Yellowknife Gymnastics Club
Elaine Keenan Bengts Gymnastics Centre
Recreational Programs
Here are the core programs, grouped by type, with details:
| Program | Age / Eligibility | Description / Focus | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recreational Programs | Various, from toddlers up through adults | These are for skills development, fun, exploratory learning, fundamental movement, flexibility, coordination; less intense than competitive programs. | Classes are structured with levels (e.g., CanGym badges), with progression. |
| Preschool / Toddlers (Preschool Program; Tumble Bugs; Active Start; Tiny Tots; Tumble Tykes; Kinder Kids) | Walking ~1-2 yrs up to ~5 yrs | Early introduction to gymnastics: movement, exploring apparatus, basic coordination, swings, rotations, landings etc. Some classes with parent participation. | Parent participation in younger classes; separation of classes as children get older. |
| CanGym | ~6 yrs and up (with various age splits; Badges levels 1-12) | Canada’s national skill development/evaluation program. First levels build foundation; later badges separate into Men’s and Women’s Artistic Gymnastics. Skill mastery required before moving up. | For more committed recreational participants; structure and badges; levels increase in difficulty. |
| Gymnastics for Life / Adult Program | 18+ (adults) | For beginners, former gymnasts, or anyone wanting to try gymnastics as fitness. Emphasis on balance, flexibility, coordination. Basic skills on all major apparatuses. | Also includes partnership with CAPTivate Gymnastics for adult gymnastics & acrobatics. |
| Inclusive Gymnastics Programming | All ages / all abilities | Programs designed to be inclusive, presumably for participants with diverse needs. | |
| Day Home Program | Day home groups (young children) | One-hour classes weekly; relaxed, fun; children get introduced to all the apparatus in the facility. | |
| Camps | Children ages 5-12 | Gymnastics day camps during school holidays. | |
| Drop-in Program | Likely various ages | Open times for people to come and practice skills, have fun using the facility outside of structured classes. | |
| Birthday Parties / Events | All eligible children & groups | Facility use, fun gymnastics-style parties. |
Competitive Programs
These are for athletes who want more training, performance, and competition. Entry is via coach recommendation or assessment.
| Program | Age / Entry | Training & Commitment | Structure & Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Competitive Gymnastics | Typically from ~6 years old (or older) via assessment / recommendation | Training ranges from 2 to 16 hours/week, depending on level. Work on strength, flexibility, advanced skills. | Athletes perform routines; compete in both in-house meets and out-of-town competitions if ready. Option to follow Junior Olympic (JO) program routines or personalized routines in Xcel program. |
| Junior Olympic (JO) Program | Within the competitive stream | More traditional, structured competitive path. Emphasis on progressive skill development, compulsory routines. | |
| Xcel Program | 5+ yrs, competitive but more flexible | Less strict than JO. Fewer hours required, more flexibility, ability to compete with a less intense schedule. Routines can be personalized to showcase strengths. Good for multi-sport athletes or those wanting competition without full load. | |
| Men’s Artistic (MAG) & Women’s Artistic (WAG) | In competitive stream, depending on athlete | The gendered artistic gymnastics disciplines, each with their associated apparatuses. |