Aquatics
Learn to Swim, Free Swim Evaluations
There are individual registration periods before each swim lesson session. Registration for July classes is open June 18-28. 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, June 25, and Wednesday, June 26, to provide free swim evaluations. Classes/evaluations held at the James City County Recreation Center. Call 757-259-4185 for more information.
American Red Cross Lifeguard Re-Certification • Ages 15+
Saturday, June 8, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
$60; $55 for JC/W residents
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. 106750-A
American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course • Ages 15+
Friday, June 14, 4-8 p.m. and Monday-Thursday, June 17-20, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
$210; $205 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation/Eastern State Hospital
Includes First Aid and CPR certification. Must attend and pass a swim test (held first day of class): 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. Must turn age 15 by last 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. 106710-A
Before/After School Programs, Camps
REC Connect
Looking for summer camp or before/after school programs for your child? The REC Connect program is open to youth ages 5-14, enrolled in grades K-8. One registration packet may be used for both Summer Camp 2019 and the Before & After School 2019-20 programs. Registrations accepted on a first-come, first-served basis according to postmark date and space availability. Registration forms and program information is available online and at the Recreation Centers, Freedom Park Interpretive Center and Satellite Services Office in Toano. Weekly registration fees apply. View the complete list of fees and registration or call the hotline at 757-259-3170 for more information. Please allow up to 7 business days for processing. Discounts are available to any qualified resident based on total household gross income; please call 757-259-5414 for financial details.
Special Interest Classes
Preschool Summer Chocolate Making • Ages 3-5 New!
Saturday, June 22, 10-11:30 a.m.
$25; $20 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
Have fun in this summer-themed chocolate making workshop. We’ll make chocolate shells, sea stars and a few other beachy critters! In addition, enjoy s’mores marshmallows, chocolate cluster cups and other fun surprises. Please note any food allergies at time of registration, tie back long hair and bring an apron or hand towel. 206101-A
Kid’s Summer Cookie Decorating • Ages 6-13 New!
Saturday, June 22, noon-2 p.m.
$25; $20 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
Get ready for summer! Let’s decorate flip flops, beach balls, shells and more in this fun cookie decorating workshop. We’ll use buttercream icing and some royal icing to put the finishing touches on our treats! Stars, zig zags and lines will create our cute designs. Please note food allergies at time of registration, tie back long hair and bring 2 large airtight containers to take home cookies and an apron or hand towel. 206101-B
Guide to Genealogy - Beginners • Ages 16+ Free! New!
Tuesdays, June 18 & 25, 5-7 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Have you ever wondered where your family came from? Or thought about taking a DNA genealogy test? Anyone interested in learning about genealogy and DNA test results–this class is for you. Learn how to get started and the resources available. 206140-A
Health/Wellness
Fit Mama - Stroller Fit • All ages
Tuesdays, June 4-June 25, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
$10; $8 for JC/W residents (single) 306550-A
$35; $30 for JC/W residents (4-pack) 306550-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 post-natal workout for all levels. Jogging stroller not necessary. Bring water and a yoga mat or towel. Call 757-259-4176 for more information.
R.A.D. Basic Physical Defense • Ages 14+ Free!
Tuesdays & Thursdays, June 18-27, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and Saturday, June 22, 9 a.m.-noon
James City County Recreation Center The R.A.D. system (Rape Aggression Defense) is a program of realistic, self-defense tactics and techniques. This comprehensive course (5 days) for women begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance then progresses on to the basics of hands-on defense training. Classes are taught by certified R.A.D. instructors with the James City County Police Department. Call 757-259-4200 to register. 306625-A
Yoga
Kids Storybook Yoga • Ages 4-7
Thursdays, June 6-27, 5:30-6 p.m.
$10/day; $7 for JC/W residents
$30/5-pack; $25 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! Storybook Yoga helps children contemplate meaningful messages such as gratitude, peace, self-love, respect and confidence while interacting with the book’s characters and plot with a YoKID certified instructor. Call 757-259-4176 for more information.
Youth Yoga • Ages 8-13
Thursdays, June 6-27, 6-6:45 p.m.
$13; $10 for JC/W residents
$35; $30 for JC/W residents (5-pack)
James City County Recreation Center
Inspire your kids to learn while they move! This 45-minute class is led by a YoKID certified instructor and 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. Call 757-259-4176 for more information.
Joint Freeing Yoga Series • Ages 14+ Free!
Tuesday, June 4, 1:30-3 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
This series of 22 poses completed in 90 minutes is accessible to all. Based on the practices developed by Makunda Stiles, this workshop will work all the major joints gently and systematically through full and natural range of motions to enhance joint mobility and reduce pain and stiffness. You’ll go home with practices you can add to your everyday life! 306664-A
Therapeutic Recreation
Spring Fling Dance • Ages 13+ with disabilities Free!
Saturday, June 1, 7-9 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Dance your way to the latest moves, with great friends and light refreshments as the DJ rocks the top hits!
