Come one, come all! Holiday Camps are coming to an ASI near you!
The holiday season is approaching, meaning you probably have a few thoughts on your mind: What am I cooking for Thanksgiving this year? What does Susie want for Christmas? When am I going to go shopping for all of these things?
Have no fear, ASI is here!
Holiday Camps are the perfect opportunity for you to get some holiday shopping and planning in. When you know you will be busy, you can make plans to drop off the kids at one of ASI’s Holiday Camps for a stress-free shopping day. The kids are out of school, and you just don’t have the time to entertain them while also getting holiday shopping done. You can guarantee at Thanksgiving or Winter Break Camp that the kids will stay occupied and will have lots of fun. ASI is offering two different holiday camps: Thanksgiving Camp and Winter Break Camp.
Thanksgiving Camp: Monday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving | 8am-1pm and 1pm-6pm.
Winter Break Camp: During months of December and January when school is out* | 8am-1pm and 1pm-6pm
You have the option of choosing the AM (Morning) or PM (Afternoon) session, or both! Camp sessions are for children ages 3-14 and potty trained. The kids will enjoy learning gymnastics, playing games, and participating in team building and problem solving activities all built around FUN! Remember, if you bring your child to the morning session, a sack lunch should be packed with them. For more information, visit the Thanksgiving Camp Page or the Winter Break Camp Page on the ASI Gymnastics website!
*Camp dates will follow the local school districts current year calendar.
This month’s Student Spotlight at ASI Allen is Miss Megan! Megan and her family first came to ASI Gymnastics for a birthday party, and she now has been attending gymnastics classes for almost a year and a half. She started in Kidz Gym and is now in Coach Brie’s Girls Gold class! Her favorite event is bars because she likes to use her muscles, and it helps her become stronger. Megan says she likes coming to Coach Brie’s class every week because “she is nice!”
Besides doing gymnastics, Megan also loves to go swimming anytime she can! Her mom loves taking her to gymnastics at ASI because she says, “Megan is benefiting from gymnastics by being active and learning muscle control.” They chose ASI because “ASI has a cheerful environment and friendly coaches.” We are so happy that Megan enjoys her class every week at ASI and we can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next!
Arlington
Lauren has been enrolled at ASI Gymnastics in Arlington since she was four years old, and continues to grow more and more within our program. Starting in our Kidz Gym program and now being enrolled in Girls Gold has allowed her to get the full experience of the sport. She attends Open Gyms, Parents Night Outs, and Camp every summer. She loves all of the coaches at ASI, but Coach Kiara has a special place in her heart. Lauren appreciates that when she tries hard, her coach praises her and encourages her to keep going.
Her parents love ASI because “Lauren has loved all of the coaches at ASI Arlington. Gymnastics is the one activity that she works on independently at home. She can be seen doing gymnastics throughout the house. Her love for gymnastics is why we encourage her to continue with ASI.”
Its always an honor to have kids enrolled at the gym that we have watched evolve over the years. Lauren is a rockstar! We can’t wait to see what she does next.
Firewheel
Avery is six years old and has been attending ASI Gymnastics Firewheel for a year! Avery loves gymnastics because “it’s super fun and she likes to learn new moves. She also loves to show off to her friends all the new things that she learns in class.”
Avery likes how nice and patient her coaches are with her when she is learning new things. Her favorite event is trampolines and “she loves straddle jumps.” When asked why they chose ASI, Avery’s family responded, “ASI has a great reputation and a fantastic formula for teaching youngsters. As an adult, I watch her sessions and actually learn things too; not only about gymnastics, but alternative ways for controlling a child with excess energy.” Avery also enjoys swimming and riding her bike.
Keller
Keller’s SpotlightStudent is ten-year-old gymnast Jack! Jack is currently enrolled in Boys Silver Gymnastics with Coach Jordan. Jack loves Coach Jordan because he is “fun to be around, and he is very patient in teaching me all the different moves in gymnastics”. In addition to gymnastics, Jack keeps active with swimming and Tae Kwon Do, but he loves coming to gymnastics because “the coaches are friendly and I feel like I am getting stronger”. We know that Coach Jordan conditions his boys hard, so we can say for sure that Jack is definitely getting stronger!
His parents like gymnastics for Jack because he “really needs to build his upper body strength for swimming, but we are not ready for any real weight-lifting. Using his body weight is the best way to achieve this goal. Gymnastics also helps him work on his flexibility”.
