Gymnastics camp includes field trips

Registration is under way for a gymnastics camp scheduled by the Fairfield Park and Recreation Department.

The camp for boys and girls ages 7 and older will be Aug. 6-10.

The camp, with instructor Jeff Ide, will include field trips to Milan, Ill., to work out at Quad Cities Gymnastics Academy.

The trips on Aug. 6 and Aug. 8 will consist of five hours of training on Olympic-caliber equipment, including the 40-feet by 40-feet spring floor, 30-feet tumble track, in-ground trampoline, vaulting with pits, several beans and bars at various heights and the giant bar. Participants should bring sack lunches. After practice, the group has been invited to attend the academy?s level 5 workouts and observe their routines. The group will stop at McDonald?s to buy supper on the way home.

Aug. 7, 9 and 10, participants will work out from 8 a.m. to noon at Roosevelt Community Recreation Center.

Ide has 30-plus years of gymnastic experience and will have experienced instructors and volunteers assisting and instructing where needed.

The program is structured to help gymnasts develop balance, body positions, flexibility, self-confidence and strength. Gymnasts will be taught basic to advance gymnastics skills at an individual level. Gymnasts will begin floor tumbling as well as movement on the beam and bar.

All students should wear comfortable fitting clothing, no jeans or jewelry although small stud earrings are allowed. Gymnasts can wear socks if they choose, however, it makes equipment slippery. Hair must be pulled back and out of the face for safety reasons.

The fee is $115 per student.

Registration ends Aug. 6.

For information and registration, call Fairfield Park and Rec at 472-6159 or go to the website www.fairfieldparksandrec.com.