Champion Factory, North Andover

Owners Brian and Teena Veth call on their skills as former gymnasts and cheerleaders as well as current parents to safely introduce kids to the world of gymnastics and circus arts. Their energetic instructors help children to learn social and listening skills while teaching them coordination, strength, and flexibility. Instructors encourage students to move at their own pace while bouncing atop trampolines, deftly crossing balance beams, and somersaulting across cushy floor mats. Parents look on from an open seating area, offering words of encouragement or quotes on spiritual balance from Confucius.

Fall, winter, and spring classes are organized by age group and often feature seasonally themed lesson plans. In addition to summer camps, where kids stay busy with creative games and activities, the center also hosts birthday parties and special events.