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Jumpstart Play Group: A Great Resource for Parents


Quite Possibly the Secret to Getting Things Done

By: Kim McNeill
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**Instructions to enter a giveaway for free session passes to Jumpstart are listed at the end of the article**

I have to share a great secret in our area. Recently I was invited to Jumpstart to learn about their programs. Jumpstart is next to World Gym in Oakville and well-loved by the parents who already go there.
Jumpstart has a number of programs for kids ages 3 months (Kid Care) to 16 years old from one-time drop offs for playgroup to fitness sessions, summer camps, and boxing. For parents of children from toddlers to school age, Jumpstart playgroups are a flexible option for a little down time for Mom and a wonderful way for children to explore their physical boundaries in a well-designed space and also enjoy some arts and crafts and learning activities.
Playgroup runs six days a week in two hour and a half sessions from 9 to 10:30 and from 10:30 to 12. If you've ever just needed an hour to yourself to grocery shop, work out (there's even a discount on playgroup programs if you belong to the World Gym next door), get your nails done, or even breathe. 
Now that school is out, you may have more than just your littlest one at home, and Jumpstart understands that. They welcome older siblings to playgroup as well. And with a house full of kids, that break can be even more gratifying.
The flexibility in how parents can use the program is truly astounding. Just want to try it for a day? Then call in the morning and let them know you'd like to drop off for a single session for just $15 (and enter our giveaway for a free pass). If you know you would like to use the playgroup but don't know exactly when and how often, there is an 8 session pass for $125. There are also unlimited programs for $125 a month (or $99 a month if you sign up for 6 months--say Macaroni Kid and save $20 on your first month). Jumpstart is even running a summer special: $175 per child for unlimited play in July and August. That means you could, if you like, drop your child off everyday Monday through Saturday for as little as $2.20 an hour. There are even 10% sibling discounts (and a special 20% discount for twins)
So what will your child be doing for that hour and a half? Jumpstart has three unique areas for gross motor skills play and a craft/snack room for . The first area has mats, a climbing wall, and giant hammock. There is also a fitness room with the ability to shoot baskets and more, and the amazing castle room with a swing, zip line, and a ton of fun and appropriate challenges. The session includes lessons and a cool down period at the end.
Jumpstart Therapy and Fitness Network also provides therapy opportunities for children requiring additional interventions with occupational therapy, physical therapy, or speech therapy. One of the aspects of the playgroup program I found most fascinating was the staff. During each playgroup, one of the trained therapists is on staff coming up with great, developmentally appropriate and challenging activities for the kids. The therapists can give all of the kids a developmental boost with well planned activities.
The staff therapists can also be a second set of eyes for parents. If you've ever wondered if your child is progressing age appropriately, the Jumpstart playgroup can be a second set of eyes likely giving parents peace of mind that everything is fine and working on areas that can be strengthened.
Other Jumpstart programs include:
  • Birthday parties: Up to 12 kids get 90 minutes of private party time including 2 professional party hosts, structured activties, playing in the sports and/or castle room, a balloon for each child, and juice/water for the kids and coffee/tea for the parents for $250. You can even add on extra time, more kids, and food.
  • Summer Programs: 3 to 5 hour programs for ages 3 to 16 that can cover learning about different cultures, animals, sports science, fitness, Legos, literature, and even football conditioning for 8 to 14 year olds. Cost is $85 to $120.
  • Social Stars Skills Group: Ages 6 - 9 or 10 - 14 can learn about developing and maintaining friendships, how to initiate conversations, how to be a good sport, learn how to handle peer conflict and teasing and more. Special rate of $89 for 8 classes on Mondays from 5 - 6 pm.
  • Boxing training: Boxing is an excellent sport for overall physical conditioning. Jumpstart has boxing training for ages 4 to 16 in a group or individual setting. The coaches are certified and experienced in training youths. Don't forget that girls can get the same physical benefits! Available Monday through Thursday from 5:30 - 6:30 pm and Saturdays from 8 - 11 am.
  • Kid Care: Want to grab a workout in the evening? Drop off the kids 3 months to 5 years old for fun in the activity room on Monday through Thursday evenings.
  • Fitness Fun and Friends: 4 - 7 year olds and 8 - 13 year olds can practice and develop social skills while also improving their endurance and other fitness markers. Mondays and Thursdays from 5 - 6 pm.
  • Sports Training and Cardio: Prepare your 8 year old and older for seasonal sports.
  • Get Fit: Interval training to improve strenght and physical endurance for ages 9+. Available Monday through Thursday from 3 - 4 pm.
  • Open Gym fitness program: A new spin on family fitness for 6 - 11 year olds. Integrate healthful choices and fitness habits into your child's life with supportive certified personal trainers and licensed therapists. Monday - Thursday from 3 to 4 pm and Monday - Wednesday - Friday from 7 - 8 pm.
Contact Jumpstart Therapy and Fitness for more information

**How to Enter the Giveaway**

Macaroni Kid is fortunate enough to have ten free passes to Jumpstart. That's right! TEN lucky winners will be able to experience a drop off session or class at Jumpstart for free.

To enter, e-mail me at [email protected] with subject "Jumpstart" by Tuesday, July 17th. Please include your name and phone number (the phone number is only used to contact the winner!). 
Rules:
  • Must be 18 or older. 
  • One entry per e-mail address. 
  • Winners will be chosen at random.
  • Once chosen winner will have 24 hours to respond, or I will choose another winner. 
  • By entering this contest, you are automatically agreeing to be subscribed to receive Macaroni Kid via email each week, if you are not already a subscriber. We keep your e-mail private.
Jumpstart link to article

Comments

1) Martha MacKrell said:
Jumpstart sounds great. I am in some serious need of some mommy time. Will try them out ASAP.
10 months, 2 weeks ago
2) Gina Harris said:
Subscribe
10 months, 1 week ago
3) Susan Vaccarelli said:
Subscribe
10 months, 1 week ago
4) Kim McNeill said:
Martha, I think you'll enjoy it! Gina and Susan, I can add you to the list or you can subscribe at this link: http://southbury.macaroniki...
10 months, 1 week ago

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Contest Ends 6/15/2013