Lakeshore Academy253

Lakeshore Academy offers scores of classes for children, of all ages.

Gymnastics classes are available for children 18 months and up. Children with an interest in gymnastics can take lessons for the sheer joy of it, without necessarily aiming for competition.

Pre-Team classes, for girls and boys, are designed for those athletes who demonstrate superior skill, dedication, and desire, and begin the challenging progression toward competitive gymnastics. During pre-team, your child will work hard to master the more difficult skill progressions needed for competition but should also experience the fun and camaraderie that comes along with being part of a dedicated team.

The Team Program is demanding, but offers great rewards as well. Chicago City Gymnastics Teams have consistently been among the top competitive teams, not only in the city-wide area, but in the entire state. Expect your child to train almost every day, and to work hard to master the difficult routines that he or she will be competing throughout the year. Try-outs are held two to four times per year by invitation of the coaches.

Rock Climbing in the Hidden Peak area is a great way to discover the challenge, fun, and excitement of indoor rock climbing. Staffed with experienced and friendly people, Hidden Peak offers tons of user friendly programs for kids (and adults), including outdoor instruction.

Kids' classes run for eight week terms, and each class lasts one hour. Kids are grouped by age (Scramblers for ages five to eight, Rock Warriors for ages nine to 12, and Stone Masters for ages 12 to 16).

The preparatory dance/Pre-Ballet program is one of the best in the city. Formally offered at the Chicago Academy of the Arts, this developmental program emphasizes both the Russian and French methods of dance for children ages four and up. Formal training in ballet, Character dance, and Pointe is given by a professional faculty. Kids can sign up for up to four classes per week.

Hayashi-Ha Shito-ryu, a traditional form of Japanese Karate, is an excellent way to develop strength, coordination, discipline, and confidence. Lakeshore has programs for kids (and adults), ages six to 65. All classes are taught by expert Sensei, Ken Fougere. The first two classes are free, and interested kids can begin anytime!

Lakeshore also offers flexable and diverse summer and winter camps. Your child can attend for half or full days for as many days or weeks as you like. Each day offers something new and exciting, with beach and pool outings, sports in the park, gymnastics, arts & crafts, rock climbing, and killer Friday field trips! In the winter, kids are taken sledding and skating for tons of cold weather fun!

Lakeshore Academy is also a terrific spot to hold a child's birthday party. Gym time with rings and ropes and parachute play, or climbing the walls with the expert Hidden Peak staff are both on the menu.

Gymnastics parties, for children between the ages of four and 12, run two hours on weekends. Climbing parties, for kids ages six and up, are given over a two hour period on Saturday and Sunday evenings, or Sunday mornings.

Lakeshore membership is $125 per year and lasts until the same term one year later.