Ochsner Fitness has Kidsports, gymnastics camps

Ochsner Fitness Center will operate two special-interest camps this summer, each designed to offer children summer fun while keeping them physically active.

Children can take part in one program all summer long or attend weekly sessions of each, based on their interests:

➤ At the Kidsports Camp, set to run May 15-Aug. 18 at the facility at 1200 South Clearview Parkway, boys and girls ages 3-13 will have access to two floors of gym space, including the Adrenalin Rush III (a 40-foot long inflatable obstacle course); the 100-yard-long Adventure Challenge Maze, featuring rope climbs, slides and obstacles; a 40-foot tumble-track trampoline; and daily swimming in Ochsner’s pools. Field trips for campers ages 5 and up will include the Saints training facility, Airline Skate Park and Adventure Quest Laser Tag.

Kidsports’ XRKade, the center’s interactive gaming room, includes XBox 360, a karaoke station and a Space Walk.

“The games are powered by the children’s body movement, so they’re having fun while getting exercise,” said Tracie Perry, manager of Kidsports.

Kidsports’ summer program also offers arts and crafts projects and dress-up days based on weekly themes such as Western, School Spirit, Circus and a “Kidsports Idol” talent show.

➤ Elmwood Gymnastics Academy, located at 700-C Elmwood Park Blvd., will offer its Gymnastics and Tumbling Camp May 22-Aug. 11, open to potty-trained boys and girls ages 3 and up. Campers, who are divided by age and ability, will have access to the academy’s 18,000-square-foot gym and its equipment, which includes balance beams, bars, floor exercise, vault, a tumbling track and trampoline. Recent additions to the academy include a “foam pit” that enables gymnasts to have a soft landing as they practice their skills; and a 2,200-square-foot pre-school area designed exclusively for the needs of 3- to 5-year-olds.

“Even our youngest toddlers can practice their basic motor skills while working on actual gymnastics and tumbling skills, and using downsized equipment specially designed for their age group,” Perry said.

Campers are transported to nearby Ochsner Fitness Center for swimming. They are also given “downtime” from their physical activities with fun additions such as camp songs and arts and crafts.

The camp day at both camps is the same: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with before care available from 7 a.m., and after care offered through 6 p.m. All camp instructors are CPR-certified.

Special rates are available for multiple weeks, and a 10 percent discount will be given to those who register by April 30.

For more information on the Kidsports camp, call 733-1200; for more on the gymnastics camp, call 733-4496. For a complete summer camp booklet, visit www.ochsnerfitness.com.