THE Loxton Kindergym has kept children active and taught them educational and physical skills for more than 25 years, thanks to a dedicated leader and strong committee.
Leader Belinda Schulz, who has been involved with the kindergym since the beginning, says she has watched many children grow over the years and develop skills they would be unable to learn elsewhere.
“The idea started after a trip to Whyalla and we saw how successful a kindergym was there,” she said.
“A small group of parents thought it would be a great idea to get one going here so she got a committee together and we’ve grown since.
“We started with nothing and were originally in a church hall, but now we’ve moved to the ROAB hall on Gratwick Road and we’ve been there since.
“We’re not funded by anyone and everything we do is by ourselves.
“We do lots of fundraising and that has helped us get by.”
Ms Schulz said the kindergym provides infants to five-year-old children development programs.
“Each week we run a special development program and the equipment in the kindergym constantly changes,” she said.
“This term we’re focusing on patterns so children are learning about that.
“It’s open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 10am and we play games, sing a song and at the end do an activity.”
Ms Schulz said her job is a fulfilling one.
“Watching babies and children grow and develop is so rewarding,” she said.
“We teach lots of skills that need to be taught in a child’s first five years because if they aren’t learnt then, then it’s hard to develop them.
“The kindergym has been multigenerational – I have children here now whose parents used to come along – and it’s been amazing becoming close to many families.
“The families here have become like family to me and I invite more children to come along and join us”.