Zumbatomic helps kids stay in shape

BALTIMORE - It does not look like your average summer camp at Madison Square Recreation Center in East Baltimore.  Kids are having fun and staying fit.

It's all a part of Zumbatomic.  It's a Zumba fitness class designed for children ages four to 13-years-old.

"Children need structured play inside and that is what Zumbatomic does. It offers those children in particular a safe fun atmosphere for play and physical fitness," said Maryann Foreman, Instructor with Always Ginga Fit, Inc.

Zumbatomic offers lots of energy and dance moves. Kids love it.  Maryann Foreman is the instructor.  Her company, Always Ginga Fit, Inc, teamed up with Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks to keep kids active and healthy.

She teaches ten classes a week at recreation centers throughout the city.

"We want them to develop a lifestyle of fitness and health. We don't want it to be a fad or something that they learn here. It's a foundation for them to continue to be active and find things they enjoy," said Gwendolyn Chambers with Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks.

First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move Campaign was the inspiration for the Zumba Fitness for kids.  Administrators want to get kids up and moving.

"I think Zumba is a fun way to dance and learn new things," said Brandon Robinson, sixth grader.

"It's fun and you can learn new dances out of it," said Faith Wilkins, seventh grader.

The Zumbatomic Program runs for six weeks.  More than 1,700 students are enrolled in the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks camps across the city.

The camp also offers swimming, STEM classes, Yoga and other field trips for students.