ABOUT US
The Kangaroo Kids Precision Jump Rope Team was formed in 1978 by Don Disney at Atholton Elementary School in Howard County, Maryland. From its beginning days as a small jump rope physical fitness club, the Kangaroo Kids today is an organization consisting of more than 200 athletes from all areas of Howard County. These athletes range in age from first grade through college and are assigned to specific teams according to age and skill level.
Girls and boys compete, perform, and have fun jumping rope in what has become a very competitive sport. Our athletes travel all around the world to compete against the best jumpers in judged competitions. Some teams only jump to help the American Heart Association or to perform in front of audiences, while others are created just to compete. The common denominator is the same - introducing this great sport to people locally and around the world. Jump rope - it's not just for playgrounds anymore!
Jim McCleary
The Kangaroo Kids Head Coach is Jim McCleary, a nationally recognized physical educator who also serves as the AAU Jump Rope Chairman. His efforts over the last twenty years have contributed to the development of Jump Rope as a popular sport.
The Kangaroo Kids compete each summer at the US Amateur Jump Rope Federation National Championships and at the Amateur Athletic Union Junior Olympics. They also have competed multiple times at the biannual FISAC World Championship.
Classes/Teams
The Kangaroo Kids are organized into classes and teams by age and skill level.
- Joey Jumpers
- Junior Jumpers
- Intermediate
- Prep to Perform
- Performing
- Travel
- Competition
This introductory jump rope class is all about having fun and getting fit in a safe and non-competitive environment. Jumpers will learn basic single rope and some long rope skills. Fees include a jump rope for first-time participants.
This is a beginning jump rope class that is all about fun and fitness. Jumpers will learn basic single rope, Double Dutch and long rope skills. Fee includes a jump rope for first-time participants.
This class allows jumpers to build on basic single and long rope skills and introduces precision group routines. Prerequisite: Minimum 2 sessions of Joey Jumpers or Junior Jumpers and/or coach's approval.
Jumpers with a desire to ultimately perform at public events will build on single and long rope skills, precision routines and develop showmanship skills. No performing requirements. Prerequisite: Minimum 2 sessions of Intermediate Jumpers and/or coach's approval.
Performing Club jumpers will perfect precision group routines with the purpose of performing demonstration shows throughout the community. Skills and showmanship will be developed. In addition to practice time, there is a minimum commitment of participating in 1 of every 4 shows for each jumper. Uniforms are also required. Placement by audition. Prerequisite: Level 2 with coach’s recommendation or Level 3A.
Travel Teams are performing level teams that perform in shows and demonstrations outside the local community, out-of-state, and special events.
Junior Travel Team: Jumpers will perfect intricate precision group routines with the purpose of performing demonstration shows. High level of skill and showmanship is developed. In addition to practice time, there is a commitment of 1 of every 4 shows for each jumper. Uniforms are required. Placement by audition. Prerequisite: Level 4. Meet twice a week for 2 hours each day from September – June (2 semesters).
Senior Travel Team: Jumpers with a minimum of 1 year full participation on Travel Team C and successful evaluation may be considered for Travel Team B. Description, practice schedule, and performance commitment same as Travel Team C.
Competition Team provides an opportunity for jumpers who wish to compete in the sport of jump rope. These jumpers will train for and participate in local and possibly national or international competitions. Additional practices, registration fees, competition fees and dues, and uniforms are required. Travel expenses for competitions are jumper’s responsibility. Prerequisite: Current Member of Performing or Travel Level Teams or Kangaroo Kids Lifetime member.