Aquatics
Learn to Swim, Free Swim Evaluations
There are individual registration periods before each swim lesson session. Registration for March/April classes is open until March 8. Registration is accepted at the James City County Recreation Center and online. 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, March 5 and Wednesday, March 6 to provide free swim evaluations. Classes/evaluations held at the James City County Recreation Center. Info: 757-259-4185.
Lifeguard Training American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course (ages 15+)
Prerequisite Swim Test: Friday, March 8, 4-6 p.m.
Training Course: Saturday, March 9, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Monday-Thursday, March 11-14, 4-9 p.m.
$210/$205 per session includes swim test, book and materials* 103710-A
Prerequisite Swim Test: Friday, March 29, 4-8 p.m.
Training Course: Monday-Friday, April 1-5, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
$210/$205 per session includes swim test, book and materials* 103710-B
- Includes First Aid and CPR certification
- Must attend and pass a 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
- Classes held at the James City County Recreation Center and Eastern State Hospital
- Class meets at the James City County Recreation Center on the first day
Swim test held on first day of class
American Red Cross Lifeguard Re-Certification (ages 15+)
Saturday, March 23, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
$60/$55 per session. Course does not include materials
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
103750-A
REC Connect
Before/After School & Summer Camp Programs
Summer Camp & 2019-20 School Year
Registration is underway!
Summer Camp 2019 Priority Registration Deadline: May 3.
Parents, please plan ahead! One registration packet may be used for both Summer Camp 2019 and the Before and After School 2019-20 programs. Registrations accepted on a first-come, first-served basis according to postmark date and space availability:
- Annual registration fee is $50/child
- Annual registration fee is non-refundable
- Weekly registration fees apply
Registration forms and program information is available online and at the Recreation Centers, Freedom Park Interpretive Center and Satellite Services Office in Toano.
Health/Wellness
Kids Storybook Yoga (ages 4-7)
Thursdays, 5-5:30 p.m.
$7/class; $5 for JC/W residents
$25 (5 pack); $22 for JC/W residents
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.
Youth Yoga (ages 8-13)
Thursdays, 5:30-6:15 p.m.
$8/class; $6 for JC/W residents
$28 (5 pack); $25 for JC/W residents
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. Youth yoga increases strength and flexibility while helping them unwind, calm down, reduce stress and sleep better. KiYo certified instructor. Info: 757-259-4176.
Diabetes Risk Assessment Screening & Blood Pressure Check (all ages) Free!
Saturday, March 9, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Are you at risk for Type 2 Diabetes? Stop by to take the American Diabetes Association Diabetes Risk paper test and discuss your results with an RN. This assessment is based on individual risk factors. There is no blood test. Health and wellness information available. No registration required. Info: 757-259-4176.
Inclusion/Therapeutic Recreation Services
Teensational Socials: Karaoke Dinner Party (ages 13-21 with disabilities)
Saturday, March 16, 6:30-8 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Wow us with your incredible singing voice! Dinner is provided. 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.
Sensory Friendly Movie Night (all ages with disabilities) Free!
Friday, March 22, 6-8 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Enjoy a feature film with family and friends in a safe and accommodating environment. The lights will be turned down low and special sensory seating areas will be provided. Popcorn and snacks will be included.
For more information, please call 757-259-5354. Preregistration is appreciated. 905120-B
TOPSoccer (ages 4+ with disabilities)
Saturdays, March 23 & 30, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Warhill Sports Complex
The Outreach Program for Soccer is a community-based "for fun" youth soccer program for athletes with disabilities provided by The Virginia Legacy Soccer Club and in partnership with The Arc of Greater Williamsburg and OneChild. Players are grouped based on size, ability level and age. Contact The Virginia Legacy Soccer Club at 757-253-8572 to register or email director Alex Spirn at aspirn@valegacysoccer.com.
Yoga (ages 13+ with disabilities) Free!
Tuesday, March 26, 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.
