Yo-yo camp in Perrysburg is having a 'sleeper' year

Rob Kitts, 26, teaches Noah Cygnor, 11, yo-yo tricks on Tuesday during the annual yo-yo camp at the Municipal Park in Perrysburg. THE BLADE/ZACK CONKLE Enlarge | Buy This Photo

It was a move that seemed as though it could be performed by Spiderman.

Rob Kitts, 26, director of the Perrysburg summer recreation program’s yo-yo camp, turned his wrist over, flicked out his yo-yo, allowed it to briefly hover, spinning, in the air, then flipped his wrist back, pulling in the toy in one seamless action.

The move, called the sleeper, is the foundation for most other yo-yo tricks, said Lori Kitts of Perrysburg, Mr. Kitts’s mother, who helps run the camp in Municipal Park at 915 Elm St.

Although attendance in past years has reached up to 30 students — most of whom are boys — only one student was drawn to the quirky pastime this year. Mrs. Kitts couldn’t put her finger on why the yo-yo camp’s attendance had spun downward this year.

Noah Cygnor, 11, of Perrysburg said during a break in the action at camp today that he became interested in yo-yoing after watching his dad’s old videos, which featured yo-yo tricks.

Rob Kitts demonstrates his yo-yoing talents during the annual yo-yo camp in Perrysburg. THE BLADE/ZACK CONKLE Enlarge | Buy This Photo

The same kinds of videos initiated Mr. Kitts’s involvement in the sport, which he began around age 6, and has since competed on a national and international level. He has also demonstrated his skills at the American International Toy Fair in New York City.

“It’s something different,” he said of his attraction to yo-yoing. “It’s cool to do something that most other people couldn’t pick up.”

Mr. Kitts said his interest in teaching others how to yo-yo stems from a desire to get kids involved, but also to keep the sport, which can have a lasting impact, alive. “It teaches hand-eye coordination,” he said. “These are skills you can apply later in life.”

The yo-yo camp started Monday and runs through Thursday. Children ages 8 and up can still register to attend by contacting the city’s recreation department.

Contact Madeline Buxton at: mbuxton@theblade.com or 419-724-6368.