Spring forward with Parks & Recreation - take an art class, dance the Tango, learn about the therapeutic drum, get fit in the Centers and get outside for a wonderful array of special events!
Aquatics
Learn to Swim, Free Swim Evaluations
There are individual registration periods before each swim lesson session. Registration for May classes is open April 19-28. 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, April 18 and Wednesday, April 19 to provide free swim evaluations. Info: 757-259-4185.
American Red Cross Lifeguard Re-Certification (ages 15+)
Saturday, April 29, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
• Renew your Lifeguarding and CPR/AED for professional rescuers certifications
• Must successfully complete the prerequisite skills, practical skills, first aid skills and written tests
• Failure to complete all requirements does not guarantee a full refund
• Cell phone use is not permitted in class and can be grounds for dismissal
• Please bring current Lifeguard and CPR card for proof of certification
• $60; $55 for JC/W residents. Course does not include materials
104750-A
Classes
Therapeutic Drum Circle (all ages and abilities; ages 5 and younger Free!)
Saturday, April 15, 3-4 p.m.
$10; $5 for JC/W residents
Freedom Park
Sing, Dance and Drum! Play a musical instrument while interacting with others and enhancing creativity and self-esteem. Fun for all ages. Families are invited to bring their children as drumming can also improve fine and gross motor skills, and is a great way to connect and enjoy time together. Senior citizens also benefit from the joy of the circle. Info: 757-259-5354.
Teddy Bear Fondant Workshop (ages 7-13) New!
Monday, April 3, 10 a.m.-noon
$20; $15 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
Come make Teddy Bears out of Fondant Modeling! This bear can be kept as a centerpiece! We’ll also make other special treats as well. All finished projects are taken home. Please note any food allergies at registration. Don’t forget to bring an apron. Instructor: The Williamsburg Chocolatier, Inc. 204101-A
Spring Easter Cookie Decorating (ages 7-13)
Monday, April 3, 1-3 p.m.
$20; $15 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
Students will decorate cookies using spring designs – flowers, tulips, butterflies and more – with buttercream icing. We’ll also learn to complement our designs with stars, dots and zig zags. Please note any food allergies at registration. Fee includes all supplies. Instructor: The Williamsburg Chocolatier, Inc. 204101-B
Kidz Clay (ages 9-15)
Mondays, April 17-May 22 (no class May 15), 4:15-5:15 p.m.
$45; $40 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
Make a mess, make some art, and make your mark… in clay! We’ll work on the potter’s wheel as well as hand build sculptural and functional pieces. Finished work is dishwasher and microwave safe. No experience needed. Class may be repeated. $15 materials fee due to instructor at first class. Work will be available for pick up after firing. Dress for mess! 204060-A
Oil Painting (ages 16+)
Two sessions offered:
Tuesdays, April 4-June 20, 1-3 p.m., 203020-A
Wednesdays, April 5-June 21, 10 a.m.-noon, 203020-B
$130 session; $125 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
Create your own masterpiece while making new friends. This class is for the student who has some experience painting in oils. Students provide own supplies. For the list, call 757-220-3755 or email annekushnick@gmail.com.
Pastels (ages 16+)
Wednesdays, April 5-June 21, 1-3 p.m.
$130; $125 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
Learn how to use this versatile and fun medium to create portraits and landscapes. Students provide own supplies. For the list, call 757-220-3755 or email annekushnick@gmail.com. 204030-A
Silverpoint (ages 16+) New!
Thursdays, April 6-June 22, 10 a.m.-noon
$130; $125 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
Learn the art of silverpoint drawing, one of several types of metal point used by scribes, craftsmen and artists since ancient times. Students provide own supplies. For the list, call 757-220-3755 or email annekushnick@gmail.com. 204070-A
Beginning Oil Painting (ages 16+)
Thursdays, April 6-June 22, 1-3 p.m.
$130; $125 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
If you’ve never picked up a brush or you want to brush up on the basics, this is the class for you. Individual instruction. Students provide all supplies. For the list, please call 757-220-3755 or email annekushnick@gmail.com. 204010-A
Before/After School/Summer Programs
REC Connect
Need summer camp and before-and-after school programs for your child? Registration is underway! 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 and 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. 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
Kids Storybook Yoga (ages 4-7)
Thursdays, 4:30-5 p.m.
$7 day; $5 for JC/W residents, 304502-C
$22 (5 pack); $20 for JC/W residents, 304501-C
James City County Recreation Center
This 30-minute class offers your child a fun way to bring together imagination, creativity and movement! While interacting with the book’s characters and plot, Storybook Yoga helps children contemplate meaningful messages such as gratitude, peace, self-love, respect and confidence. Certified KiYo instructor. Info: 757-259-4176.
