Jyl Camhi's oldest son was very sick when he was born in 1998. When he reached preschool, she noticed his motor skills were delayed.
Camhi would take him for physical therapy, but felt the programs weren't well-rounded. So from 2001 to 2004, Camhi and her husband researched and developed their own interactive gym program for kids ages 6 months to 12 years.
Camhi said the program, which incorporates elements of physical therapy, was designed to be particularly beneficial for kids with delayed motor skills but also fun and engaging for all kids.
She opened her first Great Play gym in 2006 and a second location in 2009. "We have 13 locations today and plans to open 10 more," she said. The gyms offer therapy programs for those that need it, as well as soccer, play camps, and "Zumbatomic" exercise and dance classes.
"In my corporate job, work seemed like work," said Camhi. "Doing this doesn't seem like work."
But no matter how much fun she has growing her business, she recognizes that being a mom to her two sons is just as important.
"When I'm home, I won't answer the phone for work calls," said Camhi. "No matter what people say, it's never easy. It is a challenge being a businesswoman and a mom."
These camps have kids doing Hollywood stunts, launching businesses, and learning how to become secret agents.
