School’s out for the summer, and for a lot of parents, it feels like school is actually out forever. Keeping children occupied after school is a task in and of itself, but when you add eight extra hours during the summer days, it seems impossible to try to find entertainment for the little ones.
Tiffany Hock, the marketing director for Elite Sports Clubs, discusses the Elite Sports Club program for kids and other events the club offers to keep kids entertained, so parents can enjoy some peace and quiet for their workouts — or even for an entire day.
CS: What events does Elite Sports Clubs offer that are child-friendly?
TF: Elite Sports Clubs has a variety of child-friendly programming throughout the entire year. Thanks to our unique facilities we’re able to accommodate both indoor and outdoor activities to keep children of all ages active and moving. Some of our larger programs include things like full or half-day summer camps, swim lessons, tennis lessons, music lessons, dance lessons, martial arts, swim club, basketball camps, sports-specific training as well as athletic performance training. In addition we also host one-off programs like Pirate Day, Mermaid Day, American Girl Doll Club, Kids Night Out, Family Fun Night, holiday themed parties, talent shows, music and dance recitals, and movie-themed parties.
CS: How many children come to events or come to your club during the summer to stay busy?
TF: Our lessons and camps are our most popular programs for kids to stay busy all year round. But many come after school or on the weekends just to hang out with each other or together with their family. It’s pretty even between the days of the week, with Sundays being less popular for the kids.
CS: What amenities do children use the most?
TF: We have a truly unique space at one of our clubs called “The Quad” that has been a huge hit with kids. They go there to play basketball, volleyball, soccer, ping pong, mini bowling, use the batting cage or the interactive arcade games or just to run around in the four-story space maze. The parents love it just as much as the kids do because their children are being active while also enjoying time with their friends in a safe, supervised atmosphere. Other than that, we have playrooms and full-size basketball courts at all of our locations that are always being used by the families.
CS: Around how many family memberships do you boast?
TF: Over 28 percent of our membership base are under 18-years-old. The kids love coming to the club with their family or sometimes on their own. And the parents love that they can drop off their tweens and teens at the club, knowing it’s a safe environment where their kids can have fun but still be supervised. We’re always very busy on those days where the kids have off of school.
CS: Can you tell me about the Elite Sports Club program?
TF: During the summer we have what we call “SCAMP” during which we offer one- or three-week sessions, full or half day, for pre-school age all the way to age 11 (plus a counselor in training program for ages 11 and up). The camp offers fun and fitness for kids and peace of mind for busy parents.
Every summer since 1987, parents have trusted SCAMP to provide an incredible variety of supervised, age-appropriate indoor and outdoor activities in a completely safe, secure environment. Children participate with our seasoned staff in a variety of sports including swim, tennis, and other activities such as crafts, indoor and outdoor games, field trips, theme days and more.
Lessons are part of the daily activities for SCAMPers. Tennis and swim are taught by professional instructors. Children develop important skills to become great young athletes. The camp is open to members and non-members.
CS: How many kids generally utilize the Elite Sports Club program?
TF: Last year we had over 300 kids involved in our various summer camps and this year we’re on track to do even better as we continue to expand our program offerings. The camps usually start the first week after school gets out in mid-June and end in late August, right before the school year starts up again.
CS: What’s an average day like for the children participating in the Elite Sports Club program?
TF: The average day will include games, sports, tennis and swim lessons, martial arts, open swim, arts and crafts, snack and lunch time. Plus, once a week there is a special themed day where kids and their counselors dress up and do special activities. There’s also a field trip each session as well.
CS: What are the benefits you see in including children in activities in the club?
TF: We aspire to make it fun and easy for families to stay healthy and active. By offering childcare and exciting kids programs to entertain children, parents are able to get in a workout or enjoy their own recreation at the club. The entire family is better off for it, and have the freedom to enjoy everything Elite has to offer on their own or together. We’ve created facilities and programs that will appeal to members as their family grows and their needs change. And that’s why so many of our members have stayed with us for so long.
