​Hey there, moms and dads! Are you looking for a summer camp that will have your kiddo bursting with stories at the end of the day? Bodies in Motion is the place where fun and adventure meet! Picture this: a day filled with laughter, learning, and a little bit of camp magic.

Morning Check-In: The Start of Something Exciting

As you pull up to Bodies in Motion, the energy is palpable. Kids are buzzing with excitement, ready to dive into a day of adventure. From the get-go, your child is greeted by enthusiastic counselors, setting the tone for a day full of positive vibes.

A Whirlwind of Activities: Themed Fun for Everyone

Each day at Bodies in Motion is uniquely themed – think Ninja Warrior, Secret Agents, or the wild outdoors. Kids get to explore new worlds, whether they're solving mysteries or conquering obstacle courses. These themes aren't just fun; they're gateways to learning and growth, fostering creativity and teamwork.

Lunchtime: Fueling Up for More Fun

Come midday, it's time to refuel. Lunchtime is more than just eating; it's about sharing stories with friends, both new and old. It’s a time for laughter and a bit of rest before the afternoon's escapades.

Afternoon Adventures: Learning and Laughter

Post-lunch, the energy ramps up again. Whether it's a science experiment for the STEAM enthusiasts or a splash in the pool on those hot summer days, your child is engaged in activities that are not only super fun but also incredibly enriching.

Pick-Up: Tired but Elated Campers

As the day winds down, you'll find yourself at pick-up, greeted by a child who's a little more tired but a lot more exhilarated. They'll jump into the car, bursting with stories about their day, their achievements, and the friends they've made.

Conclusion

Sending your child to Bodies in Motion isn't just about keeping them busy during the summer; it's about giving them an experience that they'll cherish. It's about watching them grow, explore, and come home with that glow of a day well spent. So, are you ready to give your child a summer they'll never forget?

To learn more about our camps, click here.

If you're looking for a way to create a cohesive team, then team building is something that you have probably looked into. However, once you start looking, you might notice that team building is rather boring. That leads many to abandon the idea of team building as they feel that their employees will not gain much out of the experience or take it seriously. 

Today, we're going to talk about ways to make sure team building is fun and educational. Believe it or not, team building can be something that you and your team both enjoy and learn from. All it takes is a little creativity and maybe a trip to somewhere new.

Community Service

If your community has something that everyone takes part in, then getting your company in on the mission can be a great way to build team spirit. Examples of this include working with Habitat for Humanity or the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. Should your team take part, competitions to raise the most money are followed with a day or evening in the field. Create t-shirts, and you can even show off your charity work to the others that attend. 

Field Day

Though this might sound like something for kids, it can be used for adults too. Divide up your workforce into sections and prepare a few games. If you have a way, go to a rec-center and get them to play soccer, baseball, tug-of-war, and other field day events. The best part of this is that your employees will see it as a fun way to enjoy a paid day of work. 

What they don't realize is that they are learning to work with their team as a real sports team would. In addition, the memories they build with their workforce can create a tight bond that can assist in working together at the office.

Team Lunch

Though this might only work for smaller teams, a team lunch is a perfect way to bond. Bring out your group's favorite food, whether that be a BBQ, pizza, or the local sandwich shop. If you can have the meeting outside, all the better. Give time for your employees to bond away from the office over something that everyone loves. This version of team building is great to implement regularly, be it once a month or even once a week. 

Ropes Courses

Should you be looking for something a bit more challenging and physical, then a ropes course might be the perfect thing for you. Ropes courses like those at Bodies in Motion are perfect for getting your team to work together. Those who can work best out of the office also work best in the office! You can choose from a variety of packages and level to make sure that you have time and everyone can take part.

Retreat

The most extravagant, these types of team-building exercises are usually reserved for executive levels or remote teams. You can pick an exotic location or somewhere closer to home. Whatever you choose, the goal should be to bond and grow the company. These retreats can be bought from a specialized travel agent or created by the executive level. At the event, work on leaving social media and technology, bonding with your team, and looking for ways to take your company to the next level. 


If you are looking for a way to build your team, then try coming to Bodies in Motion, out team building workshops are perfect for small and large business events as well as children's and college-age team building workshops. Located in Boise, Idaho, we are perfect for all manner of events past team building as well. 

A challenging course is an adult level obstacle course. They come from many levels from basic ropes courses meant for teamwork to Tough Mudders, and Spartan Races meant to push your body to the next level. Focusing on the latter, and you will see people competing to beat their personal best, become a healthier person, raise money for someone or something, or run to prove or challenge a point.

These races are mentally and physically exhausting. While some can be a 5K, others can be a half-marathon. No matter what race length you choose, there will be several hard obstacles to go over, under, or through. Here’s a look at what you can expect on your first time running in a challenge race.

