After the final bell sounded, more than 30 hearty kids bounced through the gymnasium doors at Boothbay Region Elementary School on May 7, eager to skip some rope. 

Just like the 18 times this event has happened in years past at BRES, this year’s Jump Rope for Heart featured kids doing what they do best: skipping, jumping, laughing and playing. 

The jump ropers counted how many times they could skip rope consecutively — some jumped 50 times, some jumped 200 times — all in an effort to raise money for the American Heart Association.

By the time they worked up a sweat, it was time to cool down and enjoy a healthy snack of popcorn and juice.

Each participant was either sponsored by someone, or was jumping in someone’s honor, said BRES physical education teacher, Lauren Brown.

Jump Rope for Heart is featured in schools worldwide to promote exercise and healthy eating practices. And judging by this year’s event, it also promoted a whole lot of fun.