FAIRHOPE — Junior Jazzercise is a way to make friends, learn dance moves and have fun through exercise and being healthy.

Jazzerkamp will take place during June and is offered for pre-kindergarten level through middle school level.

The class is taught by Jenna Pittman, certified Jazzercise instructor and recent Auburn graduate. She graduated with honors in elementary education.

“With my major, I know how to work with kids and I love dancing and music,” Pittman said. “My love for that shines, and they see how much I enjoy it, and they try it and enjoy it themselves.”

Kim Clay, Jazzercise instructor, said that working with children is genuinely Pittman’s gift.

Jazzerkamp engages its participants in many different activities such as Yoga and Pilates, arts and crafts, hip-hop and cheerleading all while breaking a sweat and getting good exercise.

“It’s a great summer activity,” Clay said. “Kids love the music. It’s hot and hip, and it’s good for you.”

Pittman said each day the participants come for three hours. The day begins with a one-hour warm-up which leads into a dance segment.

Following that, the children have a snack then get busy working on the arts and crafts project of the day.

Caroline Baggerly, Eastern Shore Jazzercise coordinator, said last year, Jazzerkampers would work with a food element to make a fun and healthy snack. They would write the recipe down, and by the end of the session would have a recipe book for future use.

The arts and crafts project they worked on during the session was a ribbon baton.

“The snack and the arts and crafts project promote healthy lifestyles and fitness,” Baggerly said.

The last 45 minutes, Pittman said, the children are taught a choreographed routine, which they will preform for their parents at the end of the week at the talent show.

Any other talents the participants want to show off at the talent show, they can, Baggerly said.

The response to last year’s Jazzerkamp was positive.

“It’s been fabulous,” Baggerly said. “It gets bigger every year. The kids love it.”

Pittman said she can already tell that this year is going to be bigger, even though registration has just begun.

Pittman said the children enjoy Jazzerkamp so much that some come to more than just one of the three sessions offered over the summer.

“They love it,” I’ve had (the children) do it the first week, and then they’ll say they want to come to another session,” Pittman said.

Pittman spoke of her characteristics as motivation for the children.

“I’m energetic,” Pittman said. “I’m always giving them energy. I’m always encouraging them to try new stuff, or get up and lead a routine.”

Baggerly said they started the program because they wanted to introduce exercise to children in a fun way.

Clay said it also helps children with coordination and balance.

Overall Jazzerkamp is about having a good time.

“It’s fun and very relaxed, they shouldn’t scared about not being able to do it because it’s very easy and very catered to their own abilities,” Pittman said.

Registration has already begun and forms can be picked up at the Fairhope Recreation Department.