Aquatics:
Learn to Swim, Free Swim Evaluations
There are individual registration periods before each swim lesson session. Registration for January classes is open Dec. 14-30. Registration is accepted at the James City County Recreation Center and online at Aquatics. 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, Dec. 12 and Wednesday, Dec 13 to provide free swim evaluations. Classes/evaluations held at the James City County Recreation Center. Info: 757-259-4185.
Arts & Special Interest:
Family Paint Night (ages 6+) New!
Wednesday, Dec. 13,
6:30-8:30 p.m.
$40; $35 for JC/W residents
James City County RecreationCenter
Create your very own acrylic masterpiece! You’ll receive step-by-step instructions – no experience necessary. Your painting can stand alone, or be combined with the canvases of your family to create an even larger painting. Have a blast at this family night like no other. A different painting is offered for each session. All supplies included in fee. Instructor: Wine & Design Williamsburg. 212570-C
Girls' Paint Night Out (ages 18+) New!
Thursday, Dec. 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
$50; $45 for JC/W residents
Freedom Park
Grab your girlfriends and head out for an amazing night of masterpieces and memories! No experience needed. You’ll receive step-by-step instruction to create your very own acrylic painting. A different painting is offered for each session. Fee includes all art supplies, cheese and cracker snacks and sparkling punch. Instructor: Wine & Design Williamsburg. 212570-A
Golden Years Painting Club (ages 55+) New!
Wednesday, Dec. 13, 3-5 p.m.
$50; $45 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
Age is nothing but a number! In this class, everyone is young at heART! You’ll receive step-by-step instructions to create your very own acrylic masterpiece! No experience needed. Class is structured for a variety of abilities and class size is limited to provide additional support and encouragement. A different painting offered each session. Instructor: Wine & Design Williamsburg. 212570-B
Kids' Gingerbread House Workshop (ages 7-13)
Two sessions offered:
Friday, Dec. 1, 5-7 p.m., 212101-A
Friday, Dec. 15, 5-7 p.m., 212101-B
$25/session; $20 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
Construct and decorate your own gingerbread houses! These wonderful treats are perfect as centerpieces for the holidays. Please note any food allergies at the time of registration. All treats made during class are taken home. All attendees should bring an apron or dress accordingly and tie back long hair. Supplies provided. Instructor: The Williamsburg Chocolatier, Inc.
Before/After
School/Break Programs:
REC Connect
Need before- and after-school programs for your child? The 2017-18 REC Connect program is open to youth ages 5-14, enrolled in grades K-8. Registration 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 Center, the 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 REC Connect Registration Form. For the complete list of fees and registration information, visit REC Connect 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.
Winter Break Programs:
Youth Winter Break Program (ages 5-10); must be enrolled in kindergarten
Daily, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
$35/day; $30 for JC/W residents
Laurel Lane ElementarySchool (formerly Rawls Byrd)
Registration Deadline is Dec. 20, 10 a.m. (register early, space is limited).
Enjoy winter break fun with exciting trips and hands-on activities. Unless otherwise noted, bring lunch daily. Activity calendars will be sent to parents before program start date.
Winter Break Bonanza! Thursday, Dec. 21. Fun activities include crafts, games and sports. 712220-A
Bouncing in the New Year! Friday, Dec. 22. Visit an inflatable playground at the Bounce House in Williamsburg. 712220-B
Where a Kid Can Be a Kid! Wednesday, Dec. 27. Chuck E. Cheese! The ultimate kids’ fun zone! Includes two slices of pizza and drink. 712220-C
Library Theatre Performance Thursday, Dec. 28. Live theatrical fun at the Williamsburg Library! 712220-D
Bringing in the New Year! Friday, Dec 29. New Year’s party with exciting activities including art, basketball and electronic club challenges. 712220-E
Teen Winter Break Program (ages 10-14)
Daily, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
$35/day; $30 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center (each day begins and ends at the Center)
Registration Deadline is Dec. 20, 10 a.m. (register early, space is limited).
Enjoy winter break with fun trips and activities. Bring lunch daily.
Jump into Winter Thursday, Dec. 21. Kick off the holiday season with a series of intramural sports. 612050-A
Rolling Through Winter Break Friday, Dec. 22. Bowl a
strike at AMF bowling in Williamsburg. 612050-B
Splash Away the Winter Time Blues Wednesday, Dec. 27. Visit the KROC Center in Norfolk and splash away your winter time blues in their indoor water park. 612050-C
Skating into the Holidays Thursday, Dec. 28. Gliding and sliding towards the New Year, enjoy ice skating at Liberty’s Ice Pavilion in Colonial Williamsburg. 612050-D
A New Year Celebration Friday, Dec. 29. Ring in the New Year with a pizza party, games and fun at the James City County Recreation Center. 612050-E
Therapeutic Recreation Winter Break Programs (ages 5-22 with disabilities) New!
For details, see Inclusion/Therapeutic Recreation Services below.
