By Sarah Unger
At Jumpstart Kids Club, located in the Foxmoor shopping plaza, youngsters have the opportunity to let their imaginations run wild.
Inside the club, owned by Sandra Henry, speakers pour out sunny songs about farms, animals and buses. Bright primary colors fill the room from floor to ceiling, and tumbling pads and teeny furniture are spread throughout the area. Corner to corner, youngsters jump, climb, wield wooden swords, and float about in the gossamer gowns of princesses.
It’s a place where kids can have fun on their own or with their caregivers.
“It looked like a great opportunity,” said Henry, who desired a business that provided a way to also be with her son Jason, now age 2.
An experienced certified pre-school teacher, Henry previously helped to implement the Princeton schools’ pre-Kindergarten program. Despite her teaching and parenting experience, she said, it’s been a challenge getting to learn everything about the business and scheduling.
“But it’s been a lot of fun for us,” she said.
She pointed out that Jason has forged many a friendship with the 100 or so children, ages four-months to 5 years, who have Jumpstart memberships. The children hail largely from Robbinsville, East and West Windsor, Bordentown and Hamilton.
“It’s a rainy day, so we’re hanging out at Jumpstart,” said mom Colleen Skillman. “We’ve done some classes here as well. And Cara and Connor enjoy seeing friends here.”
Candice Naber, Jumpstart’s director, said the business offers activities that vary from Mommy-and-me type classes to birthday parties to open play that gives children plenty of unstructured running and jumping time.
“We get a little busier when you can’t play outside,” Naber said of Jumpstart’s draw as an indoor playground.
“All the parents who come here are really sweet,” she added. “They just want their kids to be able to play in a nice, safe environment. At the same time, the parents can socialize.”
The business serves the needs of its families by being flexible, Naber said.
“With young children you have to be flexible. It works for a lot of younger children. They just have a lot of fun letting off steam.”
Describing the laid-back atmosphere, Naber said classes include Tummy Time for infants, Rainbow Friends, and Mini Monet. Common to nearly every class, she added: “We do a lot of singing here.”
There are even designated Drop and Shop times each week when parents can hit the grocery store or salon solo, knowing their little ones are safe and happy at Jumpstart.
Jumpstart at a glance:
After a lifetime membership fee of $30, families choose activities mainly a la carte. Story time, like open play, is free to members families.
In addition to “Miss Candice” and “Miss Sandy,” there is a third teacher, “Miss Pat.”
Every other Friday evening features a pajama party or other special event. Saturdays and Sundays are reserved for birthday parties.
An afternoon summer program offers three- and five-day choices for four or eight weeks. Find extensive schedule and program information at jumpstartkidsclub.com or (609) 336-0500.
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