Have fun and get fit in February! Check out all that Parks & Recreation has to offer!
Aquatics
Learn to Swim, Free Swim Evaluations
There are individual registration periods before each swim lesson session. Registration for February classes is Feb. 1-10. Registration is accepted at the James City County Recreation Center and online at jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation. Having trouble deciding which swim level is appropriate for your child? Our certified Water Safety Instructor will be available 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 7 and Wednesday, Feb. 8 to provide free swim evaluations. Info: 757-259-4185.
American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course (ages 15+)
Prerequisite Swim Test: Friday, Feb. 10, 4-6 p.m.
Training Course: Monday-Thursday, Feb. 13-16, 4-9 p.m.
$210; $205 for James City/Williamsburg residents (includes swim test, book and materials)
Classes held at the James City County Recreation Center & Eastern State Hospital
• Includes First Aid and CPR certification
• Must attend and pass a prerequisite swim test: 300-yard continuous swim (100 yards of front crawl, 100 yards of breaststroke and 100 yards of choice of front crawl or breaststroke). Retrieve a 10-pound brick from a depth of 7-8 feet and return 20 yards, keeping both hands on the brick at all times; face must remain out of the water. Tread water for 2 minutes keeping arms out of the water.
• Must attend every class to earn certification
• Failure to complete competency test does not guarantee a full refund
• Cell phone use is not permitted in class and can be grounds for dismissal
• Must be age 15 or older by the last day of class
• Class meets at the James City County Recreation Center on the first day
Special Interest Classes
Preschool Chocolate Workshop (ages 3-5)
Saturday, Feb. 4, 10 a.m.-noon
$20; $15 for James City/Williamsburg residents
James City County Recreation Center
Create tasty masterpieces with your little ones. Basic chocolate making techniques introduced. We’ll dip pretzels and marshmallows and make chocolate clusters and other fun treats! Please note any food allergies at the time of registration. Dress for mess or bring an apron. Parent/guardian must attend class with child. All supplies included. Instructor: The Williamsburg Chocolatier, Inc. 202101-B
PeeWee Picassos (ages 5-6)
Thursdays, Feb. 2-23, 4:30-6 p.m.
$45; $40 for James City/Williamsburg residents
James City County Recreation Center
Paint, Sculpt, Draw – simple and fun! There’ll also be a few other surprise projects in this four-class series! All supplies included. Dress for mess! 202090-A
STEM Club: Engineering & Robotics (ages 7-12) New!
Tuesdays, Feb. 7-28, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
$60; $55 for James City/Williamsburg residents
James City County Recreation Center
Learn, Build, Program…in this hands-on class series! Develop critical STEM and problem solving skills! You’ll build different K.Nex® bridges based on bridge designs from around the world and complete LEGO® Robotics projects, building and programming robots for sound and motion. Instructor: Sylvan Learning. 202130-A
Get Taken for a Ride (ages 7+)
Saturday, Feb. 18, noon-1:30 p.m.
$85; $80 for James City/Williamsburg residents
Stonehouse Stables, 2116-A Forge Road
Take a 30-minute trail lesson on one of our experienced lesson horses. We’ll focus on balance, steering and basic horsemanship skills through the woods and around a lake. 202107-A
Think “Spring” & Have Bluebirds in Your Yard (ages 18+)
Saturday, Feb. 18, 10-11:30 a.m.
Freedom Park
Spring is the perfect time to welcome bluebirds! Join Nancy Barnhart and a team of certified Master Naturalists to learn how to attract them to your backyard. Info: email Barnhart at barnhartnt@gmail.com. Free; however, a $5 donation is suggested.