Kids Yoga (ages 8-12)
Thursdays, 5:15-6 p.m.
$7 day; $5 for JC/W residents, 304502-D
$22 (5 pack); $20 for JC/W residents, 304501-D
James City County Recreation Center
Inspire your kids to learn while they move! This 45-minute class helps your child learn techniques for relaxation, health and self-love in this hurry-up world. Kids yoga increases strength and flexibility while helping them unwind, calm down, reduce stress and sleep better. Certified KiYo instructor. Info: 757-259-4176.
Fit Mama – Stroller Fit (all ages)
Tuesdays/Thursdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
$13 day; $8 for JC/W residents (3304550-C)
$65 (10 pack); $60 for JC/W residents (304550-D)
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.
Track Your Health/Know Your Numbers, Free!
Saturday, April 8, 9 a.m.-noon
James City County Recreation Center pool
Come in for a free health screening that includes blood pressure, body mass index and non-fasting cholesterol check. Then work towards improving your numbers with your doctor’s advice, exercise and better eating. Testing and counseling “on-the-spot” by RN’s. No registration required.
Gait Analysis (all ages) Free!
Tuesday, April 11, 3:30-6:30 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
What could be more basic than walking and running? Local sports chiropractor Dr. Daniel Shaye of Performance Chiropractic will be performing FREE gait analysis. You may learn why your knee hurts, or your back, or your hip... you may even catch injuries BEFORE they happen! Please wear shorts and a tank type shirt for the best analysis. Call 757-259-4176 to schedule.
Community CPR (ages 12+)
Saturday, April 8, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
$80; $75 for JC/W 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. Certified through American Red Cross. For more information, call 757-259-4176. 303800-A
Argentine Tango Dance Class (ages 16+)
Mondays, April 3-May 8, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
$30; $25 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
This six-session dance course combines both smooth and slow movements with quickness and a touch of drama. The Tango is useful in today’s social settings and celebrations and the music is great! Enjoy the health benefits of dance while learning a new skill! Open to all dancers and non-dancers. Questions? Call 757-259-4176.
304530-A
Night Club Two Step Dance Class (ages 16+)
Tuesdays, April 4-May 9, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
$30; $25 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
This dance is a slow dance that can be danced in a small space or travel around the dance floor. All movements have a floating calmness. This six-session dance course is an opportunity to add some “social time” to your weekly routine and make new friends. Open to all dancers and non-dancers. Questions? Call 757-259-4176. 304531-A
Indoor Pool – SUP Yoga (ages 16+)
Mondays, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
$20 day; $15 for JC/W residents, 304600-B
$54 (5 pack); $49 for JC/W residents, 304550-B
James City County Recreation Center
Doing yoga on a paddleboard at an indoor pool?! That’s something new! We have it, here at the Recreation Center! The paddleboards are anchored in the pool to secure your spot. Each hour session starts with stable poses to warm up the body and discover balance. You build on that foundation as the class and weeks progress. For information, please call 757-259-4176. To register, visit jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation or call 757-259-4200. Instructor: Paddle On of Williamsburg.
Meditation Practice (ages 16+)
Thursday, April 6, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
$5/person
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. For more information, call 757-259-4176. 304620-A
Essential Wellness Class (ages 16+) Free!
Thursday, April 13, 7-8 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Learn natural tools to support your health and wellness for the entire family! Many common issues will be explored such as immunity, pain relief, improved sleep, weight management, hormone balancing, cleansing, stress reduction and much more. 304630-A
Inclusion
Therapeutic Drum Circle (all ages and abilities; ages 5 and younger Free!)
Saturday, April 15, 3-4 p.m.
$10; $5 for JC/W residents
Freedom Park
Sing, Dance and Drum! Play a musical instrument while interacting with others and enhancing creativity and self-esteem. Fun for all ages. Families are invited to bring their children as drumming can also improve fine and gross motor skills, and is a great way to connect and enjoy time together. Senior citizens also benefit from the joy of the circle. Info: 757-259-5354.
Buddy Ball (ages 5+ with disabilities)
Two groups: ages 5 to middle school & high school to young adult
Sundays – April 9, April 23, April 30, May 7, May 14, May 21, May 28 & June 4, 2-3 p.m.
Registration fee: $20
Warhill Sports Complex
Buddy Ball is provided in partnership with the Williamsburg Youth Baseball League. Players are assisted one-on-one, where appropriate, by volunteer buddies who make it possible to adapt play to individual player needs. Please call Joel Schwartz at 757-879-6222 for more information.
