When it comes to keeping Bermuda Beautiful, Budokids are kicking it up a notch.

The Budokids Youth Karate Camp 'Kime' were busy last Thursday with their first ever trash-a-thon in the Warwick neighbourhood near St. Mary's Church hall, where their camp is based.

The 25 campers, who are all between five and 13-years-old, weren't only picking up trash though. In the week long camp, which is led by Sensei Reuben Bean, the Budokids learn martial arts and self-defence techniques.

Home lessons in yoga are given and all the kids learn about the the human energy system and just how good stretching is for their bodies.

Self-discipline and respect are keys to the success of the camp, Sensei Bean said in a press release.

"And the kids even watch a few martial arts flicks," he said. "Now in its second year, the camp hopes to give back to their community by literally cleaning it up," he said.

"What we are trying to do is not only perfect the physical attributes of our kids through karate but also their inner selves," he said. "We have a range of methods which lets us help the kids emotionally, mentally and physically."

"Parents can't fathom how I can have 30 kids in a class and keep their attention," he said. "But it comes down to teaching to their individual needs and teaching with love."

"The trash-a-thon was a major success," he said, adding that each camper picked up close to a bag of trash each. Not only did the campers show leadership skills but they also showed team work, " he said, with the group breaking into teams to do the collecting.

"Teamwork is major part of what the camp is about," Sensei Bean said. "If you know how to work with one another then you will know how to interact with the community as whole and I think that is the only way for Bermuda to move forward."

Sensei Bean said that he also hopes to give back to the students with a karate scholarship programme which is set to get underway at the start of the school year.

In December he began the Giketsu Martial Productions Foundation he said, adding that Giketsu means self determination.

"We will be working with parents and the schools. Each student will have a special report card that the teacher and parents must sign, and based on these reports the foundation's executive will decides who will receive a scholarship.

"The foundation is all about perfecting the character of these kids who are all wonderful kids," he said. The foundation is part of his vision to help to bring Bermuda together. The first scholarship will be awarded in the winter term of this year.