The lure of Netflix, video games, computers and social media can keep many kids inside and seated during the summer months. We all know this isn’t healthy for them, but it can be hard for parents to find ways to entice their children to be active. That’s where Thorbeckes Fitlife Centers comes in. With two locations in Centralia and Chehalis packed with all types of camps, classes and free activities, your kids will be begging to go.
“At the end of each school year, I visit local classrooms with Captain Thorbeckes to talk to kids about staying active throughout the summer and how to enjoy summer treats while staying healthy,” says Samantha Conzatti, youth development coordinator at Thorbeckes. “We have a passion for teaching kids in our community that you can have a healthy lifestyle and still enjoy life. There shouldn’t be any shaming in what you eat, for example. Instead, self-moderation should be taught.”
Thorbeckes’ commitment to this is proven by the wide variety of programs they have to teach kids to enjoy being active.
Summer Camps
Thorbeckes FitLife Centers offers three summer camps that showcase an overview of some of their regular classes, so children can sample different sports and see which one (or ones!) they like best.
Sport Stars Camp: Runs July 11-13 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This camp is for children ages 6-11 at the Chehalis location. Campers will get to sample Thorbeckes Total Athlete Performance (TAP) program, gymnastics and rock wall. $45 for members, $55 for non-members.
Incredible Kids Camp: Runs July 18-20 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This camp is for children ages 6-11 at the Centralia location. This camp will gives campers the chance to try swimming, yoga, laser tag and miniature golf. $40 for members, $50 for non-members.
Bullfrogs & Butterflies Camp: Runs July 25-27 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. This camp is for children ages 3-5 in Centralia. These young campers will get to experience swimming in the junior pool, special kid’s yoga, as well as playing games and some crafts. Campers must be potty trained to attend. $40 for members, $50 for non-members.
“Most people do not grow up near a gym that has so many kid-centered activities as Thorbeckes – it’s really unique,” says Samantha. “As a mom of three boys, I am very grateful for these programs. My children are much more outgoing and friendly than I was at their age because of all the different kids and people they meet at the camps and regular classes.”
Deadline for camp registration is the Friday before the camp starts. Space is limited so sign up now by stopping by either Thorbeckes location or calling 360-736-1683 (Centralia) or 360-748-3744 (Chehalis).
After all that activity, your entire family can come together for the Thorbeckes Dive-In movies. Every Friday night at 7:00 p.m. during the summer, you can lounge in the pool on your inflatable cushion and enjoy a family-friendly movie. The movie is free for members and included in the day-use fee. Also this summer, members and day-use fee guests can play miniature golf for free.
Gymnastics
If your child is ready to jump into a full gymnastics program, Thorbeckes has classes for all ages, starting at just 18 months. Their unique program allows young children to get used to the equipment, new surroundings, different people and other kids in a safe and nurturing atmosphere. They have classes for kids interested in recreational as well as competitive gymnastics. Children with special needs are welcome, too.
“Gymnastics helps a lot with coordination, strength and flexibility,” says Deadra Navolynski, Pacific Gymnastics owner and lead coach and trainer at Thorbeckes. “Kids that do well in gymnastics usually do well in other sports too, so it’s a great cross-training sport.”
All of their gymnastic instructors are certified with the United States of America Gymnastics (USAG) organization, which requires annual re-certification and bi-annual background checks.
Tennis
If your child is looking for a tennis program, something not offered during the summer camps, Thorbeckes has plenty of options there as well. They offer private, semi-private and group lessons for ages 6 and above. If you are unsure where your child fits, they do a free 30-minute skill evaluation to help put them in the right class.
“The tennis program at Thorbeckes is unique in that our tennis players have formed a tight-knit community, it’s very much a tennis ‘family,’” says T.J. Underwood, Tennis Director/USPTA Pro at Thorbeckes. “The kids from the local high school programs all practice together, despite the fact that their teams are supposed to be ‘rivals.’ I don’t think you’ll find any other sport where the kids from Chehalis and Centralia have bonded like they have in tennis. That camaraderie is tightly woven into the fabric of our program, and it keeps us all together.”
Your kids might have so much fun this summer, they will be sad when school starts in the fall. But not to worry – programs such as gymnastics, tennis, TAP, swimming and more go all year round. So whichever sport or sports your child took a fancy to this summer, they can continue to develop year round.
For more information, visit the Thorbeckes Fitlife Centers website. To sign your child up for a summer camp or regular class, call or stop by one of the following locations:
Centralia
2020 Borst Avenue, Unit 2
Centralia, WA 98531
Phone: 360-736-1683
Chehalis
91 SW Chehalis Avenue
Chehalis, WA 98532
Phone: 360-748-3744
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