Spring into Action with Bootcamp

We love seeing our kids active and having fun! That is why we love hosting a monthly Bootcamp where our kids have fun together and learn new ways to be active. This week we wanted to introduce you to our fabulous volunteer Bootcamp leader Angie Champsaur. We sat down with Angie to discuss how she became involved at the Playhouse and her visions for bootcamp. Come back next week for Angie’s Tips for Building Fitness into Your Everyday Life.

Interview with Angie Champsaur, GiGi’s volunteer bootcamp leader:

1. What brought you to GiGi’s Playhouse as a volunteer?

Actually, my friend’s cousin Jennifer Gaffney, who serves on the Board of Directors in Atlanta, asked if I wanted to teach boot camp at GiGi’s. Naturally, I said yes! However, I told her that I have only taught adults, so I asked her to pair me with Gretchen to coach and mentor me for the first session. I touched base with Gretchen regarding the exercises that I had planned and we brainstormed some ideas. She was very helpful. Gretchen encouraged me to have fun and enjoy the class. We had a great turnout and my husband was there to assist.

2. Tell me about the Bootcamp program: What are its goals? The boot camp program is design to promote fitness among kids and youth with T21. For the younger class, it’s easy to disguise fitness as fun whether it’s picking up balls scattered around the room and placing them back in the box, or doing jumping jacks or crawling like bears or hopping like frogs. Its super fun! Just as long as they are moving and having a good time, that’s all I can ask for…I’ve actually got the kids so tired that they asked me if we were done. LOL! That’s when I know I’ve done my job. Parents have been great at helping and being involved in the fitness session. 

In the older class, there is no disguising fitness as play. It’s a more mature crowd, and it’s important to focus on the movements and the form of the exercises. Cardio is also important with this age group. They tire easily, so I try to mix it up…I do a circuit with different exercises for a specific amount of time or reps. Other times, I customize the class depending on who attends.

What needs does it address in people with T21? Development of gross motor skills is important for kids with T21. The more practice they get, the quicker they accomplish the tasks and activities; this, paired with good eating habits, creates more opportunity for them to reach new physical milestones.

When and where do you have the class? We hold boot camp every second Saturday of the month from 12-1 (ages 4-7) and 1-2 (ages 8 and up).

3. What are some of the changes you have seen in the kids since you began the class? They hold their focus on activities that they like. So, I mix in a bit of what they like and then throw in something new. For example, if we are picking up scattered balls, I may transition to kicking a big ball. So the focus goes from hands to feet.

4. What has been your biggest joy? Seeing how the kids advance in their gross motor skills and how their stamina improves each week. Also, I like to see how long they focus on an activity. By far, picking up the balls and chasing after me and Luis are among the kids’ favorite activities.

Being part of Gigi’s is so much fun. Luis (my husband) and I enjoy spending time with the kids and helping them get stronger, faster and more fit! Please come see us.

Thank you Angie! The kids sure have fun on Bootcamp Saturdays! Remember to visit the blog next week for Angie’s Five Tips.