Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — Summer registration is under way at the Steamboat Gymnastics Center.

Classes are available for youth of all ability levels and will run from June 7 to Aug. 26.

During the fall and winter months, as the temperatures get cooler, parents enroll their children in gymnastics to provide some sort of indoor recreation. During the summer months, people like to be outdoors, but there are advantages to taking part in the gymnastics classes in the warmer months of June, July and August.

"It isn't when we have the most people," gym owner Rose Atkins said. "What is good about it is that the class size is smaller, but the people that do come get the best gymnastics. Everybody gets more individual attention through our summer classes."

This summer, there will be five types of classes: Tiny Tots, Tumble Tots, girls developmental, boys developmental and cheerleading.

The Tiny Tots is for children ages1 to 3 and parent participation is required. Tumble Tots is open to children ages 3 to 5 and is a more structured class than Tiny Tots.

The developmental classes for girls are broken down to pre-beginner, beginner, intermediate and advanced. The beginner and intermediate boys classes are held together.

The cost of classes differs by age and level.

New this summer are cheerleading classes, one for ages 7 to 9 and another for children 10 and older. The class will be taught by current and former Steamboat Springs High School cheerleaders and will help introduce the sport.

It is a 12-week session that runs during the same times as the gymnastics classes. Atkins said the Steamboat Gymnastics Center is trying to open that branch of the sport to the community.

Anyone interested in enrolling their children in summer gymnastics or cheerleading classes or anyone with more questions can contact the Steamboat Gymnastics Center at 879-1624.

-- To reach Melinda Mawdsley call 871-4208 or e-mail mmawdsley@steamboatpilot.com