0
items
$0
JFGM invites campers to experience a taste of Japan! Our summer camps provide different activities within Japanese culture, wellness, and sustainability. We have camps available from grades 1st-8th.Capacity is limited, so registration for each grade level is first come first serve. Don’t miss out on an exciting opportunity!
Capacity is limited to 20, so registration for each grade level is first come first serve. Completion of payment and the registration form are required to participate.
Each Summer camp is five days.
JFGM Week 1-3: $240.00 for JFGM Member | $250.00 Non-Member
STEAM in NIWA Camps: $260 JFGM Member | $270 Non-Member
Questions and other JFGM Summer Camp inquiries can be e-mailed to education@niwa.org.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations made more than 7 days prior to the start of the camp will receive a refund, minus a 10% cancellation fee per camp.
- No refunds or credits within 7 days of any program
Member rates are for Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum Members. Balboa Park and Go City pass holders will pay regular camp prices.
For FAQs about our camps, please go to our FAQs webpage.
Become a JFGM Member Here
Week 1
Grades 1 & 2 | June 9th-June 13th | 9:00am-Noon
Monday
Ikigai STEAM I
Join us as we explore the wonderful world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics combining innovation, unique tradition, and cultural heritage at the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum. We will embark on a journey of observation, curiosity, and discovery as we explore the wonders of Japanese nature and wisdom with hands-on experiments, outdoor adventures, and critical thinking activities through this Ikigai STEAM Sampler presented by LKW STEM FOUNDATION! This Ikigai STEAM Sampler will include Bamboo & Sustainability, Ecosystems & Earthworm Adventures, and Koi Fish Genetics and Biomimicry! Our time together will foster collaboration, cultural appreciation, and empower young minds to become innovators and leaders as we laugh and learn together through STEAM Education!
Koto
The koto, also known as "Japanese harp", is a Japanese stringed instrument with a rich and detailed history. Unlike western stringed instruments such as violins and guitars, the koto actually consists of 13 strings that are strung over 13 bridges. Until the Meiji period, koto music was very popular within aristocratic circles. During and after the Meiji period when western musical styles started to influence Japanese culture, the koto lost some of its popularity.
Tuesday
Adventure Yoga
Ikigai STEAM II
Join us as we explore the wonderful world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics combining innovation, unique tradition, and cultural heritage at the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum. We will embark on a journey of observation, curiosity, and discovery as we explore the wonders of Japanese nature and wisdom with hands-on experiments, outdoor adventures, and critical thinking activities through this Ikigai STEAM Sampler presented by LKW STEM FOUNDATION! This Ikigai STEAM Sampler will include Bamboo & Sustainability, Ecosystems & Earthworm Adventures, and Koi Fish Genetics and Biomimicry! Our time together will foster collaboration, cultural appreciation, and empower young minds to become innovators and leaders as we laugh and learn together through STEAM Education!
Ikebana
Ikebana is one of the traditional arts in Japan. Ikebana involves arranging a wide array of materials including blooming flowers, branches, stems, leaves and moss in vases or other containers to create a visually appealing work of art. In this summer camp, students will create their own design with their imagination, ideas and expressions using flowers, leaves and branches. It will be lots of fun.
Wednesday
Adventure Yoga
Ikigai STEAM III
Join us as we explore the wonderful world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics combining innovation, unique tradition, and cultural heritage at the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum. We will embark on a journey of observation, curiosity, and discovery as we explore the wonders of Japanese nature and wisdom with hands-on experiments, outdoor adventures, and critical thinking activities through this Ikigai STEAM Sampler presented by LKW STEM FOUNDATION! This Ikigai STEAM Sampler will include Bamboo & Sustainability, Ecosystems & Earthworm Adventures, and Koi Fish Genetics and Biomimicry! Our time together will foster collaboration, cultural appreciation, and empower young minds to become innovators and leaders as we laugh and learn together through STEAM Education!
Go
Go is an abstract strategy board game for two players in which the aim is to surround more territory than the opponent. The game was invented in China more than 2,500 years ago and is believed to be the oldest board game continuously played to the present day. Go was introduced in Japan in the 7th century and is played in both schools and competitions.
Thursday
Gardening with JFGM
Ikigai STEAM IV
Join us as we explore the wonderful world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics combining innovation, unique tradition, and cultural heritage at the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum. We will embark on a journey of observation, curiosity, and discovery as we explore the wonders of Japanese nature and wisdom with hands-on experiments, outdoor adventures, and critical thinking activities through this Ikigai STEAM Sampler presented by LKW STEM FOUNDATION! This Ikigai STEAM Sampler will include Bamboo & Sustainability, Ecosystems & Earthworm Adventures, and Koi Fish Genetics and Biomimicry! Our time together will foster collaboration, cultural appreciation, and empower young minds to become innovators and leaders as we laugh and learn together through STEAM Education!
