Need a fundraising idea? How about a trampoline bounce-a-thon!

Sponsored marathons have always been a popular way to raise money.  Dance-a-thons, walk-a-thons, running marathons, rock-a-thons, and other endurance tests are commonplace for organizations and groups all across the world.  The basic idea is this: a contestant collects money from sponsors who pledge to give them a certain amount of money if the contestant participates in a contest.  The contest atmosphere may be one of great competition (as in a 5K race for charity) or may be casual and group-oriented (a ladies club that agrees to knit for 3 hours and talk).  The result is a highly-social, fun fundraising idea in which the contestants push their abilities to the limits and the charity or organization greatly benefits from the profits.

Often, enthusiastic volunteers engage in a bounce-a-thon in which the contestants agree to jump on a trampoline for an alloted amount of time.   Frequently, bounce-a-thons have a silly, fun atmosphere in which the contestants may dress up in crazy costumes to wear while bouncing on the trampoline. The trampoline bounce-a-thons may be composed of individuals or of teams.

I think this is a great idea!  Really, as long as the supervising adults make sure that the trampoline fun is safe, this sounds like  a great idea to raise money and have fun at the same time.

Why not try a trampoline bounce-a-thon for your next fundraiser?

Doodle Jump–Trampolines go mobile!

If you have an iPhone, you have probably heard of Doodle Jump.  Doodle Jump is one of the most highly successful iPhone applications to date.  In fact, Doodle Jump has sold more than 5 million games and is rapidly becoming the most successful iPhone application ever made.This simple but catchy game features Doodler, a scrawled figure of indiscernible origin.  Aptly named, Doodler and his fellow characters resemble the bored scrawl of individuals who have too much time on his or her hands.

The point of the game is simple, and therein lies its appeal. Players must help Doodler reach a series of platforms without falling.  There are monsters to defeat and high scores to attain—a very addictive combination!

To get around these platforms, Doodler heavily depends on power ups to propel him to the next level.  Power up options include a jetpack, propeller hat, spring, trampoline, spring shoes, the orb/force shield, and the rocket.  Arguably, the best power up is the trampoline. It bounces Doodler higher up than a normal platform while he performs a backflip.  Awesome!

Who knew trampoline enthusiasts could now take their love of trampolines on the go?  We will definitely have to give it a try!

What did you think of the power ups?  Do you have a favorite (other than the trampoline, of course ^_^)?  Let us know!

Trampoline Injuries Highest in Summer

Did you know that trampoline accidents rank among the highest top summer injuries for children?

The higher amount of free time often means that children’s rates of injuries spike during the summer.  In fact, medical professionals cite injuries sustained from falls as the most common trampoline hazard to children.  These falls occur in backyards, playgrounds, and parks all across the nation.

Sadly, many of these injuries stem from poorly supervised children who are using trampolines. Children are often unaware that their summer fun can result in risky behaviours and may feel pressured by other children to attempt stunts that they would not perform under supervision.  As a result, many unsupervised children suffer broken arms, broken legs, bumps, bruises, sprains, and strains.

The good news is that trampolines are incredibly safe tools for fun and fitness if used properly and under adult supervision.   Here are some of our top tips to keep your family safe this summer:

  • Always supervise children who are using the trampoline.
  • Install a safety net to prevent falls.
  • If you are concerned that your trampoline is being used while you are not there to supervise, place a small lock on the safety net.  This will prevent any unauthorized users from accessing and using the trampoline.
  • Never allow more than one child on the trampoline at a time.
  • Never allow children to play underneath or around the trampoline.

http://www.vulytrampolines.com/

Trampoline Sales Boom in the Sweet Summertime!

Hey everyone,

I know that there have been several blog contributors who have talked about their anticipation for summer, but guess what–I am excited too!  Summer means watermelon, barbeques, and—best of all–trampoline fun!

Did you know that trampoline sales skyrocket during the summer?  The sunny, beautiful days in Australia are perfect for spending the day outside.  Many families choose to buy a trampoline because its health and wellness benefits can be enjoyed by the whole family.  In fact, trampolines are the the perfect blend between fun and fitness!

Because of the beautiful weather, kids’ outdoor play equipment like swing sets, cubby houses, and trampolines see a spike in sales.  Our staff genuinely anticipates the summer rush.  We take pride in providing top-quality trampolines for your family!

What’s your favorite part about summer trampoline fun?  Why do you think trampolines make such fantastic summer accessories?

Happy jumping!

Keeping Cool This Summer

Summer is right around the corner, and everyone is ready feel the sizzle again!  How will you keep this cool this summer?  Here are some of my favorite ways!

Swimming pools and ocean swims remain the most popular way to cool down in those hot, muggy summer days. Swimming not only cools the body down;  it’s also an excellent form of exercise!  Swimming tones and strengthens every muscle in the body and is an extremely low-impact exercise.

If you like to add a little bounce to your summer swimming plans, consider investing in a water trampoline.  Water trampolines are rapidly rising in popularity and are treasured for their fun, kid-friendly properties.  Essentially, water trampolines are floating rebounding devices that allow jumpers to jump directly off of the jump mat into the water.  Caution: never allow users to jump on water trampolines if they cannot see the bottom!

For fun the whole family can enjoy, try a water-balloon fight in the garden!  Friendly fire will ensue when Mum and Dad plan an ambush on the kids, and the best part is that everyone wins!

Hey readers–what’s your favorite summer cool-down activity?

Trampoline and education

Did you know that trampoline training is often used in school systems to aid special education recipients?

It’s true!  Child experts are finding that the use of trampoline training can be a very effective tool for teaching autistic, learning disordered, and other special education recipients the benefits of exercise and wellness.  Many special education children have difficulty staying in his or her seat during lesson time and are consumed by an urge to move. By using a trampoline as a training tool, special education children can learn counting, music and rhythm, physical education, coordination, flexibility, and impulse control.  As an added bonus, the use of a trampoline in the classroom can be used as a reward for good behavior.  Studies are also showing that trampoline exercise plans are very effective for burning off energy and regaining focus–crucial areas of focus in special education and individualised education plans.

Trampoline -trained children are heavily supervised and enjoy the benefits of safety nets, so the risk of fall-related injuries is all but eliminated.

Have you ever heard of programs like this?  Do you think they are effective?  If you are a parent or teacher of a special needs individual, do you think this is an effective educational method?

http://www.vulytrampolines.com/

Trampoline Games

Kids are very creative by nature, and they frequently invent all types of games to play in and around the house. Some of the most popular games that kids invent are meant to be played on a trampoline. Put a tennis ball on a trampoline and they will think of a range of games to play.  One game that I have discovered recently involves rolling the ball across the trampoline mat from one side to the other in a pseudo air-hockey fashion (trampoline hockey?).

Other ball games can revolve around using coordination to try to catch the ball while simultaneously jumping, or knocking it back to a friend as they gently throw it towards the person jumping.

Depending on the design, if any, on the jumping mat there may be a multitude of other games that can be made-up to play on your trampoline.

So what games do your kids play on their trampoline?

http://www.vulytrampolines.com/