Health/Wellness:
Group Fitness Classes
When the temperatures turn cooler, it’s time to move your fitness routine indoors! From Ageless Yoga to Zumba, you’ll find a class just for you at the James City County Recreation Center. Check out our full group fitness schedule for a complete list of the more than 60 classes offered weekly. Info: 757-259-4176
Meditation Workshop (ages 16+)
Wednesday, Dec. 6, 6:15-7:15 p.m., $5
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. 312620-A. Info: 757-259-4176.
Kids Storybook Yoga (ages 4-7)
Thursdays, 4:30-5 p.m.
$7 day; $5 for JC/W residents, 312502-C
$22 (5 pack); $20 for JC/W residents, 312501-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. KiYo certified instructor. Info: 757-259-4176.
Kids Yoga (ages 8-12)
Thursdays, 5:15-6 p.m.
$7 day; $5 for JC/W residents, 312502-D
$22 (5 pack); $20 for JC/W residents, 312501-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. KiYo certified instructor. Info: 757-259-4176.
Indoor Pool – SUP Yoga (ages 16+)
Mondays, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
$20; $15 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center pool
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. Info: 757-259-4176. 312600-A
Inclusion & Therapeutic Recreation Services:
Days of Discovery Winter Break Program (ages 5-25 with disabilities) New!
Wednesday-Friday, Dec. 27-29, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
$80; $75 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
Registration Deadline: Dec. 22, 10 a.m.
Experience FUN, arts and crafts, gym games and much more! A typical participant:
• has a mild to moderate disability
• can independently or with verbal cues, feed, bathe and toilet
• is able to function successfully within a 1:3 staff to camper ratio
• is able to adjust to changes in routine/environment with relative ease
• has the ability to effectively communicate needs either verbally or with a communication device.
901260-A. Info/register:757-259-5354.
Therapeutic Recreation Winter Break Programs (ages 5-22 with disabilities) New!
Wednesday-Friday, Dec. 27-29, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
$80; $75 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
Registration Deadline: Dec. 22, 10 a.m.
Experience FUN, arts and crafts, gym games and much more! A typical participant:
• has a mild to moderate disability
• can independently or with verbal cues, feed, bathe and toilet
• is able to function successfully within a 1:3 staff to camper ratio
• is able to adjust to changes in routine/environment with relative ease
• has the ability to effectively communicate needs either verbally or with a communication device.
901260-A. Info/register: 757-259-5354.
Teensational Social: Holiday Shopping Spree (ages 13-21 with disabilities) Free!
Saturday, Dec. 2, 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center lobby
Join us for a fun day of shopping at Patrick Henry Mall. Bring spending money. Transportation provided. Explore, Engage, Excel…Socialize with peers and practice social skills through fun recreational activities and field trips in the community. No need to register…just come. Offered in collaboration with Capernaum. For more information and a complete event schedule, call Caitie Maloney at 757-784-6226 or Caitie.Maloney@yahoo.com.
Yoga (ages 13+ with disabilities) Free!
Tuesday, Dec. 19, 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.
Holiday Dinner Dance (ages 13+ with disabilities) Free!
Saturday, Dec. 9, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Holiday season with dancing and dinner with friends. You might even catch a glimpse of Santa Claus. 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.
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: The Arc at 757-229-3535.
Outdoors:
Nature Ornaments and Crafts (all ages/families) Free!
Saturday, Dec. 16, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Freedom Park
Stop by Freedom Park this holiday season and transform acorns, sweetgum balls, and pine cones into adorable ornaments! Bring billfold size school photos if you would like to make a surprise for Grandma or a remembrance ornament for your tree. Drop in and spend an hour or so, and head home with some new tree ornaments! All materials (except photos) will be provided.
Special Events:
Movie Nights Free! New!
Friday, Dec. 1, 6-8 p.m.
Abram Frink Jr. Community Center
Bring a blanket/pillow and join us for family friendly movie nights held inside the multipurpose room. Popcorn and drinks provided. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Movies are held on the first Friday night of every month. Scheduled Feature: Lego Batman Movie (2017) PG; movies subject tochange. Stop by the Center Front Desk for a schedule of movies. Info: 757-887-5810.
Teens:
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. For information, call 757-887-5810.
For the complete list of Parks & Recreation programs and events or registration information for all activities, please visit our website 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.
Holiday Closings:
The James City County Recreation Center and the Abram Frink Jr. Community Center will be closed:
• Christmas Eve, Sunday, Dec 24
• Christmas Day, Monday, Dec. 25
• New Year’s Day, Monday, Jan. 1, 2018
James City County parks are open year-round. Some parks feature a guest services office or park store. The Chickahominy Riverfront Park Office/Store, the Little Creek Reservoir Park Office/Store and the James City County Marina Office/Store will all be closed on Sunday, Dec. 24, Monday, Dec. 25 and Monday, Jan. 1, 2018. The Freedom Park Office/Store will open 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Dec. 24. The Office/Store will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25 and Monday, Jan. 1, 2018.
Media Contact:
Veda McMullen, Senior Communications Specialist
757-259-5415; veda.mcmullen@jamescitycountyva.gov