Once upon a time in the magical land of Illinois, a state known for its towering skyscrapers, vast cornfields, and the mighty Mississippi River, there existed a group of extraordinary kids with a special passion for gymnastics. They were known as the Twisting Tornadoes of Illinois. Now, these weren’t your regular gymnastics loving munchkins. Oh no, they could be spotted from a mile away by their neon leotards, sparkling hair bobbles, and the sound of their landings that would shake the ground like a stampeding unicorn. They flipped, twirled, and twisted with such an infectious energy that even the gloomy-looking scarecrows in the cornfields couldn’t help but strike a pose. Leading this pack of pint-sized tumbler tots was an imaginary character named Flopsy the Flip-Flopping Flamingo. With his long, bendy legs and a flair for somersaults, Flopsy was the idol of every Twisting Tornado. He taught them the art of balance, the beauty of a perfect dismount, and most importantly, to always stretch before a routine (or risk becoming a knotted pretzel!). Together, they would turn Illinois into their playground, practicing cartwheels in the Windy City of Chicago and flipping off the edges of Starved Rock cliffs. They drew laughter wherever they went, their energetic performances causing local cows to moo in applause and the cornstalks to shimmy in delight. And so, with their imaginary leader Flopsy, the Twisting Tornadoes of Illinois continued to fill their state with the spirit of gymnastics, a dash of humor, and a whole lot of fun. From those blustery Chicago days to the quiet country evenings, Illinois was a state forever made brighter by these tumbling, flipping, laughter-spreading kids.
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For over 50 years, Frontier Camp has been dedicated to making disciples of Jesus by sharing God’s Word amidst the beauty of His creation. Since our founding in 1969, we’ve been licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services and are proudly accredited by the American Camping Association. We’re also a member of the Christian Camping and Conference Association. Our mission is to use Christian camping and outdoor recreation as a means to support local churches in fulfilling the Great Commission—evangelizing people of all ages and discipling believers toward deeper maturity in Christ. Frontier Camp offers a dual ministry: during the summer, we host a 10-week youth camp, and throughout the rest of the year, we serve as a retreat facility for churches and like-minded religious organizations. Whether through summer camps or retreats, our goal remains the same: to expose people to Christ and encourage their spiritual growth through His Word and by reflecting His character in everything we do. While we provide top-notch recreation and exciting programming, the heart of our camp is the spiritual impact, rooted in the truth of God’s inerrant Word.
Eckhart Park is a great resource for the West Town community! It boasts 8.85 acres of indoor and outdoor fun. With an indoor swimming pool, two gymnasiums, a fitness center, and a boxing center, the park offers something for everyone. What's more, the outdoors of Eckhart Park provides plenty of fun for families. Enjoy baseball diamonds, an athletic field for football and soccer, and a playground with a water spray feature. Plus, the playground was recently renovated in Summer 2014 as part of Mayor Emanuel's Chicago Plays! Program. Finally, Eckhart Park is home to a community garden. Residents can come together to learn about gardening techniques and cultivate their own plants. With all the amenities Eckhart Park has to offer, it's a great resource for the West Town community!
At My Gym, we believe that encouraging children to explore their physical abilities can open up a world of possibilities. We focus on developing motor skills, balance, coordination, agility, flexibility and strength. We also foster social skills, cognitive abilities, and positive self-image. Our experienced instructors thoughtfully plan each class to ensure maximum physical, cognitive, and emotional development for each individual child. With classes designed for kids from newborns to 10 years old, we’re here to provide an amazing experience that children will love.
The Little Gym has been helping children develop motor skills, build confidence, and set them up for a lifetime of success for over 25 years. Adam and Ileana Stone have been passionate about children since the start, and have made The Little Gym a part of their family. Since its opening in April 2003, the 5-star rated staff has provided training to thousands of children between the ages of 4 months and 12 years old. The staff loves helping children increase their self-esteem and reach their highest level of physical, mental, and emotional growth. Adam and Ileana have used their business experience and knowledge of lacrosse and law, respectively, to make The Little Gym of Chicago one of the best in the nation. Gym Director Tammy Shuk Phillips has been part of The Little Gym family since 1997, when she first joined as an instructor in South Bend, Indiana. With over 20 years of experience in gymnastic competitive and non-competitive programs, Tammy has been the Gym Director of The Little Gym of Chicago since its opening. As a mother of two, Tammy is dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment in which children can grow skills. The Little Gym of Chicago invites you to explore the program offerings and find the one that is right for your child. Come experience the Serious Fun that The Little Gym can bring and see the difference it can make in your child’s life and yours. Happy Handstands!
At Hot Shots Sports, we believe in the power of sport to develop the character of a child, and we take great pride in helping kids find a lifelong love for the game. Our commitment to the players and families who come to us is to provide the highest level of instruction, guidance, and support. We strive to create a positive and encouraging atmosphere for each child to grow, learn, and have fun. Our coaches are passionate about helping kids learn and grow in a safe and supportive environment. We are here to help you and your family make a positive impact on your community and the lives of your children.
At IK Gymnastics, we have a holistic approach to gymnastics that emphasizes the importance of psychological and physical development. We believe in providing a positive learning environment that promotes hard work, balance, and fun. Our goal is to guide gymnasts on a path of positive life-affirming choices that will benefit them, their community, and the world. Our coaching staff consists of experienced athletes who are constantly training and educating themselves on the latest gymnastics trends and methods. We want to provide our gymnasts with the best and most reliable instruction available.
Alina Kruk-Velazquez, the owner of ABC Dance Academy, opened the doors in late 2007. With over two decades of dance instruction under her belt, she was well prepared to bring her studio to life. Since then, ABC Dance Academy has grown and expanded in both size and scope. We now offer a variety of dance classes, from traditional styles to more modern and unique offerings. Our convenient location and friendly staff are also available to answer questions in both Polish and Spanish. In August 2013, ABC Dance Academy relocated to Jefferson Park. This allowed us to expand our dance and fitness classes and also upgrade to a two-dance floor storefront. We strive to provide a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment for our students. Our classes are kept small to ensure that each student can receive the help and attention they deserve. Our instructors are experienced and passionate about dance, and are dedicated to helping each and every student grow and improve.