Fun in the Party Zone

No challenge racecourse is complete without a party zone. In general, you can expect drinks and pictures as well as awards to be given out here. In addition, you can sometimes expect food, music, and vendors. During the Tough Mudder, this is the space where you get your free drink for running the race. Make sure to take full advantage of it. You deserve it!

Comradery

While many run these races as fast as possible, a challenge course for many is something they want to overcome at their own pace. This means it is easy to find people who are around your level that you can run with. You can help each other go through obstacles and keep each other running. In the end, don’t forget to grab a photo with your new friends.

Pushed Limits

When you run a challenge course, many of the obstacles are meant to push your mental and physical limits — for example, going into ice water and under a barricade. Many will have to keep their head in the game to get past these types of challenges. Should you be able to take them all, by the end of the race, you will have learned just what mind over matter means. 

Filth

A challenging course is more than a race that you run through and go over things. Many of the obstacles are about getting dirty. For example, both the Spartan Races and the Tough Mudder feature mud as one of the main obstacles. This can be tough for those that aren’t used to be 100% covered in filth. Just remember, bring clothes and a towel. There is usually running water at the end to shower off with.

Spectators

Most of these courses feature a spectator ticket of some kind. This allows for people to come in and watch you race. Most of the people with these tickets will be encouraging their friends who are running. However, before you think about bringing someone, let them know that they will likely be walking just as far as you run to see you in each obstacle, at least for the longer courses. 

Photos

Unlike many races, many photos can be found any photos can be found for free by use of a friend that’s willing to come with you. Get a friend who wants to learn to take action photos to come to join in on the action for the price of their ticket and a meal for them. You’ll be able to get some great action shots while they get to practice on a whole number of other competitors. 

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Overall, challenge races are great for helping you push your limits and try new things. In addition, they can bring people together and the party after is usually a good amount of fun. If you’re looking to train, look at going to some smaller ropes courses and kickboxing classes alongside running to train the whole body and mind. In the end, these types of races are some of the best you can run in, at least to some of us here at Bodies in Motion. 

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When many students get home, whether they want to or not, they have to work on homework. This can present an issue when looking at the bigger picture of dinner, personal time, sports, time with friends, and more. Where is family time? It can be hard to sit down and talk with family when there is so much going on in life. Today, let’s look at a few ways that you can spend time with your children even when they have busy lives with school and friends. 

Work Together

One of the best tips we’ve heard from our parents is to work in the same room as your child once they are at home. This could be as simple as picking up or as complex as balancing the checkbook. Taking time to be in the same room as your family can show them that you are there. In addition, it can offer moral support when your child wonders why they have to sit and work on homework while friends might be out playing in their yards.

Replace Sports With Family Sports

Though sports are great for children, too much to do can leave them at a disadvantage. Rather than pile on the extra-curricular, encourage them to do something with you for fun in the afternoons instead. Try going for runs together, playing soccer in the backyard, or hitting up the local park for basketball. Not only will this allow you to have time together, but it can also help each of you stay in shape while working on your child’s favorite sport as a family. 

Limit Homework

Though this can be impossible for many, an option might be saying no to too much homework. Most recommendations point to the ten-minute rule. For each grade about second, your child can have at most, ten minutes of homework per grade to be most effective. If you have a choice in the school your child is going to, perhaps look for a school that limits the amount of take-home work that they give each day. In addition, look for a school that offers little to no weekend-work. 

Sit Down for Dinner

One of the hardest things our generation has to deal with is the need to keep moving. Rather than sit down at the table for dinner, many families opt to grab a meal and go or watch TV while eating. Focus on the family by making this time “downtime.” Require everyone in the house to sit down for dinner and talk as a family. Though it might seem strange at first, eventually it will be something that everyone looks forward to each day.

Take Breaks

Sometimes there is no getting around schoolwork. However, you can encourage your child to take breaks so that they can rest their mind and eyes while talking to family. Try following a 25 minutes working and ten minutes off-plan for the best results. Let them know that a break can be as simple as a walk down the street, letting the dog out, or having a conversation with you. However, make sure they get back to work so that they can finish for the night.

Overall, the school year can be as tough for families as it is for the child. Homework, school, sports, personal time, and time with friends can make family time almost impossible to find. However, spending time with family can be great for your child’s mental health and family bonding. Try sitting down for dinner, going outside for walks, taking breaks, or even changing schools should your child have too much homework to deal with. 


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With kids in school, keeping in shape might be harder than one would think. During summer, you had the time to workout and played with them in the afternoon. Now, your day is a balance of getting them to and from school, working, making sure they do their homework and making sure they have what they need. Where is the time to work out in all that?

During the start of the school year, one question gets asked more than others. That’s how do I make sure that I am getting enough exercise now that my kid is back in school, and I’m busier? Today, we’re going to talk about how a few people we’ve talked to take care of their bodies as well as the rest of the family.

