COVID-19 pandemic causes changes, but doesn't slow Newburgh Tumbling
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Social distancing hash marks and stickers now cover Newburgh Tumbling's floors, but owner Sarah Beegle says that hasn't slowed the program.
Even with risks surrounding COVID-19, as well as the continued rise of confirmed cases, Beegle said her two camps have sold out this summer.
"Parents are ready for their kids to get out of their house and have social interaction," she said. "The kids need the interaction and the physical exercise."
After receiving clearance from Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb in late May, Beegle opened the gymnastics center for the last time in two months and quickly prepared to safely welcome back participants with safety measures in place.
Even with kids walking along the center's balance beams and jumping across euro bed trampolines, Beegle said each child is following Indiana's health and safety guidelines.
Along with following social distancing markers, children age 8 and above are required to wear face masks and everyone is washing and sanitizing their hands frequently. Beegle also limited the number of participants to 20 and began conducting daily mat cleanings and fogging sessions every Sunday.
Despite each of them rushing to hug each other when the center first opened, Beegle said the young athletes all adjusted to the new operations. Now, Beegle says, they are going over routines and practicing in preparation for potential performances in November.
Regan Worthington, 9, receives help from Sarah Beegle, owner of Newburgh Tumbling, while doing floor bar exercises during a gymnastics and tumbling summer camp held at Newburgh Tumbling in Newburgh, Ind., Wednesday morning, July 29, 2020. "The parents are ready for their kids to get out of their house and have social interaction," Beegle said.
Grace Gentry, 12, said it's been refreshing to be back in the program and interacting with her friends.
"It feels really good because we weren't really allowed to see each other in person, and even though we're social distanced, we can still talk to each other," she said. "It's nice."
While uncertain what the coming months will hold, Beegle said she's just happy to see her young athletes' faces again during this time.
"It makes my day every day," she said. "I love these kids, and seeing them happy and smiling is so good for their health. It warms my heart."