7 Summer Classes That Lets Your Kids Become a Ninja, Space Cadet and More!

We hunted for summer classes and workshops that represented, er, diverse interests, and we were not disappointed. If your child has begun to complain that you always take him to the same class or workshop every summer, here is a list of awesomeness that covers an entire spectrum, from the athletic to the rainbow child! 

Parkour with Ninja Academy 
What to expect: Participants will be taught basic Parkour. Chief Ninja Raven says, “We can’t stop kids from running, jumping and vaulting over stuff. We teach them Parkour to be safer, we teach them how to jump and land properly.” 
Why it's so awesome: 

• It is a dream come true for American Ninja Warrior fans! 
• Ninja Academy is the first indoor Parkour facility in the Philippines and the most complete in all of Southeast Asia. 
• Handling the workshop are certified Parkour instructors who have been practicing for a minimum of five years 
• Train with confidence with FREE Philam Life accident insurance with P50,000 coverage during workshop for kids ages 4-17 years old 

Programs offered and schedules: 
Beginner Parkour - Summer Workshop 
Ages 5-7 years old 
March 25-April 18, 1-3 p.m. (M-W-F) 
Ages 8-11 years old 
March 27-April 17, 1-3 p.m. (T-TH) and 10 a.m.-12 p.m. (Sat)
Rate: P4,900 for nine 2-hour sessions
Venue: Ninja Academy Studios in Pasig and Las Pinas 
Call: 0917-5658945 (Pasig) or 0917-3145119 (Las Piñas)

Kendo Workshop with IGA Kendo Club Philippines 
What to expect: Kendo meaning “way of the sword,” is a modern Japanese sport/martial art, which descended from swordsmanship (kenjutsu) and uses bamboo swords (shinai) and protective armour (bogu). The summer program will focus on teaching Kihon, the basics of Kendo. There will be no Jigeiko or sparring with each other. 
Why it's so awesome:

• Teaching the kids workshop will be the club’s head Sensei himself, Igarashi Koji, a fifth Dan kendoka born in Tokyo, Japan. 
• Kendo is one of the safest forms of martial arts and instills humility, discipline and respect. 
• Injuries are uncommon in Kendo because of the protective gear, but mainly because students are disciplined, they are taught to stop immediately when commanded. 
• The cool people at the club say, “It’s just like ballet, but you get a wooden sword and you’re allowed to hit teacher and shout during class.” 

Program offered and schedules: 
#KidsKendoIt2 
Ages 6 and up 
Batch 1: 4-6 p.m., all Sundays of April, May 7 and 14
Batch 2: 4-6 p.m., all Sundays of June, July 2, 9, and 16
Rates: P4,500 for seven sessions plus P1,700 for 7-day rental of shinai (bamboo sword)
Venue: 4/F Court, City Club Alphaland, Makati 
Call: 0956-7318813 
Email: samurai-koji@nifty.com

Junior Astronaut Academy 
What to expect: This is the real deal! Kids will learn space science concepts and principles necessary to become a junior astronaut. They will experience the changes in the body under zero gravity and receive skill set training (such as hand-eye coordination) to effectively maneuver the International Space Station, Space Exploration, and Space Engineering design principles. Every day, they will be presented with a space mission, and they earn a mission patch which goes on their flight suit once accomplished.
Why it's so awesome:

• The Junior Astronaut Academy is a program created to support the development of the Philippine Space Agency (our own NASA). Your little one could very well be the next Filipino astronaut! 
• The Junior Astronaut Academy facilitators are qualified academic educators and also trained experts in space science and space technology.  
• This program was developed after closely observing Filipino children’s responses to Space Science Programs over a period of five years. 
• Participants get to eat honest to goodness space food/astronaut snacks like Dehydrated Rice Crackers, Candied Guyabano Fruit, Dehydrated Fried Potato and Caramel Coated Popcorn! 

IMAGE courtesy of Junior Astronaut Academy Philippines

Program offered and schedules: 
5-Day Junior Astronaut Academy 
Ages 7 to 12 years old 
April 17-21, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Philippine Science Centrum, Riverbanks, Marikina 
April 24-28, 9 a.m-4 p.m., Diliman Preparatory School, Commonwealth, QC 
May 1-5/ May 8-12/ May 15-19, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Exploreum, Mall of Asia, Pasay City
Rate: P11,800.00 inclusive of the following:

• Cadet kit: bag, notebook, pen, clipboard, ID and lanyard
• Flight suit with academy patch, Philippine flag patch and mission patches
• AM and PM astronaut snacks.

