By Ottawa Sports Pages, for Tumblers Gymnastics Centre
Astronauts, dinosaurs, witches and wizards – “Holy Superheroes Week, Batman! I thought this was Gymnastics Camp!?!”
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 Interim General Manager Jimena Gravelle. “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.”
Princesses and Pirates, Welcome to Disney & more!
For LOST IN SPACE week, participants explore gravity, balance and science through gymnastics, while making their own set of planets. Other themes include THE MIGHTY JUNGLE, HOLLYWOOD and WACKY WONDERLAND, to name just a few.
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 Gravelle, noting numerous staff have been present for many of the 15+ seasons Tumblers summer camps have been in operation.
It’s a bright atmosphere where campers can make new friends and progress their gymnastics skills on a daily basis. Crafts and outdoor play time 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 in Orleans.
The week always ends with Friday pizza and popcorn day, which the campers will have earned after exercising all week.
Pre- & post-camp care included
The bilingual camps run for 10 weeks total, with many of the most popular theme weeks filling up fast.
“For us, it’s really about being there for the community and meeting their needs,” indicates Gravelle, who leads the not-for-profit group that’s served the community for over 30 years.
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 the campers that it’s time to go home can prove challenging.
“If the parents come early, it’s like, ‘Aww, c’mon, it’s not finished yet!’” Gravelle smiles. “They love it. They’re never ready to leave.”
For more information, visit https://tumblers.ca/summer-camps/ or call 613-834-4334. Register via: https://www.amilia.com/store/en/tumblers-gymnastics-centre/shop/programs/86706?subCategoryIds=4351797