Yoga • Ages 13+ with disabilities Free!
Tuesday, June 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 Yoga, upcoming events or to become an Arc member, call 757-229-3535 or visit thearcgw.org.
Day Support Program • Ages 18+ with disabilities
Tuesdays-Fridays weekly, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Abram Frink Jr. Community Center
The “Arc of Abilities” began in 2016 to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who do not have a Medicaid waiver. The Day Support Program provides continuing education, life skills and vocational training. In addition, clients are engaged in fitness, recreational and community service opportunities with peers, instructors and the community. Monthly tuition based on need. For information, call The Arc at 757-229-5353.
Outdoors
Take Your Kid Fishing • Ages 5-12 Free!
Saturday, June 29, 9 a.m.-noon
Little Creek Reservoir Park
Want to spend a fun day with your child fishing from the shores of Little Creek Reservoir Park? Let the park staff teach you and your child the fundamentals of this favorite pastime. All equipment provided.
State Park Passport Tour: Belle Isle – Geocaching & Oyster Gardens • Ages 8+
Wednesday, June 12, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
$15; $10 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
Join us for a tour of some of our Virginia State Parks. Each trip will highlight a unique activity, excursion or program specific to that park. Trips are open to patrons ages 8+ (ages 16 and younger must be accompanied by adult) and are available first come, first served. Preregistration is required at least one week in advance of trip date. Fees include transportation to and from trip destination and all park admissions, amenities and excursion fees. Patrons are encouraged to bring a bagged lunch and any extra snacks and drinks that you may need throughout the day. Meet in the James City County Recreation Center lobby at the time listed. 804300-C
Rowing on the River • Ages 12+ Free!
Two sessions offered:
Saturday, June 1, 10 a.m.-noon
Sunday, June 2, 10 a.m.-noon
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Learn the basics of rowing and then get out on the water for a row in a sleek racing shell. Instruction provided by the Williamsburg Boat Club. Children under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information and to register, email Mike Cowden.
Stargazing with NASA Skywatcher Club • Ages 13+ Free!
Saturday, June 8, 8-11 p.m.
Upper County Park
Come Stargaze with NASA Skywatcher Astronomy Club! The NASA Skywatcher Astronomy Club will have an observing session to share their knowledge, experience and love of astronomy.
Williamsburg Paddles • Ages 16+ Free!
Monday, June 3, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
James City County Marina
Kayak historic Powhatan Creek beside Jamestown Island to view and learn about birds and wildlife native to our area. Kayaks provided, and trips are guided by James River Association. Registration required. For more information and to register, visit the James River Association or email jbrunkow@jrava.org.
Learn-and-Grow Series: Bay-Friendly Gardening • Ages 16+ Free!
Saturday, June 15, 10-11:30 a.m.
Freedom Park Interpretive Center
Learn how your garden is connected to water resources and why your gardening practices affect the health of the Chesapeake Bay waterways. Karen A. Duhring, coastal scientist at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), Center for Coastal Resources Management, will explain how to reduce erosion, reduce chemical contaminants, filter stormwater runoff and how these actions improve wildlife habitat and provide you with a landscape to enjoy. Offered in partnership with the Williamsburg Botanical Garden, located in Freedom Park. A $5 donation is suggested to help the garden grow. Visit the Williamsburg Botanical Garden for details and registration.
Campfire Social • All ages Free!
Saturdays, June 8 & 22, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Enjoy s’mores, activities, storytelling and more around the campfire overlooking beautiful Gordon Creek at Chickahominy Riverfront Park!
Camping Under the Stars • All ages
Saturday, June 22, instructional class from 1-3 p.m.
$30; $25 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 from 1-3 p.m. We’ll help you setup your tent, build a campfire and cook on a campfire. Then, camp that night at our lovely campground (cost is included in the registration fee). Price per family/campsite. Limit 6 individuals per campsite. 806600-A
Forest Explorer Fridays: Birds • All ages Free!
Friday, June 21, 6-7:30 p.m.
Freedom Park
What birds live around your house? Yellow, red or blue? Take a stroll through the park to look for birds or signs that they live in the woods. Join us on the third Friday of each month to explore the plants and animals of Freedom Park! Youth under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Sports/Gaming
Beginning Skate Clinic • Ages 6-15 Free!
Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Skate Park (adjacent to James City County Recreation Center)
Want to learn how to skateboard? A good starting place is here – come out and learn for free from a peer-lead skate clinic hosted by Triangle Skateboard Alliance (TSA). The clinic is designed for beginner skaters age 6-15. If needed, the TSA will provide a board, pads and a helmet for new skaters. 806080-A
World Cup 3 v 3 Soccer Tournament • Ages 6-18
Friday, June 28, 6 p.m.-midnight
$5/player
Sanford B. Wanner Stadium
Join James City County Parks & Recreation and local soccer organizations for a youth 3 v 3 soccer tournament to celebrate the 2019 Women's World Cup! Individuals should pre-register by June 19 in order to reserve their team’s spot to attempt to take gold! Enjoy soccer, music and a great tournament atmosphere at the stadium. Boys and girls divisions for U8, U10, U12, U14, U16 and U18. Teams names are assigned on a first come, first serve basis. Pre-registration required (507600). Email Sarah O'Reilly or call 757-259-5355 for registration and event information.
