SGXKids is making its debut in Bridgeport. The scaled-down Spartan training will challenge children physically, but it’s about much more than that.

 

In addition to learning obstacle course strategies and mastering rope climbing, they will learn the difference between stamina and tenacity.

 

“Stamina is when you know how to do something well and can do it over a long period of time,” said Spartan trainer Jennifer Brazier. “But tenacity is different because it is the ability to be persistent, even if you don’t know how to do something yet, but you keep trying every day.”

 

Open to children in Kindergarten through fifth grade, the program will debut April 16 at Bridgeport City Park and will run for eight consecutive weeks.

 

“We’ll meet from 3-4 p.m., talk about the Spartan pillars and review whatever pillar we’re working on,” Brazier said. “We’ll have some discussion, goal setting, self-reflection, mindfulness activities and then add the physical component that mirrors whatever pillar we’re talking about.”

 

Spartan differs from other forms of physical training as it encompasses one as an entire person, Brazier explained.

 

“There is physical training, as well as training in mental toughness, the ability to overcome obstacles, education, nutrition, attitude, athleticism, tenacity and grit - all modeled and learned through the training,” she said.

 

The class can accommodate up to 32 children and will serve as a pilot program for potential future classes.

 

Brazier, co-director of The Clarksburg Children's House Montessori School in Clarksburg, said the seven pillars stamina, persistence, athleticism, tenacity, attitude and nutrition - are at the core of learning for her students and that they are quite effective.

 

“It’s about not being afraid to try new things and being able to reach success through failure,” Brazier said. “It’s about being out of your comfort zone and having time to explore things that are hard and being passionate about it.”

 

Cost is $99 per child for the eight-week session. Multiple children from the same family can attend at $75 each.

 

Students at United Technical Center are building obstacles for the kids’ program, Brazier said.

 

“They are working with Debbie Cullen, who is actually one of my Spartans who is doing the (April 11) race (in Charlotte, NC),” she said. “She was so excited and pumped about it, her students saw that in her and wanted to make the obstacles.”

 

To register for SGXKids, contact Brazier at jbrazier@hotmail.com.

 

Read about local adult Spartan trainees here.