Once upon a time in the magical land of Illinois, a state known for its towering skyscrapers, vast cornfields, and the mighty Mississippi River, there existed a group of extraordinary kids with a special passion for gymnastics. They were known as the Twisting Tornadoes of Illinois. Now, these weren’t your regular gymnastics loving munchkins. Oh no, they could be spotted from a mile away by their neon leotards, sparkling hair bobbles, and the sound of their landings that would shake the ground like a stampeding unicorn. They flipped, twirled, and twisted with such an infectious energy that even the gloomy-looking scarecrows in the cornfields couldn’t help but strike a pose. Leading this pack of pint-sized tumbler tots was an imaginary character named Flopsy the Flip-Flopping Flamingo. With his long, bendy legs and a flair for somersaults, Flopsy was the idol of every Twisting Tornado. He taught them the art of balance, the beauty of a perfect dismount, and most importantly, to always stretch before a routine (or risk becoming a knotted pretzel!). Together, they would turn Illinois into their playground, practicing cartwheels in the Windy City of Chicago and flipping off the edges of Starved Rock cliffs. They drew laughter wherever they went, their energetic performances causing local cows to moo in applause and the cornstalks to shimmy in delight. And so, with their imaginary leader Flopsy, the Twisting Tornadoes of Illinois continued to fill their state with the spirit of gymnastics, a dash of humor, and a whole lot of fun. From those blustery Chicago days to the quiet country evenings, Illinois was a state forever made brighter by these tumbling, flipping, laughter-spreading kids.
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Dear Families, Welcome to the wonderful world of Swift Nature Camp an overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 located in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin. I’m Lonnie, the Camp Director, and I’m thrilled to share what makes SNC such a special place for kids and families alike. For nearly 30 years, our mission has been to create an environment where children can grow, discover, and make lifelong memories. Here at camp, we focus on friendship, personal development, and a deep connection to nature—all in a fun, supportive, and adventurous setting. All this without cell phones One of the things that sets Swift Nature Camp apart is our focus on fostering independence and confidence. Whether it’s trying a new activity like canoeing, taking on a leadership role in a group project, or simply navigating life away from home, camp provides endless opportunities for personal growth. We celebrate each camper’s unique personality and encourage them to step outside their comfort zone in a safe and nurturing way. Seeing kids gain new skills and pride in their accomplishments is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. For our youngest campers, Discovery Camp is an especially magical experience. Designed only for first-time campers ages 6-12, this shorter program gives kids a chance to experience the joys of camp life in a way that’s just right for them. It’s amazing to watch these kids try new things—from learning about the natural world to singing campfire songs—and leave camp with big smiles and even bigger stories to tell. Discovery Camp is often the beginning of a long and cherished relationship with SNC, and we’re so proud to see those first-time campers grow into confident and capable young people. Another cornerstone of Swift Nature Camp is our connection to the environment. We believe that nature isn’t just a backdrop for camp; it’s a teacher, a playground, and a source of endless wonder. Through hands-on activities like pond studies, wildlife observation, and outdoor adventures, campers develop an appreciation for the natural world that stays with them long after camp ends. The Camp Zoo is always a favorite, campers can even adopt a pet while at camp.Our goal is to inspire kids to become curious, mindful stewards of the environment. At Swift Nature Camp, there’s never a dull day! With hundreds of land and water activities, campers are always engaged and excited. On land, some favorites include the Lego Cabin, Arts & Crafts, Archery, and exploring the Nature Center. On the water, campers learn Canoeing, Fishing, and Swimming, but the absolute favorites are Tubing behind the boat and jumping off the Water Trampoline. Never is there a dull day because every day is packed with fun, adventure, and opportunities to try something new. Of course, none of this would be possible without the amazing friendships that form here. SNC is a place where kids truly feel like they belong. Campers and counselors alike bring warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm to everything we do, creating a strong sense of community. Whether it’s cheering each other on during a game, collaborating on a creative project, or sharing laughs around the campfire, the bonds formed at Swift Nature Camp are something truly special. Thank you for entrusting us with your children. It’s an honor to be part of their journey and to help create memories that will last a lifetime. If you have any questions or just want to chat about camp, don’t hesitate to reach out. I can’t wait to see what the next camp season holds and to welcome your family to another amazing summer at Swift Nature Camp.