Teensational Socials: Karaoke Dinner Party (ages 13-21 with disabilities), Free!
Saturday, April 22, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Wow us with your incredible singing voice! Dinner is provided. Socialize with peers and practice social skills through fun recreational activities and field trips in the community. No need to register, just come join us! 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.
Yoga (ages 13+ with disabilities) Free!
Tuesday, April 25, 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 757-229-3535 or visit thearcgw.org.
Fitness Field Day (ages 13+) Free!
Tuesday, April 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Freedom Park
Join us for a fun evening of hunting Easter eggs, playing games and testing your skills at a kickball tournament.
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.
Outdoors
Forest Explorers Walk & Talk (all ages) Free!
Saturday, April 1
Nature Program: Skulls, Claws and Fur, 9-10 a.m.
Guided Walk: 10 a.m. – noon
Freedom Park
Join us on the first Saturday of every month for a nature program and guided walk on the new Living Forest Interpretive trail! One of our expert nature guides will present a nature program on a different topic each month, then lead children and their parents on a trip through the forest to learn about plants, wildlife, insects and anything else we may encounter! The nature program will take place at the Freedom Park Interpretive Center. The walks will begin at the Freedom Park playground, with a new walk starting every 30 minutes. Weather permitting.
BASE Camping (all ages/families)
April 22-23, Saturday noon - Sunday noon
$15; $10 for JC/W residents
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Pitch your tent or borrow one of ours and spend the night camping! The instructional program will be held on Saturday, noon-6 p.m. We’ll help you set up your tent, build a campfire, learn to cook in a Dutch oven and take a nature hike around the park. After a day of fun, enjoy the great outdoors sleeping under the stars. 804050-A
Adult Learn to Row (ages 18+)
Two sessions:
Saturday, April 29, 10 a.m.-noon
Sunday, April 30, 10 a.m.-noon
$120/session
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Learn the basics of rowing with a four- or eight-person crew in these six outdoor sessions. Instruction provided by the Williamsburg Boat Club. Children must be accompanied by an adult. To register or for more information, email mike.cowden@comcast.net or visit williamsburgboatclub.org.
Nature Musings & Missives (ages 18+) New! Free!
Sunday, April 9, 2-3 p.m.
Freedom Park
Do you enjoy the natural world, and express those feelings through written word or art? Visit the Freedom Park Interpretive Center on the first Wednesday of every month to share your nature poetry, prose, artwork, photography or anything else that inspires you! Come to share, or just to listen! Light refreshments provided.
The Best Perennials for Tidewater (ages 18+)
Saturday, April 15, 10-11:30 a.m.
Freedom Park
Les Parks, Curator of Herbaceous Plants at the Norfolk Botanical Garden, will share information on growing the best perennials for our area. For information, email Les at les.parks@nbgs.org.
Special Events
Singletrack Maniac 50K Trail Run (ages 18+)
Saturday, April 1, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
$65/runner
Freedom Park
Experience Freedom Park in a whole new way! The generous 10-hour time limit (19-minute mile pace) for the 31-mile Ultra race is great for beginners, but the singletrack trails are technical and challenging with constant roots and elevation changes. If you’re looking to surpass the marathon and want to stay local, this is the first event of its kind in the area. No onsite registration. 150 max. For more information, please call 757-259-4176; to register, visit maniac50k.com.
Bikes Out of Hibernation, New! Free!
Saturday, April 1, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Looking for an opportunity to get your bike out of “‘hibernation?” Free safety inspections, assistance for minor repairs, greasing, fitting as well as fun rides to “knock the rust off” after winter. Fun rides of 2, 5, 10 and 15 miles on the Virginia Capital Trail led by experienced leaders. Rides scheduled to start at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. Riders younger than 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Light refreshments provided. Rain date is April 8. In the event of inclement weather, please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 for any changes in schedules.
Easter Egg Extravaganza, Free!
Saturday, April 15
Warhill Sports Complex (baseball fields), 4900 Stadium Road
9:30-11:30 a.m.
Walking-2 years...........................10 a.m.
3 years......................................10:10 a.m.
4 years......................................10:20 a.m.
5 years......................................10:30 a.m.
6 years......................................10:40 a.m.
7 years......................................10:50 a.m.
Abram Frink Jr. Community Center, 8901 Pocahontas Trail, 1-2 p.m.
Walking-7 years........................1:30 p.m.
