Gymnastics
Our Programs and Faculty
The Upper Bucks YMCA uses gymnastics to give each individual the opportunity to develop his or her potential as a person – mentally, physically and emotionally. We offer gymnastics for youth ages 12 months to 18 years. Participants are given the opportunity to gain self-confidence, develop personal responsibility and attain leadership skills. They also learn to work together, respecting the rights of others. Instructors, who set an example by their behavior, attitudes and images, promote character building and ethical behavior.
The Upper Bucks YMCA is a USA Gymnastics Member club, offering USA Gymnastics Levels 1 through 9. Levels 1 through 4 are offered as recreational classes and a competitive team program is offered for Levels 4 through 9.
Participants in the programs should wear comfortable, easy moving clothing. No clothing with zippers or snaps should be worn, as it may damage equipment and/or cause injury to the participant. Girls may choose to wear a leotard but should only wear footless tights, as tights can be very slippery on a balance beam. Boys may wear shorts or sweat pants and a t-shirt.
Our gymnastics center, located at our 401 Fairview Avenue, Quakertown facility, has a full competitive 45’x45’ AAI spring floor, an AAI vaulting table, two competitive AAI bar sets and seven balance beams (two of which are AAI spring competition beams) and 30' long TumblTrak. Parents may view classes and team practices to see the instruction the children are receiving first-hand. Full privilege members may also choose to work out during their child’s class. Our staff can take or pick up your child from our Kids Korner babysitting area if you wish to continue your workout after the time of your child’s class or if you are taking a class when your child’s class begins. (Please check hours of Kids Korner for availability.)
Our competitive gymnastics team has opportunity to compete at the local, state, regional and national level. Our team holds several state titles and has been nationally ranked for the past two years. The Upper Bucks YMCA gymnastics team has had children qualify for and participate in YMCA Nationals for the past 13 years. A full privilege Upper Bucks YMCA membership is required for participation in the gymnastics team program. New applicants for the gymnastics team may contact Janine Brown at 215-536-YMCA (9622), ext. 116 for an evaluation.
About Our Gymnastics Staff
Our staff has distinguished themselves in the gymnastics community with their focus on safety, attention to technique, focus on skill progressions and success of their gymnasts. All of our Senior Staff are USA Gymnastics Safety Certified, First Aid and CPR Certified and have a combined gymnastics coaching experience of over 50 years. All of our Junior Staff must complete a 60-hour volunteer coaching course, under our gymnastics director’s direct supervision, before they are permitted to coach a class.
Team Staff and Their Qualifications
Janine Brown
Janine Brown is currently the Gymnastics Director and head gymnastics coach for the Upper Bucks YMCA. Janine began her gymnastics coaching career with the Upper Bucks YMCA in 1985. Prior to that time she was a Parkette National Team Member for eight years, competed in gymnastics for two years at the University of Bridgeport, CT, was camp director for Northern Lights Gymnastics Summer Camp at Dartmouth College, NH, for four years and was a team coach at Watkins Gymnastics in West Chester, PA. In 1997 she became head coach of the Upper Bucks YMCA gymnastics team and in 1999 she accepted the Gymnastics Coordinator position and was named Gymnastics Director in 2007. Janine has her USA Gymnastics Safety Certification, YMCA Gymnastics Instructor certification and is CPR and first aid certified. She graduated from West Chester University with a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology.
Lori Hummel
Lori Hummel is an Upper Bucks YMCA team coach. She began her career as an Upper Bucks YMCA gymnast and in 1992 began coaching for the YMCA. She was employed by the West Chester YMCA as a gymnastics coach while she attended college. Lori was also the Upper Bucks YMCA gymnastics camp head counselor from 1999-2006. Lori has her USA Gymnastics Safety Certification, YMCA Gymnastics Instructor certification and is CPR and first aid certified. She graduated from West Chester University with a Bachelor's of Science in Kinesiology, has her PA Level 1 Teacher Certification in health and physical education and is also currently employed by the Upper Perkiomen School District as a high school health and physical education teacher.
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