FLEMING ISLAND – Code Ninjas is looking to teach children how to code in a fun and exciting way.

The ability to code continues to grow more and more essential to any given person’s skill set as time goes on and students are being encouraged everywhere to add coding to their tool box. It’s not just a great skill for more technological jobs, but it can be helpful in virtually any job these days. A new business in Fleming Island is looking to make coding easier than ever.

“We really highlight that we have a great program that allows kids to learn to code in a fun and engaging way that’s ideal for ages seven through 14,” Fleming Island Code Ninjas center director Ryan Clark said. “Our kids here learn to code by coding websites, games, robotics and more. As parents, you want that extensive screen time every kid has to turn into productive time and coding is the bridge for that.”

Coding is basically the computer language used to develop apps. Websites and software.

Code Ninjas opened as a national company about five years ago and Clark had been interested in it from essentially the start. As a military veteran with more than 20 years spread between the military and Corporate America, Clark learned first-hand the importance of coding and technological knowledge. It’s why he wanted to ensure his own children know coding.

His daughter is enrolled in Code Ninjas and Clark said she loves it. She works on coding websites, robotics, games and more at 1860 Town Hall Circle, Suite 58 B while learning different coding languages like Java, Lua and C-Sharp.

“I was really looking for something that could keep my child’s interest while teaching them an essential skill such as coding and Code Ninjas was perfect for that,” Clark said. “If you treat coding like any other class a child might take, they might not stay as interested, but Code Ninjas uses innovative ways to keep children engaged.”

There are nine Code Ninjas belts students can earn and it takes about one to three months to earn a belt. They earn these belts by learning different coding languages through popular games like Minecraft and Roblox. Clark said something that’s especially cool is that parents can login to a Code Ninjas Dojo at any time to view what their child is working on.

“It’s been cool getting the family together to actually play a game my daughter coded herself,” Clark said.

Fleming Island’s Code Ninjas is the only shop in Clay County, and it’s been open since Feb. 8. Clark said it follows all CDC guidelines and state laws. The teachers, or Code Senseis, wear masks at all times, everything is disinfected in between uses and social distancing is encouraged.

Subscriptions are typically monthly and cost from $229 to $240 a month, although Clark said there are early enrollment specials available now that can knock about 30% off from the price. Members also get 10% off of coding summer camps with Code Ninjas, spring break camps weekend “Parents Night Out” events. Those interested can visit https://www.codeninjas.com/fleming-island-fl for more details or call at (904) 375-0653.