With over 10,000 eggs for the hunts, these events are ones to see! Hunts are divided by age and will be held at the Warhill Sports Complex on the baseball fields and at the Abram Frink Jr. Community Center. Also enjoy face painting, refreshments for purchase and more! Bring your Easter basket and camera! Co-sponsor: Williamsburg Parks & Recreation. In the event of inclement weather, please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 for any changes in schedules.
Summer Camp Fair 2017, Free!
Friday, April 21, 3-7 p.m.
Saturday, April 22, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Want to sign-up the kids for summer camp? Attend the 3rd Annual Summer Camp Fair to learn about great camps and register your kids at the same time! Goodie bags for first 200 guests! Camps include:
• day (full-time and part-time) and overnight camps
• sports, adventure, scouting
• dance, music, arts and theater
• vacation bible school, special needs
• academics-science, foreign language, history
• preschool to high school camps and more!
Offered in partnership with WilliamsburgFamilies.com and The Virginia Gazette. For more information on the Fair, please contact Kristy Maynor at kristy.wf@gmail.com.
Black Settlement Presentation & Book Signing (all ages) Free!
Saturday, April 22, 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.
Sports/Athletics
Quart’r Pint Soccer (ages 2-3 with parent)
Saturdays, April 29-June 10 (no class May 27), 8:30-9 a.m.
$45; $40 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
This “parent-play” class engages toddlers and helps to develop balance, movement and soccer skills as well as helping parents provide a positive sports environment. Very active and fun! 504140-A
Multi Sport Minis (ages 3-5)
Two sessions:
Wednesdays, April 12-May 17, 10-10:45 a.m., 504050-A
Saturdays, April 29-June 10 (no class May 27), 11-11:45 a.m., 504050-B
$45/session; $40 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
From jumping hurdles, shooting a basketball, kicking a soccer ball to throwing a baseball, come have fun in the most assorted class of all!
Tot Shots (ages 3-5)
Saturdays, April 29-May 20, 9-9:45 a.m.
$35; $30 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
Time to lace up your basketball shoes and meet us on the court to learn how to dribble, shoot, pass and play some b-ball! 504070-A
Sandlot Tots (ages 4-6)
Saturdays, April 29-May 20, 11-11:45 a.m.
$35; $30 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
Hitting, fielding, base running and throws! Come play in the dirt… and learn the fantastic game of T-ball. 504150-A
Half Pint & Full Pint Soccer (ages 4-9)
Half Pint (ages 4-5): Saturdays, April 29-June 10 (no class May 27), 9-9:45 a.m., 504150-A
Full Pint (ages 6-9): Saturdays, April 29-June 10 (no class May 27), 10-10:45 a.m., 504160-A
$45/session; $40 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
GOAL! Dribbling, passing, field position and more will be taught in this FUN two-tiered introduction to soccer.
Jump Shots (ages 6-8) New!
Saturdays, April 29-May 20, 10-10:45 a.m.
$35; $30 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
Time to take the skills from Tot Shots and get ready for team play! This introduction to basketball gets you oriented to the court, passing and dribbling and team play! 504080-A
Get Set! With JCC/Venom Volleyball (ages 7-12) New!
Ages 7-9: Saturdays, April 29-May 20, 1-1:45 p.m., 504090-A
Ages 10-12: Saturday, April 29-May 20, 10:30-11:15 a.m., 504090-B
$45/session; $40 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
Bumps, Sets and Digs are the name of the game! Get oriented to the court, hone your skills in week three, and during week four we scrimmage!
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 gamers in your age group. Info: 757-887-5810.
Teens
Discover the Beauty Inside (girls ages 11-14)
Wednesday, April 5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
$45; $40 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
Join us on a journey to discover your true beauty. Learn how to handle pressure from peers and the media, how to live a healthy lifestyle and how to develop a positive self-image. Curriculum components are from the Dove Self Esteem Program. Lunch included. 604090
Vision Party (ages 13-17) New!
Saturday, April 15, noon- 3 p.m.
$25; $20 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
Clip, glue and stick all the things you see for your future. Join this fun collage creating party, design a personal vision board of things you want and goals you want to achieve. Supplies and snacks included. 604070-A
Volunteer & Get Involved!
Volunteer with Parks & Recreation! Lend a Hand, Make a Difference, Be a Part of Something Great! Volunteering is your gift to our community! Individuals, families and groups can have fun, make new friends and learn new skills by volunteering with James City County Parks & Recreation. Available opportunities include:
• Adopt-A-Park, playground, trail or waterfront
• Inclusion Companion
• Mentor our youth
• Special Events Volunteer
• Assist in “The Lounge”
For a list of volunteer opportunities, contact Angie at angie.sims@jamescitycountyva.gov or call 757-259-5403.
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