Ooey, Gooey, Fun- Sensory Play (ages 5-22 with disabilities), Free!
Wednesday, March 27, 6:30-8 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Do you like to play with slime? Have you ever painted with spaghetti? Join us for fun evenings full of yucky, messy activities. Snacks and materials provided. Bring a messy shirt. Registration is appreciated. 903120-A. Info: 757-259-5354 or 757-259-4200.
Day Support Program (adults)
Tuesdays-Fridays weekly, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Abram Frink Jr. Community Center
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: 757-229-3535.
Outdoors
Forest Explorer Fridays – Night Hike (all ages)
Friday, March 15, 6-7:30 p.m.
Freedom Park Interpretive Center
Join us on the third Friday of each month to explore the plants and animals of Freedom Park! Youth must be accompanied by an adult. Featured this month is a short talk about owls and then a night hike through the woods! Learn the different owl calls you might hear in James City County, and see what critters come out at night!
Cottage Gardens (ages 18+)
Saturday, March 17, 10-11:30 a.m.
Freedom Park Interpretive Center
Learn about the history and design of cottage gardens and the plants found in them. This program is part of the Learn and Grow Educational Series sponsored by the Williamsburg Botanical Garden. Presenter: Local landscape architect and former garden director at Colonial Williamsburg, Gordon Chappell. For more information, contact Chappell at gordonchappell@cox.net. A $5 donation to help the garden grow is appreciated.
Special Events
Summer Job Fair, Free!
Saturday, March 9, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
James City County Government Center, 101 Mounts Bay Road, Building F in Human Resources
Looking for a summer job - one that's fun and adventurous with good pay? Join the award winning Parks & Recreation team! Are you 16 or older and care about providing superior customer service while maintaining the high quality of parks and recreation in James City County? We want to meet you! The department offers competitive salaries and flexible work schedules. Onsite, same day interviews available! Save time by applying online before March 3. Positions available include Park Attendants; Instructors (sports, outdoors and special interest) (all levels); Lifeguards (all levels); Recreation Leaders; Assistant Recreation Site Supervisors; and Therapeutic Recreation Leaders (special needs populations). Positions Terms are seasonal (up to 40 hours/week for the summer only) and year-round (up to 28 hours/week year round). Applicants under age 18 will need a parent or legal guardian present, if selected for a position. For more information and a list of needed pre-employment information, call Human Resources at 757-253-6680.
Fido Fest (all ages)
Saturday, March 16, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Weather permitting)
Admission: $5/car (cash or check)
Jamestown Beach Event Park
Don’t miss the PAW-TY! Grab your leash and get to the park with your furry friend for a great time! Family and dog-friendly activities, games, contests, fabulous food ($) and more! Merchandise ($) and community vendors will also be present. Co-sponsored by the Heritage Humane Society. Weather permitting.
Family Fun Night (all ages)
Saturday, March 30, 7-9:30 p.m.
Ages 13+; $5/person, 403000-A
12 and younger Free! 403000-B
James City County Recreation Center
Join us for a night of family FUN and entertainment – enjoy structured games in the gym, create various craft projects together, splash in the pool, dance to some tunes, play racquetball or old-fashioned board games and more! If preregistering, please register everyone who is attending! Pre-registration recommended but not required. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Half Century Senior Games (ages 50+) New!
Friday-Sunday, March 29-31
Join us for James City County’s inaugural Senior Games! This event caters to adults aged 50 or better who enjoy staying active and a bit of competition. The games will take place at a variety of County locations and featured activities include racquetball, handball, golf, bowling, 5k/10k and basketball. To participate, you must complete the registration process by March 15 to be eligible. For more information on registration and full event details, please stop by the James City County Recreation Center to pick up a registration packet or contact Sarah at sarah.oreilly@jamescitycountyva.gov, call 757-259-5355 or visit us online (add link). Presenting sponsor is Hampton Roads Orthopaedics Spine & Sports Medicine.
Gaming
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.
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.
Program locations: