Say the words, “video game” and kids are bound to stop and listen, but now kids can actually help build video games that are similar to ones they love to play at Floral Park’s brand-new learning center, Code Ninjas, that just recently opened.
“I was in corporate America for more than 20 years,” said Bellerose resident and owner of Code Ninjas Floral Park, Kee Ma. “It was time for a change and this is my chance where I can contribute to the community. Kids are our future and I want to prepare them as best as I can. Code Ninjas is a franchise that provides a fun, inviting environment for kids at all levels to gain valuable life skills including coding, math, logic and problem solving.”
Upon graduating from Binghamton University with a major in economics, Ma pursued various career paths in corporate America before realizing he wanted to be his own boss. Being a father of two children, ages 5 and 7, Ma began to notice a gap in the education system and the fact that basic coding and computer skills were not being taught. He wanted to give his kids and all children in the community the chance to get a head start in the coding market and STEM industries while still having fun at the same time. With nothing else like Code Ninjas in the Floral Park area, Ma knew that the village would be the perfect addition to further children’s education and make them excited to learn.
“Code Ninjas is a center where children learn to code in a fun, non-intimidating way by playing and building video games they love,” explained Ma. “With a robust, nine-belt curriculum inspired by martial arts, Code Ninjas keeps kids engaged while parents see their children gain life-changing STEM skills. We offer a place for kids to let their imaginations go free by creating what they want to create through coding. Code Ninjas is a place where we try to make it as stress-free for the parent as possible. There’s no homework, no lateness and no need to worry about cancellations.”
In addition to coding, Ma hopes that Code Ninjas can build kids’ overall confidence, independence and interpersonal skills.
“Everything around us is comprised of coding so no matter what industry a child chooses, there is a high probability that it will require coding,” said Ma.
The new learning center is targeted towards children ages seven to 14, who can look forward to visiting the new Code Ninjas where gaming is celebrated and with Code Ninjas drop-in program from 3 to 7 p.m. from Mondays through Fridays, parents and kids alike will see results. Code Ninjas also offers summer camps from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekly.
Code Ninjas has a game-based curriculum made up of nine belts, just like martial arts. The curriculum is self-paced, but not self-taught. Kids get immediate help and encouragement from so-called “code senseis,” as well as their peers as they advance from white to black belt. The program keeps kids motivated with little wins along the way along with “Belt-Up” celebrations where kids receive color-coded wristbands to mark their graduation to the next level. By the time a child finishes the program, they will publish an app in an app store.
“I am hoping to give our kids the tools to prepare for the future and most importantly a safe environment for them to have fun and learn,” said Ma. “I hope that Code Ninjas will be a household name that every parent will hear of.”
Code Ninjas Floral Park is located at 246 Jericho Tpke. For more information about the Floral Park Code Ninjas location, visit www.codeninjas.com/locations/ny-floral-park or call 516-0253-0328.