Workout While They Train

If you have a kid that’s in karate lessons, track & field, or soccer, then there is a high chance that you have to take them to lessons regularly. During this time, you are left with an hour or more to wait or run errands. Rather than drop them off and leave, why not take this time to work out with them? If you’ve dropped them off at a community center, see if you can use the community center gym, or if it has trails that you can walk/run around while your child is practicing. If not, see if there is a gym within a few miles that you can drive to while your kid is in classes. 

Go For a Morning Workout

One of the best ways to get active is to workout first thing in the morning. If you normally wake up and read the news or social media for a few hours, why not take less time to get ready and go for a run or to the gym before going to work. In addition, you can think about waking up an hour earlier as long as you are still leaving time for six to eight hours of sleep. This could leave you plenty of time to work out, shower, and get to work on time.

Walk at Lunch

If your office offers a full gym, then lunch is the perfect time to workout. However, even if they don’t have a gym, then you still have options available to you. Try walking around the building, up and down the stairs, or down the street and back. If you have trails outside of your building, then a quick run might be a good idea. However, this could leave you sweaty for the rest of your day if your office doesn’t have showers.

On the Way Home

If your child takes the bus home and can stay at home alone, then you have the perfect time to work out on the way home. Pick a gym that’s along the way and stop for thirty to forty minutes four or five times a week. This will give you the perfect opportunity to “transition” from your work hat to your home hat. In addition, it will also be the perfect time to let out any stress from the workday so that it doesn’t make its way home to make home life stressful. 

With Them

If you normally watch TV at home at night, then you have just found the perfect time to sneak in a workout. If your children are there, then try going for a walk or run with them in the afternoons. On the other hand, you can do a dance workout, join a martial arts class together, or to a HITT class. Just make sure that they are doing something age-appropriate while you push yourself to get stronger.

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Living in Boise in the winter can mean unpredictably frigid days with snow and wind. On the other hand, you could luck into a relatively warm winter day with sun. Though it might predict sunshine, you could be left with clouds. However, none of that matters as much as making sure your kids have let out enough energy. 

If you've ever planned a day out, only to have it ruined by rain, then you know how much energy a child can have. Finding somewhere inside that your child can let that energy out isn't always easy. However, Bodies in Motion offers something that might be of use for these days — Bodies in Motion Open Gym.

What is an Open Gym?

An open gym is a place that children can play without worrying about nature or external forces. Often times, they have gymnastics equipment as well as teachers that will help them to use the equipment should they desire to. IN these spaces, children with special needs and younger children are safer than city parks where they might be hurt or unable to play. 

In addition, an open play gym is safer because trained staff are always available to help with injuries. Simultaneously, the nature of the gym means that the play area is safe from predators as well as nature should rain start in the middle of a play session. 

Who Can Come To An Open Gym

Our open gym is open for any child aged twelve months and up. The cost will vary based on the child's age. However, each child will have access to a number of play areas, ropes courses, and more. In addition, many open gym nights are themed so that kids can expect something new each time they attend. At our open gym, parents should stay to make sure their children are safe. However, about once a month, we have a Parent's Night Out, which is much like Open Gym but with the parent's ability to enjoy a night on the town.

Why Is An Open Play Gym Better?

Weather Protection

If it's raining outside, you must find things for your children to do inside. If it starts raining when you are at the playground, that can mean upset and wet children. However, an open play gym session is inside, Meaning the unpredictable nature of Boise weather doesn't matter. The gym is inside a warehouse that will stay dry and lit for the duration of your play session. As an added bonus, no after rain playground to deal with, everything will always be dry. 

Safety

Similarly to the previous positive, the safety factor of an open play gym has a lot to do with the indoor nature of the gym. With minimal entry and exit, only people that have been vetted by the team working at Bodies in Motion can get to the area where the children are playing. In addition to keeping predators away from children playing, Bodies in Motion also keeps children safe should they get hurt. 

In a normal playground setting, there is a high chance that no first aid kit is present. However, Bodies in Motion has all standard first aid supplies a business working with children should have. In addition, many of the staff members are trained in first aid should something go wrong.  

Activities

Unlike a regular playground, an open play gym has a diverse range of activities that you can do. In addition, many of these activities change each time there is an open play session. For example, one week there might be a ninja warrior course while the next week, the ropes course could be glow-in-the-dark. These types of courses are often not available on a traditional playground. In addition to them, you can also expect the typical playground and slide setup, giving more options for your time. 

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A few decades ago, martial arts was something of a mystery. Most participants had trained for years under arduous conditions all over the world. People didn’t simply join to get in shape. You had to attend a dojo and dedicate your life to the sport. Many thought of martial arts as they would think of Bruse Lee and Batman.

