BARTLSVILLE GYMNASTICS CLUB: BUILT IN SUMMER TO BECOME UNSTOPPABLE ALL YEAR
Gymnasts warm up for at the Bartlesville Gymnastics Club.
Courtesy photo
By Stephanie Banks
July 24, 2026
Special to Bartlesville Area Sports Report
While many sports take a break during the summer months, gymnastics never stops at Bartlesville Gymnastics Club.
Throughout the year, the gym remains filled with athletes learning new skills, building confidence, developing healthy habits and creating friendships that often last a lifetime. From toddlers taking their first tumble to teenagers mastering advanced skills, Bartlesville Gymnastics Club provides opportunities for children of all ages and abilities to grow both inside and outside the gym.
Recreational classes continue throughout the summer, providing local families with opportunities to keep children active and engaged while school is out. Programs include preschool gymnastics, recreational gymnastics, tumbling, ninja classes and specialty camps designed to help children stay physically active while having fun.
Lauren Coppedge, recreational program director, says the club's recreational program is often where a child's gymnastics journey begins.
"Our recreational program is designed to introduce children to movement, coordination, strength, and confidence in a fun and positive environment," Coppedge said. "We focus on teaching fundamental gymnastics skills while also helping athletes develop listening skills, discipline, perseverance, and self-esteem. Every child progresses at their own pace, and our goal is to help them build a strong foundation that benefits them both in gymnastics and in life."
As a nonprofit organization, Bartlesville Gymnastics Club's mission extends beyond competitive success. The club is committed to helping young people develop strength, discipline, responsibility and self-confidence through the sport. Every child who walks through the doors is allowed to learn, progress and achieve personally in a positive and encouraging environment.
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The Bartlesville Gymnastics Club hosts a Tiny Tot class.
Courtesy photo
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Gymnastics offers benefits that reach far beyond athletics. Research has consistently shown that the sport helps develop coordination, balance, flexibility, strength, body awareness and overall physical fitness. Just as importantly, it teaches children how to overcome challenges, set goals, work through adversity and celebrate accomplishments earned through hard work and dedication.
This year marks a special milestone as Bartlesville Gymnastics Club celebrates 60 years of serving the community. Thousands of athletes have passed through the gym's doors since its founding, carrying with them lessons of determination, resilience and confidence. As part of this anniversary celebration, the club will hold it’s annual Flip-A-Thon in September, serving as one of its largest fundraising events. The 2026 theme, "Superheroes in Training, Champions in the Making," highlighted the daily dedication, courage and perseverance of the gymnasts.
The club's 60-year longevity stands as a testament to its impact on the community, helping young people discover what they are capable of achieving. For six decades, the organization's mission has never been solely about medals or competition, but rather about building confident and successful young people.
Events like the Flip-A-Thon allow the entire community to be part of that mission. Every donation, volunteer and supporter helps ensure future generations of children have the same opportunities to learn, grow and thrive. To support that commitment, the club continues to pursue facility improvements and equipment upgrades to ensure athletes always have access to safe training spaces.
Whether a child dreams of competing at a high level or wants to learn a cartwheel and make new friends, there is a place for them at Bartlesville Gymnastics Club. Because here, gymnastics never stops, and neither does the opportunity to help young people grow, succeed and thrive.