At The Jump Spot in Bloomington, Illinois, we provide gymnastics instruction, physical education programs, and fitness classes for children. We understand the importance of physical activity for growing bodies. That’s why we offer P.E. classes that go into daycare facilities to ensure that your child is getting the necessary exercise to develop and grow. We also offer birthday parties, field trips, and fitness instruction where our staff can act as role models for children in the community. We strive to create an age-friendly environment where children feel safe to learn and grow. We are confident that you will be so pleased with our effective teaching methods that you will keep coming back!
At The Body Compound, your child is guaranteed to gain a well-rounded fitness experience. Our sport program includes the fundamentals of CrossFit, which are gymnastics, metabolic conditioning (cardio) and weightlifting. Each movement will be broken down, and athletes will receive instruction on proper form and technique. We'll tailor the exercises to the individual, scaling the weight or repetitions as needed until the athlete can show proper technique. Safety is of the utmost importance, and we want to make sure every athlete is able to gain speed, strength, and intensity. The 10 components of CrossFit, including strength, speed, power, balance, accuracy, flexibility, coordination, cardio, stamina, and agility, are the focus of our programming. We'll work with each team or individual to cater the programming to their specific needs, but you can rest assured that each workout will be constantly varied, include high intensity, and involve functional movements. Our goal is for each athlete to discover improvement in these areas over the course of the session. At The Body Compound, we work hard to ensure your child gains a comprehensive fitness experience. Our sport program is based on the foundations of CrossFit, and we use the 10 components of CrossFit to create a program that is tailored to the individual or team. We provide instruction on proper form and technique, while scaling weight or repetitions as needed. Every workout is designed to be constantly varied, with high intensity and functional movements. We want every athlete to walk away feeling stronger, faster, and more agile.
In 2000, Victory Academy Lions opened its doors and became one of the first All Star cheer teams in the state of Illinois. With just two teams in the beginning, the program quickly grew in popularity and added more and more teams to meet the demand. After 13 successful seasons at Victory Academy, the organization moved to Gymnastics Etc. in Bloomington and the Lions Cheer Company name was born. In December 2017, Jen Nettleton, the program director for over 16 years, retired and Amanda Wait, a former athlete, took her place. The Lions Cheer Company continues to grow and provide quality All Star cheer teams and class programs to the Central Illinois community. After 20 years of service, the Lions Cheer Company is now the longest running All Star program in the entire state of Illinois.
At our preschool, we believe that kids should have fun while learning and exploring. Through our gymnastics program, we aim to provide a safe, padded environment for children to develop their physical and social skills. This includes helping them learn to follow instructions, move around a circuit, and interact with other children and adults. We want to ensure that our gym kids are prepared for school by building their confidence and teaching them locomotor movements. We understand that children develop at different rates, so our ages listed for each program are just guidelines. We will make sure that each child is placed in the right program. Our preschool gym is designed to provide an enjoyable and energized environment for our little ones to grow and thrive. We strive to create an atmosphere that allows kids to learn and explore, while feeling secure and having lots of fun.
Gymnastics Etc. is the perfect place for your child to explore the world of gymnastics. Our experienced coaches are dedicated to providing a safe and enjoyable learning experience for every child. We understand that children have different levels of ability, and our mission is to ensure that all kids have the chance to have fun while learning the basics and even more complex skills. At Gymnastics Etc., our coaches strive to help children gain self-worth and confidence through small successes. With over 150+ years of gym life and working with young children, our coaches are passionate about instilling a strong foundation of athleticism and positive reinforcement. We want every child to reach their potential and to feel proud of themselves as they work to exceed their personal goals. Your child’s safety and well-being is our top priority, and we strive to create a fun and welcoming environment that encourages growth and success. With the help of our coaches, your child can enjoy all the benefits of gymnastics and make lasting memories.