Ms Hoppenthal, a sophomore majoring in elementary education at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, is enjoying her fourth year leading the camp. “I love the kids’ enthusiasm,” she said. Many of the campers, she continued, return for consecutive seasons. “It’s nice to see the familiar faces,” she said.

Ms Hoppenthal has been cheerleading since middle school. “My friend and I just wanted to get involved in something,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun!”

Ms Klabonski will be attending her first year at the University of Connecticut this fall. “This is my second year working at Kids Fit,” she said. Professing a longtime love of children, she added that she is thinking about majoring in child psychology. The cheerleaders lead a morning and afternoon session of about 30 children, with a 45-minute lunch break in between.

During the upcoming August session, said Ms Hoppenthal, she and Ms Klabonski will be welcoming a boy into the cheerleading camp for the first time in its five-year history. “I’m so excited!” said Ms Hoppenthal. “There were a lot of guys involved in cheerleading when I was in high school.”

Shayla Quinn, a former gymnast and one of Kids Fit’s four primary instructors, assists the cheerleaders. “Working at Kids Fit was a perfect opportunity for me to be near my children,” she said. Both of hers sons have been involved in Kids Fit activities. “Kids Fit also sponsors birthday parties where kids can do dance, like the Limbo,” Ms Quinn said. “It’s just a great program.”

 

Kids Fit Schedule:

July 28–August 1 — Broadway Hits: Tumbling, Dancing, and Gymnastics, ages 3–8, 12:15–2:15 pm.

August 4–8 — Three Cheers for Newtown “Summer Spirit” Cheerleading Camp & Gymnastics, ages 4–10, 12:15–2:15 pm

August 11–15 — Brain Gym: Coordination Games, Skills, and Gymnastics, ages 3–8, 12:15–2:15 pm.

For more information, contact Director Heather Law at 270-6447.