SUMMER CAMP PROGRAM
Kizuna's Summer Camp is a local program for students entering 2nd to 8th grade, centered on building a foundation of Japanese American culture & heritage.
Stay Tuned for 2025 Summer Camp Registration!
Thank you so much in your interest of our Kizuna Summer Camp Program. We can’t wait to see you all next summer.
We believe that every child should have the opportunity to attend Kizuna Summer Camp regardless of financial status. This year, as we continue to create a culture of access and inclusivity, we are proud to offer full scholarships to those for whom price might be a barrier. This full-tuition scholarship is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to applicants who qualify, until funds have been exhausted. Please contact Miki@gokizuna.org to apply.
2025 CAMP DATES - Tentative
Monday - Friday | 9:00am - 5:00pm
Orange County Buddhist Church: June 23rd - 27th, 2025
Union Church of Los Angeles: July 7th - 11th, 2025
Gardena Buddhist Church: July 14th - 18th, 2025
Gardena Buddhist Church: July 21st - 25th, 2025
First Presbyterian Church Altadena: July 28th - August 1st, 2025
West Los Angeles United Methodist Church: August 4th - 8th, 2025
COVID-19 POLICY
Our students’ and staffs’ health is our top priority. Please read our COVID-19 Policy below prior to registering for our programs.
We’re Hiring! And Volunteer Service Hours For Teens!
ABOUT OUR CAMP
Summer Camp is a week-long program that combines fun-filled Summer days with activities reflecting Japanese American culture, heritage, and workshops.
Our students’ and staff’s health is our top priority. Please read our COVID-19 Policy prior to registering for our programs.
CULTURE & HERITAGE
Summer Camp is a fun and exciting way for your kids to learn about their culture and heritage. We pride ourselves on creating a program that our campers will remember. Example activities include mochitsuki, Japanese calligraphy, family oral histories, Japanese American values, book readings, and much more.
Frequently Asked Questions!
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We have been looking at third party companies that would provide us with daily bagged lunches, but it does not look like a viable option this year. Please still send your camper with lunch every day.
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Kizuna charters buses to bring our campers to Little Tokyo. We’ll tour JANM and Little Tokyo, check out historical spots, murals, and more. Interested parents may contact miki@gokizuna.org for chaperone opportunities. We encourage campers to bring money for lunch or toys or both.
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Sunscreen for hot summer skies, water for walking around and cash for any lunch, toy or boba purchases.
Campers can purchase to-go lunches from one of the grocery stores but may also bring a packed lunch if they would prefer.
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This year we are implementing a new registration system. If your child is interested in being in the same group as a friend, please coordinate with the other camper to register in the same animal class. After youth are registered, all requests/substitutions will be accepted on a case-by-case basis and not all will be accommodated.
Late substitutions throw off the balance of groups and make for a less enjoyable experience for campers and counselors alike. Kizuna Summer Camp creates a space for new friends and new experiences and we hope parents will help us advocate for those opportunities.
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$325 per camper until March 31st!
$375 thereafter.
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We believe that every child should have the opportunity to attend Kizuna Summer Camp regardless of financial status. This year, as we continue to create a culture of access and inclusivity, we are proud to offer full scholarships to those for whom price might be a barrier. This full-tuition scholarship is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to applicants who qualify, until funds have been exhausted. Please contact Miki@gokizuna.org to apply.
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We strongly encourage everyone to be up to date on COVID shots and the most recent boosters. Outbreaks are likely in close quarters even with precautions. Kizuna is not requiring proof of vaccination this year.
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Open of registration - April 1, 2024: Full refund
April 2, 2024 - June 15, 2024: 75% refund
June 16, 2024 - The start of summer camp: No refund
Kizuna Summer Camps are made possible, in part, by the generous support from
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Most newcomers are curious about the workshops and activities that we host at camp. Our Summer Camp programming aims to teach campers about Japanese American values, culture, and traditions such as the ones listed below.
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KANSHA
We encourage campers to show gratitude to our amazing counselor team and everyone who makes camp happen! We also encourage them to think about the older generations who persevered through hard times and made it possible for Kizuna to exist and keep camp going!
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INCARCERATION ESCAPE ROOM
Students learn about the incarceration camps that Japanese Americans were put into during World War II. This workshop is highly interactive, where students must complete a series of challenges and clues to “escape” from their unjust circumstances. Whether it is through historical photos, a geographic map of the continental United States during WWII, or through a historical book, all challenges engage the students' imaginations to learn more about this important epoch of American history.
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SEKININ
We encourage our campers to understand their impact on their community. Though they may be small now, they still have a responsibility to their friends, family, and counselors to do their best in participating in camp activities!
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EMPATHY
We believe that empathy is the cornerstone of building strong relationships and fostering inclusivity. Through activities and workshops centered around understanding and respecting others' perspectives, campers not only develop compassion but also learn the importance of supporting one another, creating a warm and welcoming community where everyone feels valued and accepted.
DONATE SUPPLIES TO SUMMER CAMP
During Summer, Kizuna hosts six summer camps across Southern California, serving over 500 youth each year. Please consider donating supplies from our Amazon Wishlist. These supplies could make a big difference in helping us here at Kizuna to empower young people, engage and advocate for your community and build collective identity amongst a future generation of leaders.
A VERY CARING STAFF
Our staff cares A LOT about our campers. We guarantee that our staff will give everything they have to create a memorable and worthwhile experience for the your kids. We intend for our campers to remember Summer Camp forever.
KIZUNA STAFF TRAINING
Kizuna's staff training modules are conducted to build a safe, exciting, and learning environment for your child. Our training is an annually held certification program curated and facilitated by Kizuna staff. Here is a sneak peek at what we require and cover with our counselors before the start of any Summer Camp Program.
BACKGROUND CHECKS
All of our counselors are required to go through a California Department of Justice level background check and fingerprinting service to ensure that our counselors will create a safe and healthy environment.
TRAINING TOPICS
Conflict Resolution
Public Speaking
Communication Skills
Emotional Intelligence
Facilitation Skills
Leadership Skills
Professional Behavior
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
No problem! Email info@gokizuna.org and we'll get back to you as soon as possible!
