Superheroes, magicians, princesses, alien hunters, lions and tigers and bears, oh my! If you thought gymnastics camp was only about practicing somersaults and walking on the balance beam, then you sure haven’t seen Tumblers Gymnastics Centre summer camps.
“Every week has a theme,” explains Tumblers Gymnastics Centre General Manager Christine Groleau. “All the activities of the week will be geared towards that theme. I remember all the kids coming in disguised as superheroes and just being so excited to fly through the air and act like them during their superhero training. It’s really something special to see.”
For SURVIVOR week, participants will work on their teamwork skills as they go on a treasure hunt, Little Ray’s Reptiles will come by for a special visit, and the gym gets transformed into Survivor Island. Other examples of themes are JUNGLE FEVER, CIRQUE DU TUMBLERS and SHARK WEEK.
“Certain themes we bring back every year because they’re so popular,” adds Groleau, highlighting that the week centered on each summer’s Disney movie is always a guaranteed hit.
Appropriate for beginners and seasoned gymnasts alike, children enjoy seeing the familiar faces of experienced Tumblers camp staff, who have all been trained by High Five, a leading organization in ensuring quality standards for children’s recreation and sport.
“Our staff are really part of our family,” underlines Groleau, noting many staff have been present for the bulk of the 10+ years Tumblers summer camps have been in operation. “They’ve been here a long time, they’re well-trained to be camp coordinators, and to run all the camp activities.”
It’s a bright atmosphere where campers can make new friends and progress their gymnastics skills on a daily basis. Crafts and outdoor playtime are also part of the equation, not to mention the guest speakers and special events, which all take place on-site at the large Tumblers facility on Vantage Dr. in Orleans.
The week always ends with Friday pizza day, which the campers will have earned after exercising all week.
The camps run for 11 weeks, from June 22 through Sept. 4. Half days are available for the youngest campers aged 3-5, while single-day rates are possible for parents who may need childcare on a particular day.
“For us, it’s really about being there for the community and meeting their needs,” indicates the director of the 25-year-old not-for-profit community club. “And the demand is there. Our camps have proven to be really popular as a way to keep kids active, and having fun, over the summer.”
Pre- and post-camp care is included with registration, with drop-off as early as 7:30 a.m. and pick-up as late as 5:30 p.m. for the 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. scheduled activities. Oftentimes, convincing campers that it’s time to go home can prove to be a challenge.
“If the parents come early, it’s like, ‘Aww, c’mon, it’s not finished yet!’” Groleau smiles. “They love it. They’re never ready to leave.”