The Little Gym Summer Camp Programs Keep Children Technology-Free, Physically Active and Mentally Sharp during School Break

SCOTTSDALE, AZ--(Marketwired - April 04, 2017) - Summer should be the time of year when children spend hours outside, enjoying the warm weather, long hours of daylight, and fun activities that keep their bodies moving. According to a recent study that followed a diverse group of children from the start of kindergarten through second grade, this is not the case. Researchers found participants displayed signs of decreased physical activity during the summer months, not during the school year, and, as a result, seasonal-related weight gain. Child development experts at The Little Gym say that researchers pointed to a lack of daily exercise and excessive engagement with media as contributing causes to these findings.

"During summer break, families should have the chance to vacation and reconnect without the constant time constraints of school, homework, and after-school activities," says Ruk Adams, president and CEO of The Little Gym. "Unfortunately, parents' work and other responsibilities don't take a months-long pause. Families are then left looking for alternatives to screen time and other passive activities that have the potential to negatively impact a child's overall wellbeing."

For many families, summer camp programs offer a viable solution. Programs at The Little Gym, for example, deliver active and imaginative camp and class programs that keep kids moving, learning, and having fun. Flexible scheduling options allow parents to enroll their children for as little as a day, or as long as the entire summer. Age-appropriate activities at the Super Quest Summer Camp vary from week-to-week, offering children ages 3 to 8 years a fresh experience each time. Interest-driven Skill Thrill camps allow children ages 6 to 12 years to repeat a camp as they refine certain skills.

"A fun, nurturing summer camp program can benefit a child in so many ways," says Adams. "At our camp programs and classes, children are given the opportunity to interact with positive role models, work with their peers, develop creative skills, and build independence in a safe, secure environment. When kids unplug, they are able to rediscover their creativity, develop relationships with their peers, learn teamwork, gain new skills, and experience success. Keeping children active and learning during the summer months can even reduce the stress of transition into the new school year."

For more information, please go to www.TheLittleGym.com.

About The Little Gym

The Little Gym is an internationally recognized program that helps children build the developmental skills and confidence needed at each stage of childhood. The very first location was established in 1976 by Robin Wes, an innovative educator with a genuine love for children. The Little Gym International, Inc., headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., was formed in 1992 to franchise The Little Gym concept. Today, The Little Gym International has over 330 locations in 32 countries. For more information, visit The Little Gym at www.TheLittleGym.com.