Before/After School/Summer Programs
REC Connect
Need summer camp and before and after school programs for your child? Registration begins Friday, Feb. 3 for County residents! Parents, please plan ahead. The program is open to youth ages 5-14, enrolled in grades K-8. One registration packet may be used for both Summer Camp 2017 and the Before & After School 2017-18 programs. Registrations accepted on a first-come, first-served basis according to date received and space availability. Weekly registration fees apply. Forms can be returned by mail or dropped off at the James City County Recreation, Abram Frink Jr. Community Center, the Freedom Park Interpretive Center or the Satellite Services Office in Toano. Please allow up to seven business days for processing. Forms can be picked up at any of the drop off locations listed above or downloaded from jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation starting Feb. 3. Nonresidents may apply starting Friday, Feb. 10. For the complete list of fees and registration information, visit jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation or call the Hotline at 757-259-3170. Discounts are available to any qualified resident based on total household gross income; please call 757-259-5414 for financial details.
Health/Wellness
Fit Mama – Stroller Fit (all ages)
Tuesdays/Thursdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
$13; $8 for James City/Williamsburg residents (303550-A)
$65 (10 pack); $60 for James City/Williamsburg residents (303550-B)
James City County Recreation Center
Want to get out of the house, do something fun, active and healthy for yourself and your child AND meet a group of amazing moms in your own town! Get a great 60 minutes of exercise using your own body weight, bands and balls as well as our outdoor walking trail! Class ends at the My Place Playground for your tots to play. Pre and postnatal workout for all levels. Jogging stroller not necessary. Bring water and a yoga mat or towel. Info: 757-259-4176.
Community CPR (ages 12+)
Saturday, Feb. 11, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
$80; $75 for James City/Williamsburg residents
James City County Recreation Center
This hands-on skills training class prepares you to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies. It also teaches the skills and knowledge needed to provide care for victims of sudden cardiac arrest through the safe use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Participants will also learn Adult CPR/AED, Child CPR/AED and Infant CPR/AED. Info: 757-259-4176. 102750-B
Meditation Practice (ages 16+)
Wednesday, Feb. 1, 6:30-7:15 p.m.
$5/participant
James City County Recreation Center
Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or brand new, all are welcomed to this open community meditation practice. We’ll explore different styles of meditation techniques as well as tools that aide the meditative process. You’ll be guided in and out of each session. Meditation can improve your physical, emotional and mental health and well-being. Info: 757-259-4176. 302620-A
Yoga 101: A Transformational Practice One-Day Workshop (ages 16+) Free!
Sunday, Feb. 12, 1-2:30 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Come learn the foundations of yoga as a system for transformation. A brief history will be offered along with detailed descriptions of many different yogic practices. Yoga is not just for stretching! Yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual practice or discipline which originated in India. There is a broad variety of Yogic schools, practices and goals. We’ll discuss many of them and try out a few of them. Discussion topics include hatha/physical yoga, meditation, scriptural study and mantra; and pranayama/breath work, chakra system and selfless service. Info: 757-259-4176. 311662-A
Spinal Injury Avoidance & Postural Improvement Workshop (ages 18+) Free!
Tuesdays, Feb. 9, 16 & 23, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Back pain? Want to prevent spinal injury? In this three-week workshop, we’ll focus on injury prevention and a 10-minute/day exercise program to improve balance, alignment and movement. 15 people max. Presenter: Dr. Daniel Carlson of The Spine Center of Williamsburg. Call 757-259-4176 to schedule. 302670-A
Stroke Awareness & Blood Pressure Check, Free!
Saturday, Feb. 11, 9 a.m.-noon
James City County Recreation Center
A stroke is an emergency and every minute counts! Act F.A.S.T! Learn the risk factors and what to do if you suspect someone is having a stroke! Have your blood pressure taken. No registration required.
Inclusion/Therapeutic Recreation
Buddy Art (ages 7+ with disabilities) Free!
Saturdays, Feb. 4, Feb. 11, Feb. 25, March 18 & March 25, 3-4 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
A variety of art activities are offered based on participant age, ability level and interests. Children are assigned a volunteer “buddy” to work with them one-on-one. For more information, visit thiscenturyartgallery.org/BuddyArt or contact buddy.art.kids@gmail.com or 757-879-4328. Sponsored by Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center in partnership with volunteers from William and Mary. 209090-B
Teensational Socials: Valentine’s Gala (ages 13-21 with disabilities) Free!