Spikeball Tournament/Jamestown Jams Tournaments • Ages 10+ Free!
Friday, June 28, 6-8 p.m.
Jamestown Beach Event Park
Join us during the June 28 Jamestown Jams Concert and participate in the spikeball tournament put on by James City County and Williamsburg PickUp Games! Listen to live music, win prizes and enjoy food trucks and drinks (available for purchase), all while participating in friendly competition with family and friends. Preregistration is encouraged, but not required. 806100-A
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. Call 757-887-5810 for more information.
Special Events
Trek the Trail • All ages Free!
Saturday, June 1, 9-11 a.m.
Greensprings Interpretive Trail
Get out, Get active and discover Greensprings Trail! Did you know that the first Saturday in June is National Trails Day? Join us for this self-guided family walk and bring along your furry friend to participate in Tails on the Trail. Weather permitting.
Neighborhood Block Party • All ages Free!
Friday, June 7, 5:30-8 p.m.
Abram Frink Jr. Community Center
Join us for a night of community celebration: Fun, food, inflatables, arts and crafts, games and activities, BINGO, a DJ and dance music, prizes and much more! Weather permitting.
Movie Night: Ralph Breaks the Internet (PG) • All ages Free!
Friday, June 14, 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.
Project FiveFortySeven • All ages Free!
Friday, June 21, 5:47 a.m.-10 p.m.
Various Locations
Out late or up early? Celebrate the longest day of the year by joining Parks & Recreation for the Longest Day of Play! On June 21, we cater to the sun and offer recreational activities all day long including extended hours at parks and facilities, sunrise and sunset paddles, outdoor yoga classes and new opportunities to get in on the fun. The day kicks off at 5:47 a.m. and culminates with a solstice takeover of the James City County Recreation Center with pool battleship, a basketball skills challenge and so much more! No registration required outside of summer camp programs. View the full schedule of programs.
Student Art Show & Exhibit • All ages Free!
Monday-Sunday, Friday, June 21- Friday, July 19, during library hours
Williamsburg Library
Anne Kushnick’s oil painting and pastel students will display their talents in this annual exhibit. View many unique pieces with some available for purchase
Freedom Stories • All ages Free!
Saturday, June 22, noon-3 p.m.
Freedom Park
Join Williamsburg native Dylan Pritchett, best known as “The Storyteller” along with other Virginia Black Storytellers (VirBS) as they share with you Freedom Stories at Freedom Park! The Free Black Settlement area is the backdrop for this special event. Also featured are unique crafts for kids, music and food available for purchase. Weather permitting.
Spencer’s Ordinary Wreath Ceremony • All ages Free!
Wednesday, June 26, 10-11:30 a.m.
Freedom Park
The Williamsburg Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution will conduct a memorial service in honor of the valiant Americans who gave their lives in the Battle of Spencer’s Ordinary on that date in 1781. A series of skirmishes occurred in the woods and meadows of Freedom Park between units of Lord Cornwallis and those of the French general, Marquis de Lafayette. Immediately following the Spencer’s Ordinary wreath ceremony, enjoy a presentation on the history of the battle in the Freedom Park Interpretive Center.
Jamestown Jams Concert Series • All ages Free!
Friday, June 28, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Jamestown Beach Event Park
Come and enjoy free live music during Jamestown Jams on select Fridays at Jamestown Beach Event Park. Assorted beer, wine and food are available for purchase. Only service animals are permitted. Bring your own chair or blanket; snacks, picnics and non-alcoholic beverages are also permitted. Cornhole and spikeball tournaments will take place on select dates. View event details. Weather permitting.
For more information or the complete list of Parks & Recreation programs and events, or to register for 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:
- Abram Frink Jr. Community Center Park, 8901 Pocahontas Trail
- Chickahominy Riverfront Park, 1350 John Tyler Highway
- Freedom Park/Interpretive Center, 5537 Centerville Road
- Greensprings Interpretive Trail, 3751 John Tyler Highway
- Jamestown Beach Event Park, 2205 Jamestown Road
- James City County Marina, 2054 Jamestown Road
- James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Road
- Little Creek Reservoir Park, 180 Lakeview Road
- Sanford B. Wanner Stadium, 4900 Stadium Road
- Skate Park (adjacent to the James City County Recreation Center), 5301 Longhill Road
- Upper County Park, 180 Leisure Road in Toano
- Willliamsburg Library, 515 Scotland Street
Media Contact:
Veda McMullen, Senior Communications Specialist
757-259-5415; veda.mcmullen@jamescitycountyva.gov