Shortly after KidStrong first opened its doors in Omaha, Dustin Sparks noticed a small boy lingering behind his mother.
“He wouldn’t leave her side,” said Sparks, the Nebraska area developer for the national children’s program. “He couldn’t make eye contact with anyone else. If we tried to get him to participate, he would have meltdowns.”
Three years later, that same boy — now 10 — has transformed. Today, he helps encourage his peers to come out of their shells, much as he once did himself.
Stories like his are common at KidStrong, the two-story, 5,000-square-foot center dedicated to helping children from walking age through 11 build confidence, resilience and communication skills. Through a mix of science-backed physical challenges, character-building exercises and activities such as public speaking, the program aims to strengthen both body and mind.
Now the Omaha location — which opened in January 2023 with more than 400 people signing up on the first day — is preparing for one of its busiest times of the year: summer camp.
Unlike regular KidStrong classes, where at least one parent or guardian is required to remain on-site, the summer program is designed as a drop-off experience. Children attend five hours a day, five days a week, giving them an immersive introduction to the KidStrong approach while offering parents a structured option during the school holidays.
Aside from the schedule, the philosophy remains the same.
“We keep the same science-backed exercises that focus on brain, body and character building,” Sparks said.
The program’s template is consistent across all KidStrong locations nationwide. Headquartered in Frisco, Texas, the company operates 176 facilities around the country (and three in Canada), all following a curriculum developed by in-house occupational and physical therapists. The system functions like a membership club, with monthly enrollment allowing children to attend a certain number of classes.
Across the United States, KidStrong now counts more than 100,000 members. According to the company, in 96% of cases parents report their children have gained confidence across multiple areas of their lives, while 88% say their children’s social skills have improved, and 85% of kids in KidStrong say it is more enjoyable than other programs.
“It’s a truly unique program,” said Sparks. “Daily we hear from parents how they never thought they’d see their kids introducing themselves to others, or ordering their own food in a restaurant, or happily doing their chores. This is meaningful work, and why I get out of bed in the morning.”
Classes are kept small — often no more than 15 children — with two coaches leading each session to ensure everyone receives individual attention. Activities are divided into three core blocks: brain development, character building and physical movement.
Public speaking, one of the program’s hallmark skills, is introduced gradually. Children might first speak as part of a group, then in pairs, before eventually standing up to address the room on their own.
“We don’t just throw them in,” said Sparks.
Each session begins with affirmations reminding children they are strong, and brave and they can DO THIS! Instead of participation awards, KidStrong uses a system of jerseys in different colors reflecting a child’s progress — the more classes completed, the higher the rank.
“Parents love it,” Sparks said. “The program is designed for the whole child, and the whole family. Our goal is to help kids win at life.”
Visit omaha.kidstrong.com to learn more.
