The topic drew only a small group of coaches, resulting in a brainstorming session. I posted the resulting notes on RecGymnastics.com
My main conclusion was that coaches from socialist nations like Canada are mostly ignorant when it comes to business and career planning. The USA has many experts in that field. My strongest advice for coaches is to bring in an expert like Frank Sahlein, Founder and CEO of 3rd Level Consulting.
I’ll be taking my own advice, consulting with Frank this Fall.
Based on the premise that people are made to move, Motion Evolution integrates physical literacy, nutrition education, brain-body science, personal best and play, making the program a complete wellness package.
… Built by Tumblebus, the leaders in the area of mobile gym buses, The Discovery Bus is a 1991 International diesel converted school bus, in very good condition. A propane generator runs two air-conditioning units. The Discovery Bus is not affiliated with any franchise and you will own the intellectual property rights for a program that supports both typical and special needs kids
A wonderful business for anyone who loves working with children. The Bus also works exceptionally well in the market for children with special needs. We provide well defined, clear instructions to get you up and running immediately and we will happily share our extensive experience with the new owners.
The Bus is beautifully fitted out to accommodate a wide range of equipment including tumbling mats, climbing wall, zip line, vault, multiple balance beams, monkey bars, swings, rings, slide, trampolines and more. Safety features include padded gymnastic flooring and carpeting on the lower walls. Additional sensory equipment has been added to the Bus to provide a Sensory-oriented preschool motor development program.
Asking price – $24,500. Email Rochelle@achievabilityllc.com or call 407-977-7874 for more information. We are located in Orlando, FL, but the bus can be relocated.
I am presenting for the second time ever at this excellent event hosted this year at Phoenix Gymnastics, Vancouver.
Aug. 26-28th, 2011
Four NEW presentations in the Gymnastics for All Stream:
~ Making a Career Out of Coaching
~ Building and Maximizing Adult Rec
~ Class Planning for Recreational Gymnastics
~ Bars and Beam – Making it Fun
Other presenters from away include Business guru Frank Sahlein and Steve Arkell, former US National Team Coach. One of my favourite gymnasts ever is presenting, Kate Richardson. Tumbling specialist Derek Hanson will be a big draw, as well.
I’m impressed with the 2nd Edition of the CANGYM recreation program developed by Gymnastics Alberta. It’s a significant improvement on the original.
The CANGYM National Badge Program is Gymnastics Canada’s National Skill Development and Evaluation program for Men’s and Women’s Artistic Gymnastics.
This program is intended for use with participants of varying abilities aged 6 and older, including beginner level participants through to entry level competitive gymnasts.
Utilizing the CANGYM badge program allows participants, coaches, and parents to monitor progress in addition to being a motivational tool for athletes. …
It’s a big binder with supporting documentation available on an accompanying disk. There is no on-line support, however.
CANGYM looks expensive at $110 from Gymnastics Canada. But a club needs purchase only 1 copy. Everything is photocopy ready. In fact, I would say it’s a bargain. I’m not aware of any other badge system as good.
The CANGYM levels are often used for Report Cards.
The program is not perfect for every club, but it’s a great “starting point” for building your own program.
The most controversial part is the CANGYM badge program. Many clubs use it. Savvy coaches break some of the levels into 2 parts, allowing more kids to progress more sessions. Some clubs even produce their own badges rather than use the astonishingly expensive official badges. ($2.53ea).
Overall, I highly recommend the binder as a resource for every recreation program.
I volunteered last week at Renmore, an up-and-coming club. They’ve doubled (or tripled) their membership since moving into a full time facility about 18 months ago.
I tried to work with as many kids as possible,( … though I wasn’t much help with the Rhythmic girls). Renmore offers Tumbling, Rhythmic, WAG and MAG Artistic. And a bit of Acro.
Here’s a brief glimpse of what happened that week, culminating in the Year End Show.
I’m not sure why, but adult gymnastics is BIG right now. And Chelsea Piers, NYC is the Mecca of adult gymnastics worldwide.
NBC TODAY Show
More and more adults are signing up for gymnastic classes to get fit. TODAY’s Amy Robach, a former gymnast, returns to her root to find out why people as old as 70 are jumping up on the balance beam.
USA GYMNASTICS NATIONAL CONGRESS and TRADE SHOW
Held in conjunction with 2011 VISA Championships August 17-20, 2011
Saint Paul River Centre, Saint Paul, Minn.
Something for Everyone!
… Club Owners, Recreational Instructors/Teachers, Offices Managers, Program Managers, and more!
This year’s event will feature 3 days of education with more than 175 sessions.
Sessions are provided on coaching, judging, business, preschool, school age, fitness and cheerleading. Attendees will also have the ability to learn from leading experts from all 6 disciplines Women’s, Men’s, Rhythmic, Acrobatics, and Gymnastics for All.
In addition, USA Gymnastics is excited to announce 2 NEW offerings to the educational line up! Hands on Spotting sessions and Certification sessions will be offered and included in the price of registration. …
Prices vary. Check the Registration page to find out the cost to you.
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If your main interest is how to MAKE MONEY at Gymnastics, sign up for the WednesdayNational Business Conference. ($150 current Member Club, $250 Non Member Clubs)
Separate registration via the link above.
Congress already has a Business Stream, so the extra Wednesday is BONUS.
Is trampoline a good activity for participants with special needs?
Find out on a new site out of the U.K. dedicated to the topic. It already has a surprisingly number of links.
Rebound Therapy® is the phrase used to describe the practice of using a trampoline to provide therapeutic exercise and recreation for people with a wide range of Special Needs. …
… a resource for people across the world involved in trampolining and specifically encourage those involved with special needs participants. You might be a special needs teacher, a physiotherapist, a mainstream trampolining coach …
My main conclusion was that coaches from socialist nations like Canada are mostly ignorant when it comes to business and career planning. The USA has many experts in that field. My strongest advice for coaches is to bring in an expert like Frank Sahlein, Founder and CEO of 3rd Level Consulting. 
