After attending a friend’s birthday late last year, soon-to-be birthday girl Gabi Crowell had one request – she, too, wanted to have an ASI Gymnastics birthday party! The 4-year-old had so much fun flipping and jumping at the gymnastics-themed party that mom Lisa had an easy decision to make when she began planning her daughter's spring birthday.
Crowell says she simply went online (asigymnastics.com) and began the planning process with a click of her mouse from the comfort of her living room. The family opted for an hour-and-a-half party that included a party room, two party coordinators – called “coaches” – who lead the party guests through activities and setup and clean up the party, a take-home balloon for partygoers and a gold medal for the birthday girl.
Daughter Gabi was excited about her big day, but the family was even more enthusiastic after arriving at the gym. “[The gym] is such a happy place,” shares Crowell. “It has fun colors and drawings that cover the walls; there are a handful of trampolines, huge mats for the kids to run on and pits filled with cushions for the kids to jump in.”
While the kids planned to exert some serious energy, mom caught a break. “As soon as I pulled up … the instructors began helping me out and unloaded everything. They set everything up for me; I didn’t have to lift a finger. Instead, I could enjoy myself at the party versus worrying about the details.”
A coach led the group (about 20 kids) through obstacle courses on the gym mats, trampoline games, pit jumps and much more. “The coach made Gabi feel really special; he took care of all the entertainment and games at the party, like racing games, freeze tag and playing on the ropes,” Crowell says. “He was so good with the kids; he was just a big kid himself!”
Little Gabi thought the party was beyond cool, especially when she was awarded her very own gold medal. “You could see the fun in her eyes while she was out there with all her friends. She said it was the best party she’s had … out of all four of them!” Crowell laughs.
With a budget of $250, the Crowells also brought their own drinks, cake, a tablecloth and utensils. “It was such an easy party to organize, and the kids had so much fun. We might just do it again next year,” Crowell shares, “except maybe next year I won’t forget the ice cream!”
Updated 7/27/12