The Olszta’s have been attending ASI for around five years, and Jack began his gymnastics training as a Tiny Tot here in Keller. They left for a few years, but ASI Keller felt like a natural fit, so they returned to ASI because it was “a place we trusted”. We take that trust seriously here in Keller, and are so happy to have Jack attend classes here, where we can help him reach his goals!
Mesquite
Faith has been enrolled at ASI Mesquite for about eight months, and in that time she has truly amazed us all! Faith came to ASI with no gymnastics experience, and in that time that she has been here, she has quickly moved through our entire recreational program, and is now on our Level Two Team! Faith gives 100% to every practice and that is no doubt the reason she has excelled tremendously! Every coach she works with is amazed at how fast of a learner she is! Faith loves coming to gymnastics because, “It’s a great sport, and its never boring!” She also thinks her coaches are awesome “because they make it fun and challenging.” Faith’s coaches have only positive things to say about her as well.
“Faith’s sweet and bubbly personality during class keeps us all entertained! She is such an amazing gymnast, and we all know she will go far with her strength and determination.”
To her parents, gymnastics is benefiting her in so many ways. About gymnastics, “It is such a great balance to her academics. The sport requires a lot of mental concentration that helps Faith outside of the gym in other facets of her life.” When it comes to ASI they had a lot to say.
“Our experience at ASI has been great from the start. The coaching and office staff are all so genuine in their dedication to students. They deal with children of all ages and skill levels, and they have truly inspired my child to excel.”
Plano West
Nine year old, Grant, is one of our awesome Level 4’s on the Boys Team with Coach Lee and Coach Ben. His favorite events on Team are the rings and floor. Grant has been a part of our Boys Program and our Power Tumbling program for three years. He currently attends a Power Tumbling Gold class where he is able to practice his favorite skill, the round-off back-handspring. Grant says he loves gymnastics because, “It’s fun and you get to do flips and back handsprings.” Outside of gymnastics Grant enjoys playing soccer.
His parents chose ASI because “At first it was convenient because it was so close to our house, but we love the nurturing encouraging coaching he’s getting at ASI!” We are so happy to hear how ASI Gymnastics has been beneficial to our athletes.
“It’s teaching him discipline and how to work hard for something he wants.” – Mark and Nicole, Grant’s parents
Rockwall
Dylan is a part of Rockwall’s Gymmie Kids Program and has been for over a year. He is one of Coach Summer’s kiddos and we love watching him progress and grow!
When asked what Dylan loved about Coach Summer, he stated, “Coach Summer is fun and challenges me to do new things I did not think I could do. She is always there to encourage me, be patient with me, and make sure I am safe. She helps me reach new goals without rushing me, and is proud of me at every lesson. I am always happy to see Coach Summer!”
We were curious, so we asked Dylan what other sports he enjoys outside of ASI, and he said “Just gymnastics.” It is his all time favorite sport, he says. When asked, “Why do you love coming to gymnastics?” Dylan answered, “It is fun! I love to jump high and do routines on the trampoline. I also like the rings and strongman stuff. I like when we can be silly and dance around to some of the music with Coach Summer and some of the other coaches like Coach Jonny!” We LOVE watching his love for this sport!
Dylan’s sister, Faith (a current member of ASI Rockwall’s Girls Level 2 Team) started taking lessons with us first. The family was in the gym with Faith one evening and she mentioned to a staff member that she would love to get Dylan involved somehow. Ms. Kate then told the family about ASI’s Gymmie Kid program and that Dylan could work one-on-one with a coach if that would be best for him!
“Dylan is autistic and having an activity that works for him is sometimes a challenge. I chose gymnastics hoping it would help develop muscle tone, coordination, and strength, as well as help with his focus. It has done all of that beyond my hopes, including helping Dylan’s ability to follow instructions and learn many new skills. We are now even seeing muscle definition in his arms, upper body, legs and his core. He has gained better balance, also.”
“It has been a wonderful experience for him ever since! Everyone genuinely cares about Dylan and they always greet him and interact with him in some small way during his sessions. He loves the recognition and it has helped his confidence and social skills,” says the family. “It is one of the best choices I have made concerning his development, emotional, and physical growth!”