Saturday, Feb. 11, 7-9 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Ladies wear your favorite dress, men wear your coat and tie and let’s dance the night away! Offered in partnership with Capernaum. For more information and a complete schedule of events call Caitie Maloney at 757-784-6226 or Caitie.Maloney@yahoo.com.
Day Support Program
Tuesdays-Fridays weekly, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Abram Frink Jr. Community Center, 8901 Pocahontas Trail
Offers adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities an opportunity to receive educational, life skills and vocational training, as well as engage in social and recreational activities with their peers, instructors and the community. Info: call The Arc at 757-229-3535.
Yoga (ages 13+ with disabilities) Free!
Tuesday, Feb. 28, 7-9 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Move through a series of postures to allow the body to become flexible and healthy in a state of deep relaxation. Offered in partnership with The Arc of Greater Williamsburg. For more information on Arc events or to become a member call 229-3535 or visitthearcgw.org.
Special Events
Black Settlement Presentation & Book Signing (all ages)
Saturday, Feb. 4, 3-4 p.m.
Freedom Park
Join Col. Lafayette Jones Jr., a descendent of those that lived on the Free Black Settlement at Freedom Park, for a presentation and book signing. You’ll experience 18th century life more than 60 years before the Emancipation Proclamation.
Splash In Movies (all ages/families) New!
Saturday, Feb. 11, 6:30 p.m.
$10/person; $5 for James City/Williamsburg residents
James City County Recreation Center
Join us for the best way to warm up a cool night at the Recreation Center pool! Bring a float or borrow a tube and jump in and relax, all while you take in a classic family film! Scheduled feature: Lilo and Stitch. Movies subject to change. 802240-A
Destination Recreation Expo (all ages) Free!
Saturday, Feb. 25, 9 a.m.-noon
James City County Recreation Center
Your one-stop-shop for everything Parks and Recreation has to offer! Discover your parks and facilities, learn about various classes and programs offered throughout the year and be one of the first to register for the upcoming summer camps! Informational booths, interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities are just a few great features of this event. We’ll keep your children engaged while you gather information about summer camp opportunities, sports, outdoor, aquatic programs, special events, parks and facilities, REC Connect, inclusion/therapeutic programs and activities offered through our affiliate organizations. Raffles and discounts for camps, classes and facilities given on day of event!
Sports/Athletics
Teen Tournaments (boys and girls ages 12-19), Free!
Thursdays, 4-6 p.m.
Abram Frink Jr. Community Center
Come out for weekly Xbox game tournaments and competitive active game tournaments. These safe, free and fun nights challenge you to play in competitive tournaments against other competitors in your age group. For information, call 757-887-5810.
Spring Adult Coed Soccer (men 30+ and women 18+)
Sundays, Feb. 26-May 21, 4-10 p.m. (no games 4/16, 5/14)
$750/team
Warhill Sports Complex
Offering recreational soccer with a focus on fun. League play culminates in an end of season tournament to decide the champion. Register your team under the Captain’s name. Roster forms can be picked up at the JCCRC. Registration by team only; deadline is Feb. 13. Captain’s meeting Feb. 16, 6 p.m. at the James City County Recreation Center. 502700-A
Teens
Red Cross Babysitting Course (ages 12+)
Saturday, Feb. 4, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
$75; $70 for James City/Williamsburg residents
James City County Recreation Center
Learn all the basics of babysitting – childcare, fire and home safety, and first aid-plus learn how to set up your business. Receive a babysitter’s textbook, babysitting certificate and first aid kit. Bring a bagged lunch. 602010-A
Interview NEW! Skills for Teens (ages 16+) Free!
Thursday, Feb. 2, 6-7 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Do you know how to prepare for an interview? Get the tips and tricks you’ll need to prepare for the ‘real world’ including appropriate dress, how to answer interview questions and more! Registration required. Instructor: College Ready, LLC. 202210-A
For the complete list of Parks & Recreation programs and events or registration information for all activities, please visit jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation or call 757-259-4200 (unless otherwise noted). For outdoor events, please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 if inclement weather is in the forecast. JC/W = James City County/Williamsburg resident.