The South Jordan’s KidStrong location at 11515 S. 4000 West is no daycare facility. And it’s not a babysitting service. It’s an organization that uses a three-pillar approach to coach kids from toddlers to 11-year-olds. It’s co-owned by athletic trainer James Frew and his pediatrician wife Sadie West.  

“Our daughters' success was a primary motivation for us to invest in KidStrong. We also saw a meaningful opportunity to support our local community,” said Frew. “Many of today’s youth face significant challenges, and many families struggle to find ways to connect; KidStrong provides them with the opportunity to bond and the tools to overcome those challenges together.”

Fun brain and cognitive development activities at KidStrong (Photo credit KidStrong)

Their journey with KidStrong began as members when their oldest daughter was 18 months old. She was very energetic and fearless and as parents, they were instantly impressed by the fact that KidStrong provided a safe yet challenging environment that tested her both physically and mentally. Their youngest daughter, who is more cautious and reserved, also began at KidStrong at 18 months of age.

“While Emma is more reserved and cautious than her sister, the KidStrong curriculum and coaching also significantly helped build her confidence and social skills,” Frew said. “Now Lizzie is 4 and Emma is 3, both girls are thriving. I strongly believe KidStrong has equipped them with the skills necessary to handle life's challenges.”

After the birth of Emma, Frew decided to step away from athletic training to focus on their family. That’s when they learned the South Jordan location was looking for new ownership. They knew the center already had great management, excellent coaches and an amazing mission and were certain that as the new owners they could further build the member base and support their community.

The three pillars of focus begin with physical development. They focus on building strength, coordination, balance, agility and motor planning through age appropriate movements. They practice running, jumping, crawling, hanging, lifting and body control to improve athletic ability, posture, injury prevention and confidence in their bodies.

Brain and cognitive development is the complex second pillar of focus where movement is paired with thinking. The kids are constantly asked to follow multi-step instructions, switch tasks, solve movement challenges and respond to cues. This strengthens focus, working memory, processing speed and impulse control, which are the same skills used in school and everyday life.

And the third pillar of focus KidStrong implements is character development. These classes are structured to encourage listening, teamwork, perseverance and emotional regulation.

“In short, KidStrong uses movement as a tool to wire the brain, build the body and develop confident, capable kids, not just better athletes, but better humans,”  General Manager of the South Jordan location Colton Buchanan said. “KidStrong now has over 170 locations across the US and Canada and our location here in South Jordan was one of the first 50 franchises.” 

On top of weekly classes, South Jordan’s local KidStrong also offers camps when Jordan District is off from school and also does birthday parties. Learn more at https://southjordan.kidstrong.com/camps.