Calligraphy
Calligraphy (shodō: "the way of writing") is the art of writing beautifully. Most children in Japan learn calligraphy in elementary school, and it is also a popular hobby among adults. An interesting aspect of Japanese writing that carries over to calligraphy is the importance that is placed on the order in which the strokes of characters are drawn.
Friday
Cooking with Wa-Shokuiku
The Japanese Friendship Garden is collaborating with Wa-Shokuiku to produce healthy, fun cooking lessons for the family! This workshop adopts the widely acclaimed curriculum of Wa-Shokuiku, based on Japanese culinary education tradition with an emphasis on teaching etiquette, language, nutrition, and presentation.
Ikigai STEAM V
Join us as we explore the wonderful world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics combining innovation, unique tradition, and cultural heritage at the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum. We will embark on a journey of observation, curiosity, and discovery as we explore the wonders of Japanese nature and wisdom with hands-on experiments, outdoor adventures, and critical thinking activities through this Ikigai STEAM Sampler presented by LKW STEM FOUNDATION! This Ikigai STEAM Sampler will include Bamboo & Sustainability, Ecosystems & Earthworm Adventures, and Koi Fish Genetics and Biomimicry! Our time together will foster collaboration, cultural appreciation, and empower young minds to become innovators and leaders as we laugh and learn together through STEAM Education!
Kamishibai
Kamishibai is a remarkable way of telling stories with illustrations that was invented in Japan in 1929. The word literally means "picture-story." Since 2012, Walter Ritter, a veteran stage actor, has presented approximately 3,000 kamishibai stories in classrooms, libraries, senior residences, and other venues including the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa. His program for JFGM Summer Camp will include 2 stories, discussion, and a brief history of kamishibai including its present-day expansion to countries all over the world. Ritter is co-founder and executive director of Write Out Loud and a co-founder of the World Kamishibai Forum.
Week 2
Grades 3-5 | June 9th-June 13th | 1:00pm-4:00pm
Monday
Koto
The koto, also known as "Japanese harp", is a Japanese stringed instrument with a rich and detailed history. Unlike western stringed instruments such as violins and guitars, the koto actually consists of 13 strings that are strung over 13 bridges. Until the Meiji period, koto music was very popular within aristocratic circles. During and after the Meiji period when western musical styles started to influence Japanese culture, the koto lost some of its popularity.
Sumi-E
Japanese ink painting, or sumi-e, is the embodiment of Japanese aesthetics. Using just simple black ink and carefully curated white space, sumi-e captures the timeless beauty and complexity of the natural world.
Tuesday
Ikebana
Ikebana is one of the traditional arts in Japan. Ikebana involves arranging a wide array of materials including blooming flowers, branches, stems, leaves and moss in vases or other containers to create a visually appealing work of art. In this summer camp, students will create their own design with their imagination, ideas and expressions using flowers, leaves and branches. It will be lots of fun.
Adventure Yoga
Wednesday
Yukata Dressing
The yukata is a type of kimono. They are sometimes described as yukata kimono, a type of summer kimono, but are more often referred to as a separate category. Far lighter (in terms of material), more casual, and versatile; their role sits somewhere between breezy summer dress, kimono, and robe.
Adventure Yoga
Go
Go is an abstract strategy board game for two players in which the aim is to surround more territory than the opponent. The game was invented in China more than 2,500 years ago and is believed to be the oldest board game continuously played to the present day. Go was introduced in Japan in the 7th century and is played in both schools and competitions.
Thursday
Calligraphy
Calligraphy (shodō: "the way of writing") is the art of writing beautifully. Most children in Japan learn calligraphy in elementary school, and it is also a popular hobby among adults. An interesting aspect of Japanese writing that carries over to calligraphy is the importance that is placed on the order in which the strokes of characters are drawn.
