Aikido, manga & Japanese culture (8-15 y.o.) Full days AM&PM

For the 4th year in a row, IIL Camps is taking you on a journey to Japan, without leaving the comfort of the IIL facilities!

Over 5 full days (without overnight stays), children will discover Japan through emblematic sports, artistic and cultural activities. A unique opportunity to discover the richness of Japanese culture.

Come on board with us for a trip to the land of the rising sun! We have put together a rich and fascinating programme for you, which includes:

– 3 Aikido sessions, including 1 session during which each child will be able, if he/she wishes, to be photographed while practicing the wooden sword or the stick (safe). Afterwards, he/she will have the opportunity to reproduce his/her photo and illustrate it during the Manga workshop “Draw yourself as a Samurai”.

Participants will be able to learn this particular Japanese martial art. It is a fun way to learn self-defense, and the handling of wooden sticks and swords also promotes control and coordination of movements. Aikido is an excellent way to let off steam while respecting yourself and your partner, and is a true philosophy of life. It helps to channel energies and to manage emotions in the face of a difficult situation, always in the respect of the Bushido (the traditional code of honour of Japanese martial arts) and the particular spirit of non-violence which characterises it.

– An introduction to the Japanese language and culture is also on the agenda. Participants will learn some basic Japanese, to count and everyday words.

– They will also be introduced to Japanese calligraphy. They will learn to write their name and surname in Katakana and to write simple words in Kanji (respectively phonetic symbols and Japanese ideograms).

– Children will be able to develop their artistic talents during Manga drawing workshops. By immersing themselves in this universe, they will learn the techniques for drawing Manga and Kawai characters. They will study proportions, anatomy and colouring. The instructor will give them an overview of the history of Manga, its origins and its graphic evolution over time, allowing them to improve their practice and knowledge of Japanese comics. What are the cult mangas? What are the differences between the mangas of the old generation and those of the new one?

– Traditional Japanese tales and legends will also be discussed. Children will have the chance to be guided to draw characters and creatures from Japanese folklore such as dragons, samurais, yokai or other ghosts.

– Games about Japan and many other surprises are also planned…

This camp is led by 2 experienced professionals in their field: Fédora, an illustrator for children books and author of comics, specialised in Manga; and Christophe, a qualified and experienced Aikido instructor, black belt, 5th dan aikikai, who has lived in Japan for 10 years.

Are you ready for a change of scenery before the start of the school year?

Sayonara!

Schedule of the week (click on the image to enlarge it)

Practical information

Families should drop off and pick up their children at IIL main entrance (Institut International de Lancy).

8:30am-8:55am: welcome /registration of children at IIL

9:00am-10:30am: 1st part of the camp

10:30am-11:00am: snack and break  

11am-12.30pm: 2nd part of the camp

12:30pm-1:55pm: lunch break (options)

2:00pm-3:30pm: 3rd part of the camp

3:30pm-4:00pm: snack and break   

4:00pm-5:00pm: final part of the the camp

5:00pm: end of the camp. Parents are kindly asked to pick-up their children at the IIL at 5:00pm.

Late pick-up option (up to 6:00pm): +75chf/week

Please note that from now on, any delay in collecting your children will result in a charge of CHF 10 per child for every quarter of an hour or part thereof. Thank you for your understanding.

Should you wish to allow your child to go home alone, please ensure that you send us your written consent by email to iil-camps@iil.ch before the start of the camps; otherwise, we will not be able to allow them to leave IIL.

Morning and afternoon snacks are provided by IIL Camps and included in the camp fee. 

Lunch is NOT included. When registering your children online for this camp, please choose between the 3 available options:

• Signing them up for the canteen (additional fee of CHF 105 per week)
• Providing a packed lunch every day for them to eat at IIL (supervision and activities included, no additional fee)
• Picking them up at 12:30pm and bringing them back at 1:45pm (no additional fee)