Bouncing Bears is a unique and integrated program that will challenge your child as he or she develops physically and socially. Your child will be exposed to activities that enhance flexibility, balance, rhythm, and motor skills. Age-appropriate classes incorporate music, dance, puppets, relays, games, gymnastics apparatus, skills stations, and creative obstacle courses. An emphasis is placed on community and socials skills, as well as the Y’s core values: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Tumblebears (Ages 3-5)

Our movement education program provides children with a safe, fun, kid-oriented environment where we focus on the total wellbeing of each child. Through themed lesson plans, the students experience a variety of bouncing, tumbling, swinging, balancing, rhythm, and body awareness activities, with gymnastics skills developed along the way.

MUSICAL BEARS (Ages 3-5)

Musical Bears is a lively preschool class fostering creativity, coordination, and a love for music in young minds. Utilizing our bouncing bears area, our program supplies an engaging and nurturing environment where children can explore a variety of music and the art of movement through playful activities.

Hot Shots (Ages 4-5)

Each class incorporates a warm-up, obstacle course, skill & station practice, and group time utilizing fun games, relays, parachute, and more! With an increased attention span and improved strength and flexibility, progression of skills are acquired more easily. Combinations of skills are presented to improve their memory. Social skills, problem solving, and creative thinking are emphasized. Target skills: tuck, straddle, and straight jumps, run, jump, and roll, inverted hang on rings, hopping on one foot, cartwheels over block, and so much more!

Gym & Swim Combination Class (Ages 3-5)

This 90-minute combination class features two specialties in one class! In the first 45 minutes, children will develop their skills learning basic tumbling and preschool gymnastics through stations, circuits, and games. The second half of class features a 30-minute swim class taught by a YMCA swim instructor. Children will be accompanied by their gym instructor and MUST come prepared with their bathing suit on under their gym clothes. Drop off in Kid Zone/Pick up in the Forese Family Pool. Those interested in participating in only the gym portion of this class may do so, space permitting. Please contact Donna Carpenter at 203-920-1639 or by email.

Little Flips (Ages 3-5)

This structured class focuses on movement education and creative expression through the use of developmentally appropriate gymnastics skills. Our preschool program is a great way to improve your child’s self-confidence, flexibility, body-awareness, and listening skills.

Our recreational gymnastics program offers a variety of classes designed to be fun and challenging and that will enhance your child’s overall athletic ability. It is a great fit for kids who want to learn gymnastics skills, stay fit, build strength and flexibility but don’t want to commit to long hours in the gym or partake in competitions. It is our goal to help each and every gymnast enjoy the sport of gymnastics and discover their potential in a positive and encouraging environment. Please contact Donna Carpenter at 203-920-1639 or by email with any questions.

Kinderbears (Ages K-6.5 Years)

This class is designed as a bridge between our preschool and grade school programs for children who need more of a challenge and can follow directions. Students will work on tumbling skills similar to our Novas 1 school-age class and more equipment-specific skills, as well as fun games and activities each week.
Season: Fall, Winter, & Spring.

Novas: Level 1 Beginner (Ages K-7 Years) 

This class is for those ready for a structured format in our recreational gymnastics program. Our goal is to instill confidence and help children develop basic gymnastic moves that will help them improve involvement in all sports. This class is taught with a strong emphasis on tumbling and allows each child to develop at their own pace.
Seasons: Fall, Winter, Spring.

Novas: Level 2 Advanced Beginner (Ages 7+ Years, Some Experience) 

This 90-minute combination class features two specialties in one class! In the first 45 minutes, children will develop their skills learning basic Focus is on learning and improving basic skills including cartwheels, handstands, backbends, rolls, kick-overs, back handsprings, and bar & beam moves. We will challenge athletes individually to help improve their gymnastics skills.
Seasons: Fall, Winter &  Spring.

Supernovas: Level 3 Intermediate-Advanced (Ages 7+ Years, Experience Required) 

This structured class focuses on movement education and creative expression through the use of developmentally appropriate This intermediate-advanced class is for those who have mastered the basics, including back rolls, cartwheels, and handstands. We will focus on refinement and more difficult moves and combinations.
Seasons: Fall, Winter & Spring.

Move & Groove Gymnastics (Ages K-8 Years)

This 90-minute class features two specialties in one class! Each class features 45 minutes of aerobic exercise incorporating a mix of fun dance styles, followed by 45 minutes of structured gymnastics. All classes start in the Mind Body Studio.
Seasons: Fall, Winter & Spring.

Tap & Tumble (Ages K-8 Years)

Each class incorporates a warm-up, obstacle course, skill & station practice, and group time utilizing fun games, relays, parachute, and This one-hour combo class offers children the chance to explore tap movements as we work on rhythms and coordination, and tumbling. Tap Segment: 30 minutes of basic tap to more complex moves, with great music! Tap shoes required. Gymnastics Segment: 30 minutes of tumbling and gymnastics progressions.
Seasons: Fall & Winter.

Kinderbears (Ages K-6.5 years)

This class is designed as a bridge between our preschool and grade school programs for children who need more of a challenge and can follow directions. Students will work on tumbling skills and more equipment-specific skills, as well as fun games and activities each week.