by itself, but it is so much fun.”
She said having accomplished something that was difficult boosts self-confidence in campers.
“They’re more likely to try other challenges after experiencing the feeling of success, or push themselves just a little further,” Jameson said. “In addition to self-confidence, gaining pride in their physical abilities and an increased skills set are great self-dialogue boosters, allowing campers to feel proud of what they’ve accomplished and the story they tell themselves about who they are and what they can do. Physically, campers gain strength in both large muscle groups and fine motor skills, especially with activities like archery or rock climbing, where muscles are learning new patterns and strengthening areas rarely used.”
(Photo Courtesy of Camp James)
Scottie Roach, director at Camp James in Newport Beach, said their camp offers activities like archery, canoeing and sporting games.
“Paddling and working together with friends in a canoe helps build teamwork, exercise, communication and adventure,” Roach said. “Paddling around on the scenic Newport Dunes Waterfront bay is a beautiful experience in the calm water. The swim afterwards to cool off is full of high-fives, laughter and smiles.”
Activity for All Needs
Physical activity can also benefit children with special needs and disabilities. And there are local camps offering these kinds of helpful activities.
Jodie Knott, licensed clinical psychologist and director of Quest Therapeutic Camps of Southern California, which has a camp in Fountain Valley, said they offer services for children 6 to 18 with mild to moderate social, emotional, and/or behavioral difficulties, including physical activities like playing games in the park like soccer and tag as well as field trips to things like bowling and trampoline parks.
“There is clear research from Dr. Ratey in the book, ‘Spark,’ that demonstrates that any type of exercise can be beneficial and therapeutic in its own right,” Knott said. “There is research that shows the benefits of exercise as a treatment for ADHD, anxiety, depression and learning difficulties, as well as a healthy intervention to improve physical health. Beyond the research that clearly establishes exercise in general as a positive intervention for both children and adults, sports such as rock climbing, martial arts and skateboarding provide opportunities to engage in technical movements such as complex motor skills that have been found to alter chemicals and specific areas of the brain related to attention.”
Stepping Forward Counseling Center in Irvine and Yorba Linda offers a Therapeutic Summer C.A.M.P. for children and young adults ages 4 and up with mild to moderate learning, emotional and behavioral difficulties. Their camps include activities like yoga, swimming, sports, kickboxing and martial arts.
“Special needs camps excel at creating inclusive environments for physical activities tailored to each child’s abilities — ensuring that every camper can participate and enjoy the benefits of being active regardless of their challenges,” said Anthony Cupo, co-owner of Stepping Forward. “Campers have opportunities to engage in activities they might not otherwise experience. It’s a fantastic way to build confidence and self-esteem.”