Call: 0918-3675006
Email: raquel.lopido@gmail.com or regulusspacetech@gmail.com

Storytelling Yoga For Kids

What to expect: Certified yoga instructors and authors Nica Hechanova of “Amazing Me Yoga for Kids” and Dr. Raissa Paje-Bayawa of “Today Tala’s Adveture Begins” will both conduct a 45-minute yoga class for  parents and children while also reading excerpts from their adorable children’s books. 
Why it's so awesome:

• It's storytelling AND yoga with mom/dad! 
• Participants get to bring home both books and also have them signed by Teachers Nica and Raissa.
• It’s a fun way to introduce yoga to the family and to get kids active this summer.
• Having both books means kids practice yoga anytime at home while simultaneously working on their reading skills. Talk about hitting two birds with one stone! 
• Everyone gets a chance to win raffle prizes! 

IMAGE courtesy of Pumplepie Books & Happiness

Program offered and schedule: 
Ready, Set, Yoga! A Parent-Child Yoga Adventure
Ages 3 to 8 years old
2-4 p.m., on April 7 
Venue: Urban Ashram Yoga at Active Fun Building, Bonifacio Global City 
Rate: P1,500 per parent and child inclusive of:

• 45-minute parent-child storytelling yoga class 
• Two children’s yoga books:  “Amazing Me Yoga for Kids” by Nica Hechanova and “Today Tala’s Adventure Begins” by Dr. Raissa Paje-Bayawa 
• A chance to win raffle prizes 
• Yoga mat rental 

Call: 0919-9112421
Email: hello@pumplepie.com

Educational Tour of GK Enchanted Farm  
What to expect: Participants will learn about social entrepreneurship, the environment, community and sustainability, food production, toy production and farming activities. They will also meet entrepreneurs and members of the community from all walks of life.
Why it's so awesome:

• A day at GK Farm allows your child to connect with nature -- a day away from the big bad city is always a great idea!
• So many farm animals to see and feed, some are gentle enough to pet! 
• Kids will get hands-on experience in making plush toys, peanut butter and other unique activities (no iPad!). 
• Kids are guaranteed to make new friends before the end of the day, helping develop social and leadership skills.  

Program offered and schedules: 
Kids Camp at the Farm (One Day Tour) 
Ages 3 to 12 years old 
8:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on April 15 & 29, May 13 & 27 
Venue: GK Enchanted Farm, Angat, Bulacan  
Rates: P2,200/ child and P1,600/adult inclusive of: 

• Farm-fresh lunch 
• AM & PM snacks 
• Camp facilitator 
• 2 Social Enterprise demos 
• All activities and materials 
• Human Nature Bug Shield Protect 

Call: 0917-7138607
Email: info@madtravel.org

Reiki for Kids 
What to expect: Reiki is a gentle Japanese healing technique that uses the sense of touch. In this course, children will experience Reiki and its many benefits while also discovering their own healing energy. 
Why it's so awesome:

• Some of Reiki’s benefits for children include increase in confidence, stress management, self-awareness and improved concentration. 
• Your child can use Reiki to help not only himself, but everyone around him. 

Program offered and schedules:
2-Day Reiki Certification Course for Kids 
Ages 6 to 18 years old  
March 25, 10 a.m-12 p.m., Introduction to Reiki 
April 1, 2 p.m.-5 p.m., Reiki Certification for Kids
Venue: SouLove Center, Unit 1, 3 Don Jesus Blvd, Alabang Hills, Muntinlupa 
Rate: P3,000
Call: 0917-8273073

Business Boot Camp with TULA  
What to expect: Participants will learn the basics of business and experience developing their own mini-business from conception to actually selling the product. 
Why it's so awesome:

• The program culminates with a bazaar where participants will sell the actual products they’ve developed! 
• Some of the guest lecturers will be successful entrepreneurs and businessmen.
• A great way to teach kids the value of hard work and money! 

A post shared by TULA Philippines (@tulaphilippines) on Nov 29, 2016 at 10:47pm PST

Program offered and schedules:
8-Week Business Boot Camp for Kids
Ages 7 to 13 years old
Three two hour sessions every week from April 17 to June 11  
Venue: Offered in all four TULA centers in Makati and Pasig
Rate: Fees start at P375 per week
Call: 728-0932

Alexine Parreño is mom to 6-year-old Adriana, a bookworm who dreams of becoming a ninja, the first Filipina astronaut, a scientist, and a chef. Alexine also runs the online bookstore, Pumplepie Books & Happiness.