Gardening with JFGM
Toro Nagashi
Ikunosuke “Mike” Kawamura is a survivor of the Hiroshima atomic bomb in 1945 and was two years old when the bomb exploded. Growing up in post-war Japan and experiencing Hiroshima’s perseverance and subsequent prosperity, he became inspired to speak the message of tolerance, understanding and peace between nations. He joined Kyocera Corporation of Kyoto, Japan in 1969 and is known as one of “the Five Samurais” , the original pioneers who established the manufacturing operations in San Diego. He held many executive positions of Kyocera group companies in the US, Europe and South America. He has retired and serves in a number of community organizations including as board member of Japanese Friendship Garden, Japan Society of San Diego, and Tijuana and SD-WISH. At the summer camp the children will be introduced to the story of “The Peace Tree from Hiroshima” and will make paper lanterns to float on the pond in the Lower Garden. Through this program, we hope children will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of world peace and make a safer world for their future.
Friday
Kamishibai
Kamishibai is a remarkable way of telling stories with illustrations that was invented in Japan in 1929. The word literally means "picture-story." Since 2012, Walter Ritter, a veteran stage actor, has presented approximately 3,000 kamishibai stories in classrooms, libraries, senior residences, and other venues including the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa. His program for JFGM Summer Camp will include 2 stories, discussion, and a brief history of kamishibai including its present-day expansion to countries all over the world. Ritter is co-founder and executive director of Write Out Loud and a co-founder of the World Kamishibai Forum.
Cooking with Wa-Shokuiku
The Japanese Friendship Garden is collaborating with Wa-Shokuiku to produce healthy, fun cooking lessons for the family! This workshop adopts the widely acclaimed curriculum of Wa-Shokuiku, based on Japanese culinary education tradition with an emphasis on teaching etiquette, language, nutrition, and presentation.
Week 3
Grades 6-8 | June 23rd-June 27th | 9:00AM-Noon
Monday
Ikigai STEAM I
Join us as we explore the wonderful world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics combining innovation, unique tradition, and cultural heritage at the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum. We will embark on a journey of observation, curiosity, and discovery as we explore the wonders of Japanese nature and wisdom with hands-on experiments, outdoor adventures, and critical thinking activities through this Ikigai STEAM Sampler presented by LKW STEM FOUNDATION! This Ikigai STEAM Sampler will include Bamboo & Sustainability, Ecosystems & Earthworm Adventures, and Koi Fish Genetics and Biomimicry! Our time together will foster collaboration, cultural appreciation, and empower young minds to become innovators and leaders as we laugh and learn together through STEAM Education!
Toro Nagashi
Ikunosuke “Mike” Kawamura is a survivor of the Hiroshima atomic bomb in 1945 and was two years old when the bomb exploded. Growing up in post-war Japan and experiencing Hiroshima’s perseverance and subsequent prosperity, he became inspired to speak the message of tolerance, understanding and peace between nations. He joined Kyocera Corporation of Kyoto, Japan in 1969 and is known as one of “the Five Samurais” , the original pioneers who established the manufacturing operations in San Diego. He held many executive positions of Kyocera group companies in the US, Europe and South America. He has retired and serves in a number of community organizations including as board member of Japanese Friendship Garden, Japan Society of San Diego, and Tijuana and SD-WISH. At the summer camp the children will be introduced to the story of “The Peace Tree from Hiroshima” and will make paper lanterns to float on the pond in the Lower Garden. Through this program, we hope children will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of world peace and make a safer world for their future.
Tuesday
Origami
Origami (折り紙)) is the Japanese art of paper folding. In modern usage, the word "origami" is often used as an inclusive term for all folding practices, regardless of their culture of origin. The goal is to transform a flat square sheet of paper into a finished sculpture through folding and sculpting techniques. Modern origami practitioners generally discourage the use of cuts, glue, or markings on the paper. Origami folders often use the Japanese word kirigami to refer to designs which use cuts.
Ikigai STEAM II
Join us as we explore the wonderful world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics combining innovation, unique tradition, and cultural heritage at the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum. We will embark on a journey of observation, curiosity, and discovery as we explore the wonders of Japanese nature and wisdom with hands-on experiments, outdoor adventures, and critical thinking activities through this Ikigai STEAM Sampler presented by LKW STEM FOUNDATION! This Ikigai STEAM Sampler will include Bamboo & Sustainability, Ecosystems & Earthworm Adventures, and Koi Fish Genetics and Biomimicry! Our time together will foster collaboration, cultural appreciation, and empower young minds to become innovators and leaders as we laugh and learn together through STEAM Education!
Ikebana
Ikebana is one of the traditional arts in Japan. Ikebana involves arranging a wide array of materials including blooming flowers, branches, stems, leaves and moss in vases or other containers to create a visually appealing work of art. In this summer camp, students will create their own design with their imagination, ideas and expressions using flowers, leaves and branches. It will be lots of fun.
