Playtime To Mentorship: Kid's Fitness Center Opens In Bayville

BERKELEY, NJ — Dan Flounders had a difficult childhood. The owner of FitKidz! USA was homeless and in and out of foster homes, and both his parents were incarcerated.

Then Flounders met his high school wrestling coach, who taught him the value of work ethic. Flounders then wrestled in college, where his coach also mentored him.

"My coaches kind of had the biggest impact on my life," Flounders told Patch. "So what I want to do is provide a spot where our coaches can give back and be a positive influence on kids."

Two years ago, Flounders founded FitKidz, a kids-only fitness center. They recently opened their newest location at 333 Atlantic City Blvd.

FitKidz offers three types of programs: summer camp, evening classes and an after-school program that picks kids up from local elementary schools. Flounders describes the programs as a mix between "Ninja Warrior" and gym class, with an emphasis on fun and safety.

"They’re very structured programs where we can get kids off their electronic devices," he said. "It’s all about old-school stuff that we probably did when we were kids, like going outside in the fields or climbing trees."

The programs are built for kids ages 4-12. Once they reach age 12, FitKidz teaches children more about leadership and gaining their peers' respect.

Each child begins with a 30-day free trial to make sure it's a good fit. FitKidz builds its business around advanced sign-ups because they're mainly concerned with helping children develop mind, body and character — all longterm processes.

"We don’t have a drop-in fee because our model is mentorship," he said. "We’re building relationships with the kids."

They're also building a relationship with local schools and communities. The Bayville location also serves Pine Beach, Beachwood, Toms River, South Toms River, Lanoka Harbor and Ocean Gate, according to their website.

FitKidz partners with local schools for fundraisers and has raised nearly $10,000 for them, Flounders says.

Flounders, 40, earned a degree in psychology and a master's in school counseling. Up until two years ago, he worked full-time for a beer distributor. He gave it up because he knew he had a different calling.

"It’s my obligation and my duty to give back and provide for these kids," Flounders said. "It’s my passion, my calling, my life."

See a video on FitKidz! USA below:

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