However, the modern world has changed much of that. While some of the mystery has stayed, classes are accessible by almost everyone at almost any fitness level. Gone is a lifetime commitment. Now, families can go to a dojo to get in shape and take a class together. You’ll see rapid rewards for your training and get some of the best training of any workout type. Best of all, martial arts focus on overall strength as well as your health, spirit, and mind.

Benefits of Martial Arts Classes: 

Any age can reap many rewards from a martial arts class. The longer that you take a martial arts class, the more reward you will see at any age. In addition, the fitness factor can help you reach your health goals without growing bored.

1. Attention to detail
2. Listening skills
3. Responsibility
4. MIndfulness
5. Improvement in focus
6. Culture of respect
7. Discipline
8. Strength of Character
9. Cardiovascular fitness
10. Flexibility
11. Self-confidence
12. Pride of accomplishment

Types of Martial Arts

Classes in traditional martial arts vary widely. Some mix traditional schools to form a new school all together. However, the basics are Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, Kung Fu, among others. Each should be available at most martial arts schools. Unlike past decades, it is much easier to find a class for your age level and skill level from young child to older adult and from expert to beginner. 

In addition to the school welcoming new students, the more experienced students will offer to take younger students under their wings as a point of pride and tradition. You’ll learn from instructors and students will help to keep you focused and learning. 

Fitness Focused

Some people don’t want to focus on martial arts, but rather overall fitness. For that reason, many classes have been developed that take selected parts of martial arts to create a body-focused class. Known as boot camps, you’ll often see kickboxing mixed with plyometrics and other cardio exercises so that participants can get the most for their money. However, children are often not seen in these classes as they are more intense and focused on changing their body. Young professionals and those looking to get back in shape are the most common clientele as they don’t often have the time to learn the finer details of martial arts. 

Youth Classes

Another type of class you can expect not to be family-friendly is youth martial arts. Unlike traditional martial arts, these types of classes mix in fun games for children that start at a young age. In addition to traditional lessons, youth martial arts will also instill respect for elders, peers, and oneself. Children who take these classes young will often turn into leading adults with a strong set of morals and goals. 

Though there are options to keep your to your own goals, traditional martial arts is perfect for whole families! You can bond, train together, and grow as a family. The modern martial arts gym is perfect for letting each person get what they need while training at the same place. You will learn much in terms of both mind and body no matter your age or experience level.

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Idaho, though perhaps not the best known for hikes, is abound with outdoor adventures for all age ranges and skill levels. This list is by no means comprehensive; however, we have made an effort to pick the best hikes in Idaho at various skill levels. Remember, use common sense and take your time.

Hiking is a sport that can catch people unaware. Plan for twice the time than you think it will take and make sure you have a backpack with supplies of all kinds. Turn around if you think you can’t handle it and bring children depending on their age and ability. 

Sawtooth Lake

Perhaps the easiest hike on the list, this ten-mile hike of mellow hills and trails has views of roaring waterfalls and Mt. Reagan. It’s located in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Starting, you will head into the forest, follow a creak, and then climb up a mellow hill for a few miles. Once at the top, you will see a meadow where you can break before either turning around or heading up steeper areas for great views of Alpine Lake and Mr. Reagan. At the lake, relax and have a snack.


City of Rocks National Reserve Trails

If you are looking for an option for younger members of your family, then this set of trails might have what you are looking for. In the City of Rocks National Reserve, you’ll find over 22 miles of hiking trails. However, you have options. For example, Window Arch Trail for a very short jaunt (300 feet each way.) On the other hand, try your hand at the Geological Interpretive Trail for a 1.2-mile loop or the Castle Rocks Trail in Castle Rocks State Park for 5 miles of fun. Each trail option has arches, windows, and other natural features that make them an exciting way to get outside. 

South Bitch Creek Canyon

As the longest trail on our list, the South Bitch Creek Canyon trail and Carrot Ridge Trail are only for older teens and parents. Keep in mind this section of the country is wild with grizzly bears and all sorts of other creatures. You will need to be prepared with all the appropriate gear and protection. If you do it though, you will see 21.7 miles of pristine wilderness and great views. It’s perfect for backpacking on a weekend as two days make for the perfect amount of walking each day. 

Wilderness Trail to Echo Crater

At Craters of the Moon National Monument, you will find this 8-mile round trip perfect for families with older kids. You can explore pahoehoe lava flows, the Broken Top cinder cone, lava trees, and other wonders! Remember, this is a lonely and hot hike so you will need to bring everything with you in a pack, including a good bit of water. 

Toxaway to Alice Lake Loop

You might want to think about backpacking for two or three days on this adventure. While the epic 19-mile hike can be done in one day, you won’t be able to enjoy nearly as much of this jewel. Along the path, you will find jagged peaks, ridges, meadows, creeks, waterfalls, and more. Taking a path from Toxaway to Alice Lake will leave you in the Sawtooths among alpine lakes, basins, and ridges for the perfect set of views around. 

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