Make the Most of Summer-Keep Kids Engaged and In Shape

It’s never too early to start thinking about summer. As a parent, part of your summer plans will be about keeping your kids busy and active. It’s tempting to think they deserve some down time after nine months of school, but we all know that trap: After a week everyone in the family will be climbing the walls.

Of course, there are many alternatives to a summer of inactivity that will please both you and your children. The best ones benefit your kids while the youngsters think they’re just having fun. Still not sure? Are you remembering days spent outdoors in the sticky heat fighting with wasps for your lunch? Don't worry, unless you choose otherwise, most camp participation at Tumblebees will be experienced in air-conditioned gymnastics facilities.

There are many benefits to be gained from eight weeks of tumbling, jumping, running, and twisting at a gymnastics summer camp. First, there are the cognitive and social gains to be made. Gymnastics and tumbling promote development of cognitive skills such as problem solving and spatial awareness. Gymnasts have to figure out how to make their bodies turn and twist to do a trick and still end up facing the right way. They also have to estimate if a given space is large enough to allow them to do a particular trick, such as executing a forward roll without running into the wall. You’ll see your child’s social skills and confidence growing as well while they negotiate the ins and outs of new friendships, teamwork challenges, and partner drills.

Physical growth will also most likely happen with kids who attend a regular gymnastics program. No, they won’t come home taller after the first day, but a gymnastics session is a full body workout. Strength and coordination improve with every skill and trick learned. Trampoline time improves balance and coordination while promoting the development of healthy bones.

If you’re worried that five days of gymnastics will be too tiring, maybe a half-day session is the way to go. Certainly if you’re considering a gymnastics summer camp for a preschooler or young elementary-school age child, a half-day session is probably a good choice. Older kids may be able to handle the full day easily. And remember, camps offer lots of breaks for snacks, drinks, lunches, and less strenuous activities.