Little Gym is big on child development

When Michael and Elizabeth Chadwell moved to this area from Scottsdale, Ariz., they missed the experiences they had with their children at The Little Gym. They missed it so much they opened one here.

“I grew up in the area of the gym and am very familiar with the community of Georgetown,” Michael said. “There are very few activities in the area that provide a noncompetitive environment for kids, even fewer for birthdays for younger kids.”

The gym offers classes to children through age 12 based on a three-dimensional learning philosophy that has been part of the franchise since the first gym opened 40 years ago in Bellevue, Wash., including the core programs Brain Boost, Get Moving and Citizen Kid.

Through Brain Boost, classes nurture listening, concentration and decision-making skills to benefit children outside the gym.

Citizen Kid promotes teamwork, sharing, cooperation and leadership through time spent with friends and peers.

Get Moving helps develop flexibility, strength, balance and coordination through physical activities.

Little Gym offers gymnastics for children aged 10 months to 12 years and a Parents' Survival Night once a month where children are dropped off for three hours of fun in the gym. In the spring, the Chadwells plan to add classes for 4- to 10-month-olds and eventually add dance classes to the program.

Birthday parties are available on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

The Little Gym, at 21500 Carmean Way behind Redman's in Georgetown, held an open house Sept. 9 with a large turnout. The gym is open Monday-Saturday for classes. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4:15 to 7:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays.

Go to thelittlegym.com/GeorgetownDE or phone 302-856-2310 for class schedules and pricing information.