ASI Rockwall is extremely fortunate to have Dylan and his family as a part of the ASI Rockwall family. We look forward to what the future holds for Dylan and are grateful that his family is allowing us to be a part of Dylan’s journey!
Paulina has worked at ASI Arlington for almost six months, and she has truly made a great impression on both the coaches and kids. Her dance experience allowed her to smoothly transition into an awesome gymnastics coach. She loves coaching kids, seeing their faces light up when they finally get something, or when you cheer them on.
She’s worked with kids since she was a teenager, between babysitting and teaching dance. In college, she taught dance for a couple of years and then assisted at Montessori for three years. She also played sports all through high school. Her favorite sports were basketball, soccer, and dance.
Paulina heard about ASI Gymnastics at an early age. She attended Open Gyms and Parents Night Outs. Once she saw the post on Facebook that we were hiring, she sent in her resume’ and the rest is history.
Being one of the few sales reps that can help customers and coach their child’s class is not something you see all the time. ASI Arlington is lucky to have someone with versatility under their belt.
Keller
CoachBethany is our featured coach this month in Keller! She has been coaching Kidz Gym and Girls Gymnastics classes at Keller for the past two years, and can also be found lending her creativity and sparkle to Birthday Parties, Camp, and Open Gym. Aside from being a gymnastics coach, her background with children includes working at a church daycare. Coach Bethany began her own gymnastics career at the age of three. She was given a choice between gymnastics and dance, and chose gymnastics because the flips looked fun!
Although she tried other sports like basketball, soccer, and softball, gymnastics was always her favorite. She competed through Level 4 before making the switch to dance. She stayed with dance through high school and spent two years as a Timber Creek Sky Dancer. Although she stopped competing in gymnastics at the age of 12, Bethany says she took so much away from it.
“I would recommend the sport to anyone who asked about it. Not only is it great for muscle development, as well as fine and gross motor skill development, but it’s filled with aspects that are transferable to any other sport or athletic activity. Participating in gymnastics also taught me a lot about life and living. It taught me determination, perseverance, and how to get back up every time you fall. Gymnastics taught me how to be strong not only in my body, but in my mind”.
Coach Bethany’s favorite events to coach are bars and the floor. Her coaching style is “encouraging, creative, and exciting”. Bethany learned about ASI after living in Keller for nine years and having the desire to get back into a gym. As soon as she gained enough experience working with kids, she applied and describes it as the “BEST decision” she has ever made. “ASI is so much fun! Our staff works so hard to keep things interesting. We love to bounce ideas off of each other, and there is always somebody willing to help when you have obstacles. I also love the kids that we have at our Keller gym. They are so kind and funny. There is so much opportunity at ASI to be the best gymnast you can be, AND the best coach you can be. Seriously, the greatest job ever!” We are so glad she feels that way because Coach Bethany’s students love her! Her smile is infectious and she is always a bright, positive energy to have in the gym. She can be heard encouraging her students and laughing with them while teaching every day.
Mesquite
Leah is a compassionate and fun coach at ASI Mesquite that brings so much joy to her students and coworkers. She has been at ASI for two years now, and actually started off working the front desk. Her love for kids brought her into coaching about a year ago, and now she coaches almost every day. She has worked with children her whole life from babysitting, working in her Church nursery, coaching cheer and volleyball camps, to now working with children of all ages. Leah coaches a wide variety of classes from Tiny Tots all the way up to Girls Team.
When it comes to the sport of gymnastics, Leah sees it as so much more than just an activity for children, but something that will help them for years to come.
“Gymnastics is a great staple for a child going into any sport! We work on balance and coordination for the little ones. Going into our recreational program, we teach children how to be focused and also to work on overall strength and flexibility. I feel like gymnastics allows children the opportunity to build a great foundation to help them with any sport they choose to pursue.”
We could not agree more Leah! When we asked her what she loved most about ASI her answer was truly heartwarming, and shows you why ASI Mesquite is so lucky to have someone like her.
“Coaching at ASI has been such a blessing. Not only have I met some of my best friends but seeing these kids every day brings such a great joy to my life. My day could be going so rough but as soon as I call out for my first class and all the kids are excited to be here, that mood is gone in an instant. Setting goals for these kids to achieve and seeing that happen is such a great feeling!” Leah, thank you for impacting so many kids lives on a daily basis. That is what ASI Gymnastics is all about!
