Bunny Rabbits in Brooklyn

For most kids day camp means arts and crafts, swimming and trips. But for some lucky Crown Heights little ones attending Gymies Daycamp they get all that and a whole lot more.

In addition to daily gymnastics in their state of the art facility, there are also regular surprise visitors like Mr. Anthony from The Nature Company, who arrived Friday fully stocked with snakes, turtles, bunny rabbits and more.

The Nature company allowed campers to travel to some of the most fantastic places in the world to meet some of the most fantastic animals in the world, while staying right in their own classroom.

The 3 and 4 year-olds oohed and ahhed as Mr. Anthony brought out Betty the Bunny rabbit, who they got to touch, feed, hold. They learned what the animals’ diets consisted of, what their natural habitats are like, and how cute our little furry friends are.

Such a program goes along with the Gymies goal, says director Sara Chani Benarroch. “The Gymies mission is to provide a nurturing and dynamic environment that fosters imagination, curiosity and self-confidence. Development is encouraged through play, exploration and autonomous expression to build a solid foundation and love for learning.”

“We aim to have the kids experience success every day,” said Benarroch. “By showing them that they can excel in smaller tasks, we instill the confidence they need to succeed at life’s bigger challenges.”

Eidel Pinson, whose 3 year-old twins, Dovid and Tziporah, attend Camp Gymies, in addition to her other three children who participate in many Gymies programs, told how she sees the Gymies philosophy enacted in each of her children.

“Coming from a large family, it is very important to me that my kids get individual care and attention,” Pinson said, “They come out of class and they’re so proud of themselves, of the new things they’ve learned. Since coming to Gymies, I really see growth in their self esteem and self-confidence.”

Pinson described how she dropped her twins off on Friday telling them that they would have a Shabbos party.

“But then I was told oh there’s going to be a Shabbos Party and an Animal Show. They just keep outdoing themselves. When it came to daycamp, for me, there was no other choice but Gymies.”

Gymies is also open for summer classes for boys and girls. Visit GymiesGym.com