In late 2023, the team at YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region was looking for a program that was both unique and affordable for the members. Chris Sanders, executive director for the Briargate YMCA and Association Healthy Living, said he finally found the ideal partner in NinjaZone after meeting Erica Barnes, the company’s director of partnership, at a conference.
“After a handful of conversations with Erica and the team, we elected to move forward,” said Sanders. “I’ve been working with NinjaZone for roughly a year and a half. Our traditional sports offerings were strong, but we needed something fresh that appealed to kids who might not connect with team sports or gymnastics. NinjaZone gave us a creative solution that blends strength, agility and fun while remaining cost-effective for our centers. It helped us fill a gap in our programming and attract new families.”
Below, Sanders shares about the Y’s partnership with NinjaZone, how operations have been enhanced, surprises and more.
What are the benefits to your business as a result of this partnership?
Partnering with NinjaZone has been a smart, affordable investment that’s quickly paying off. It has brought in new members, boosted program enrollment and allowed us to diversify our programming without a large financial burden. NinjaZone has helped us stand out in the community while giving families another reason to choose the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region. Overall, it has created sustainable growth and added real value to our YMCA.
What are the benefits to your members as a result of this partnership?
For our members, NinjaZone has been a fantastic way to elevate their overall experience. Kids love the challenge and creativity of the classes, and parents appreciate that it’s affordable compared to many other youth activities in Colorado Springs. Members consistently share how much their children have grown in confidence, balance and strength. It has given families another fun, safe and enriching reason to keep coming back to the YMCA.
Have you been pleasantly surprised by working with NinjaZone in any way?
Yes, we’ve been impressed with how smoothly the program launched and how quickly families got on board. The training and resources made it easy for staff to implement without a major cost or time barrier. We’ve also been surprised by how well the program retains participants. Kids don’t just try it once; they keep coming back for their graduation ceremonies to the next level. The affordability — paired with the excitement it generates — has exceeded our expectations.
What else can you tell other rec center professionals about the benefits of working with NinjaZone?
NinjaZone is a program that elevates both the member experience and the overall value of membership to any YMCA. It’s affordable, flexible and appeals to a wide range of kids, including those who may not otherwise participate in structured athletics. If you want to grow your programming while offering families something unique and memorable, NinjaZone is an excellent choice. It has been a win-win for both the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region and the Colorado Springs community.