Plano West
Kathryn has been coaching at ASI Plano West for almost a year! She coaches Girls Bronze, Power Tumbling Bronze, and Kidz Gym. Before ASI, her background with children included volunteering for Vacation Bible School and a job as a special needs dance assistant. She also competed in gymnastics, dance, and cheer growing up. She loves to travel and hopes to one day live in Europe!
Coach Kathryn says she loves to teach gymnastics because it “teaches children strength, flexibility, and body control at a very young age. The amount of skills you can learn is limitless so you can always strive to achieve a new goal.” She describes her coaching style as “positive, silly, and upbeat.” She coaches at ASI because she has been in the gym since she was two. To her, the gym feels like home.
We are so lucky to have a caring and positive coach like Kathryn on the Plano West team!
Rockwall
Lori has been coaching here at ASI Rockwall for three months, but has been coaching gymnastics elsewhere for the last five years. She currently coaches Tiny Tots, Kidz Gym, and Power Tumbling here in the gym. We are so excited that she is part of our team! Coach Lori says the thing she loves the most about coaching at ASI is the fun and positive atmosphere.
“Walking into the bright and welcoming gym and seeing the excited students and friendly coaches makes the stress of the day go away. Coaching at ASI always leaves me energized and in a much better mood.”
The kids love Coach Lori. She is so great with each of them. Lori has been teaching Special Education students for four years in the public school system and she has been coaching kids in both cheerleading and gymnastics for the last five years. She has always worked with children.
Lori went to Arkansas High School in Texarkana. During her four years in high school, she was a cheerleader and a gymnast. After graduating, Lori attended college at Southern Arkansas University and Stephen F. Austin State University. During this time, Lori was on a large co-ed cheerleading squad at both of these schools. From 2010-2013, she was a National Cheerleaders Association Staff Member.
We wanted to know what kind of activities Lori does outside of the gym to stay in shape. She says just active coaching and keeping her skills up.
When asked what her favorite thing is to coach, Lori said the floor. She describes her coaching style as “enthusiastic, encouraging, and meticulous.” Coach Lori says that gymnastics is so great for kids. “Participating in gymnastics can teach kids coordination, self-discipline, respect, and confidence.”
When summing up her experience coaching here at ASI, her five words to describe it were “fun, happy, comfortable, grateful, and proud.”
We are very lucky to have such an amazing “team player” not only as a coach at ASI, but as part of the ASI family.
Halloween Parents’ Night Out was this past Saturday night and it was a blast! The gyms were completely decorated as different themes and every child went home with candy and a smile! Halloween PNO is the biggest PNO of the year and it never disappoints. Each gym chooses a theme and turns the gym completely into that theme. Every gym also makes a haunted house and they go all out! The endless Halloween themed games keep all of the kids excited and having fun! We hope you were all able to attend to see your gym’s haunted house this year. If not, make sure to put it on the calendar for next year!
The coaches get really creative and dress in costumes based on their gym’s theme. The coaches love Halloween PNO and really enjoy getting in the Halloween spirit. They want to make sure each child has a fun night! ASI holds a contest between all of the gyms based on Best Decor, Best Haunted House, and more! Here are the results:
Best Decorations
1. Keller
2. Plano West
3. Rockwall
Honorable Mention: Arlington / Woodlands
Best Costumes
1. Allen
2. Keller
3. Arlington
Honorable Mention: Arlington
Best Haunted House
1. Arlington
2. Keller
3. Lake Highlands
Honorable Mention: Firewheel / Mesquite
The Gymmie Award (Overall safety and fun in the gym!)
1. Plano West
2. Rockwall
3. Cypress
Each gym had amazing decorations, costumes, and haunted houses and all of the kids had such a great time!
Although it’s only October, Halloween decor is everywhere and the holiday season is in full swing! It’s time to start thinking about holiday gifts for our little athletes! Starting Friday, you will be able to view the new DISNEY collection on the ASI Store, and shortly after you will be able to purchase them in your gym. These would make great gifts or stocking stuffers. Below are some of the items from the Disney line!
These are only some of the awesome products that we will be offering in the Disney Collection on the ASI Store! Leotards, capri pants, shorts, bows, and more!
We will also be offering matching leotards for American Girl dolls!
Make sure to visit the ASI Store to view and purchase these items for your athletes. Don’t forget, the holidays are right around the corner!