Wednesday
Adventure Yoga
Ikigai STEAM III
Join us as we explore the wonderful world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics combining innovation, unique tradition, and cultural heritage at the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum. We will embark on a journey of observation, curiosity, and discovery as we explore the wonders of Japanese nature and wisdom with hands-on experiments, outdoor adventures, and critical thinking activities through this Ikigai STEAM Sampler presented by LKW STEM FOUNDATION! This Ikigai STEAM Sampler will include Bamboo & Sustainability, Ecosystems & Earthworm Adventures, and Koi Fish Genetics and Biomimicry! Our time together will foster collaboration, cultural appreciation, and empower young minds to become innovators and leaders as we laugh and learn together through STEAM Education!
Yukata Dressing
The yukata is a type of kimono. They are sometimes described as yukata kimono, a type of summer kimono, but are more often referred to as a separate category. Far lighter (in terms of material), more casual, and versatile; their role sits somewhere between breezy summer dress, kimono, and robe.
Thursday
Origami II
Origami (折り紙)) is the Japanese art of paper folding. In modern usage, the word "origami" is often used as an inclusive term for all folding practices, regardless of their culture of origin. The goal is to transform a flat square sheet of paper into a finished sculpture through folding and sculpting techniques. Modern origami practitioners generally discourage the use of cuts, glue, or markings on the paper. Origami folders often use the Japanese word kirigami to refer to designs which use cuts.
Ikigai STEAM IV
Join us as we explore the wonderful world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics combining innovation, unique tradition, and cultural heritage at the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum. We will embark on a journey of observation, curiosity, and discovery as we explore the wonders of Japanese nature and wisdom with hands-on experiments, outdoor adventures, and critical thinking activities through this Ikigai STEAM Sampler presented by LKW STEM FOUNDATION! This Ikigai STEAM Sampler will include Bamboo & Sustainability, Ecosystems & Earthworm Adventures, and Koi Fish Genetics and Biomimicry! Our time together will foster collaboration, cultural appreciation, and empower young minds to become innovators and leaders as we laugh and learn together through STEAM Education!
Calligraphy
Calligraphy (shodō: "the way of writing") is the art of writing beautifully. Most children in Japan learn calligraphy in elementary school, and it is also a popular hobby among adults. An interesting aspect of Japanese writing that carries over to calligraphy is the importance that is placed on the order in which the strokes of characters are drawn.
Friday
Adventure Yoga
Ikigai STEAM V
Join us as we explore the wonderful world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics combining innovation, unique tradition, and cultural heritage at the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum. We will embark on a journey of observation, curiosity, and discovery as we explore the wonders of Japanese nature and wisdom with hands-on experiments, outdoor adventures, and critical thinking activities through this Ikigai STEAM Sampler presented by LKW STEM FOUNDATION! This Ikigai STEAM Sampler will include Bamboo & Sustainability, Ecosystems & Earthworm Adventures, and Koi Fish Genetics and Biomimicry! Our time together will foster collaboration, cultural appreciation, and empower young minds to become innovators and leaders as we laugh and learn together through STEAM Education!
Kamishibai
Kamishibai is a remarkable way of telling stories with illustrations that was invented in Japan in 1929. The word literally means "picture-story." Since 2012, Walter Ritter, a veteran stage actor, has presented approximately 3,000 kamishibai stories in classrooms, libraries, senior residences, and other venues including the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa. His program for JFGM Summer Camp will include 2 stories, discussion, and a brief history of kamishibai including its present-day expansion to countries all over the world. Ritter is co-founder and executive director of Write Out Loud and a co-founder of the World Kamishibai Forum.
STEAM in NIWA
Grades 3-5 | July 14th-July 18th | 1:00PM-4:00PM
Hands-On Technology has teamed with the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum for a one-of-a-kind, "STEAM in NIWA" summer camp experience!
The camp week will feature Sustainable Agriculture and Geology components utilizing the JFGM ecosystem as a theme for STEAM learning, exploration and design!
In the Sustainable Agriculture activities, students will get their HANDS dirty and their MINDS open to all of the great things we can explore in with respect to plant biology, soil science, and life science explorations .
Geology: The Architecture of Stone & Sound activities dive into 2 elements of Japanese gardens: stone & water. Students will learn about geology via the merger of stone arrangements and water to create various sound elements.
Core STEAM activities include Virtual Reality Exploration and Engineering Fundamentals so that will supplement practical labs so that students leave camp with a skillset they can take back home and to their school-day classrooms.
Each day will consist of a Practical Activity (Sustainable Agriculture or Geology) and a Core STEAM activity and camp will end with showcase projects at the end of the week.
