FORT BENNING, Ga. Aca,!" On Tuesday when the one-hour class was over, Frank Baugh's gymnastics students were begging for just a couple more minutes of practice.
That's just the kind of reaction the instructor looks for as an indication of their interest level.
"If they leave class happy and look forward to coming back next week, I know they're going to try hard," Baugh said.
Baugh owns Premiere Spirit Academy in Auburn, Ala., and has been teaching gymnastics on post since November.
The new class, which is one of six current SKIESUnlimited classes, is popular and was requested by Fort Benning parents, director Carolyn Shelton said. There are currently more than 100 students taking gymnastics and some classes have a waiting list.
"As soon as I knew they were getting gymnastics, I went to sign up," said Jomary Figueroa, whose husband is deployed with the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment. "It's unbelievable what (these classes) can do for kids. Their dad is in Iraq, so it means so much to get them to be involved. This keeps them busy, and they look forward to Tuesdays when they practice."
Figueroa's two daughters now have a place to direct their energy.
"At home, they are always twisting and twirling," she said. "Sometimes they watch TV upside down."
Since they started gymnastics, Figueroa said the girls also seem more focused at school.
During Tuesday's class, 9-year-old Jasmine Brown focused on practicing her back handspring, which she said took courage. In fact, getting to do tricks on the mats is one of the things she said she likes most.
"It's not normal (to jump backward), but I do it anyway," she said.
Gaining that type of confidence is one of the goals Baugh sets for his class.
"My goal is for the kids to build self-confidence, do their best and have fun," he said. "This gets them away from the video games and TVs. Gymnastics gets them active -working their muscles and using energy."
Although Baugh expects his students to be focused, he said having fun should never be forgotten.
"It's a recreation program," Baugh said. "They just have to come out and do their best."
Army Family Covenant
Families of deployed Soldiers are entitled to free SKIESUnlimited classes as a part of the covenant, thanks to the Army Family Covenant, released in 2007.
"Anyone who has a deployed spouse gets four free SKIES classes, not to exceed eight weeks, per child," Shelton said. "It's a fantastic deal, and we want the families to take advantage of it."
Shelton said the SKIES program is in its fourth year on Fort Benning, and the program is continuing to grow.
"Right now we are housed in several different buildings, but there is a McGraw CDC coming on Custer Road," she said.
The new building, which will accommodate 135 people and feature two large multipurpose rooms, which will consolidate the classes under one roof. The new building will also have a kitchen and eating area for the forthcoming culinary arts classes.
And for those worried about the cost, Shelton said prices are typically lower than those found off post.
"Our number one goal is to service the families of Soldiers so when they are at war or wherever they have to go, they don't have to worry about their families," Shelton said.
A quick look at SKIESUnlimited
Aca,!Ac Acronym stands for Schools of Knowledge, Inspiration, Exploration and Skills.
Aca,!Ac Armywide program includes almost 300 participants on Fort Benning.
Aca,!Ac Students must register at Child, Youth and School Services, Building 104.
Aca,!Ac Classes include dance, gymnastics, tae kwon do, art, driver's education and swimming.
Aca,!Ac Upcoming classes to begin in March include karate, piano/keyboarding, Kindermusik and Spanish.
Aca,!Ac Most classes meet once a week.
Aca,!Ac Find schedule, availability and pricing information at www.benningmwr.com.
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SKIESUnlimited offers extracurricular activities, including new gymnastics class
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