Aquatics
Learn to Swim, Free Swim Evaluations
There are individual registration periods before each swim lesson session. Registration for January classes is open Dec. 10-20. 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, Dec. 17 and Wednesday, Dec. 18 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 Training Course • Ages 15+
Friday, Dec. 13, 4-6 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 14, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Monday-Thursday, Dec. 16-19, 4-9 p.m.
$205
James City County Recreation Center
Includes First Aid and CPR certification. Must attend and pass a swim test (held first day of class): 300-yard continuous swim (consisting of 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 two 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 or older by the last class. 112710-A
American Red Cross Lifeguard Re-Certification • Ages 15+
Saturday, Dec. 21, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
$55
James City County Recreation Center
Renew your Lifeguarding and CPR/AED for professional rescuers certifications. You 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. 112750-A
Arts & Special Interest Classes
Preschool Chocolate Workshop • Ages 3-5
Saturday, Dec. 7, 10-11:30 a.m.
$15
James City County Recreation Center
Create tasty masterpieces with your little ones. Get introduced to basic chocolate-making techniques. Dip pretzels and marshmallows and make chocolate clusters and other fun treats! Please not any food allergies at the time of registration. Dress for mess or bring an apron. Parent/guardian must attend. Fee includes both parent and child and all supplies. 212101-C
Kid’s Gingerbread House Workshop • Ages 7-13
Two sessions offered: Friday, Dec. 6, 5-7 p.m., 212101-A; and Saturday, Dec. 7, noon-2 p.m., 212101-B
$20/session
James City County Recreation Center
Construct and decorate your own gingerbread house! Supplies provided. 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. Note: Please tie back long hair and bring an apron.
Before/After School Programs
REC Connect
Need before, after school or holiday break child care? The REC Connect program is open to youth ages 5-14, enrolled in grades K-8. One registration packet may be used for both the Before & After School 2019-2020 and Summer Camp 2020 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. For the complete list of fees and registration information, visit REC Connect or call the information hotline at 757-259-3170. Please allow up to seven business days for processing. Discounts are available to any qualified resident based on total household gross income; please call 757-259-5414 for discount details.
Winter Break Program - Elementary • Ages 5-11; grades K-5
Weekdays, Thursday, Dec. 26 through Friday, Jan. 3 (no session Dec. 31, Jan. 1)
Registration deadline: Dec. 19, 10 a.m. (register early, space is limited)
Daily, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. $35/day
Laurel Lane Elementary School
Enjoy winter break fun with exciting trips and hands-on activities.
- Thursday, Dec. 26: Splash away your Winter Blues! Visit to the KROC Center in Norfolk and their indoor water park. Bring lunch. 712220-A
- Friday, Dec. 27: See how the animals adapt to the cold wintry climate. We’ll visit the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News. Bring lunch. 712220-B
- Monday, Dec. 30: Say “goodbye” to 2019 and “hello” to 2020. Pre-New Year’s Eve Celebration onsite. Bring lunch. 712220-C
- Thursday, Jan. 2: Ring in the new year “where a kid can be a kid.” Visit chuck E. Cheese in Hampton. Two slices of pizza, drink and tokens included. 712220-D
- Friday, Jan. 3: Close out Winter Break with a “Rush.” Visit Laser Rush in Newport News for laser tag. Bring lunch. 712220-E
Winter Break Program - Teens • Ages 10-14
Weekdays, Thursday, Dec. 26 through Friday, Jan. 3 (no session on Dec. 31, Jan. 1)
Registration deadline: Dec. 19, 10 a.m.
Daily, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. $35/day
James City County Recreation Center
Enjoy winter break with fun trips and activities. Each day begins and ends at the Recreation Center. Bring lunch daily. The program is state licensed and a REC Connect registration packet is required. Register early, space is limited.
- Thursday, Dec. 26: Splash away your Winter Blues! Visit to the KROC Center in Norfolk and their indoor water park. 612050-A
- Friday, Dec. 27: End the year at new heights! We’ll visit the Virginia Air & Space Museum in Hampton. 612050-B
- Monday, Dec. 30: Kiss 2019 goodbye with a celebration! Ring in the New Year with baking, games and swimming at Recreation Center. 612050-C
- Thursday, Jan. 2: Swinging in to the New Year! Tee off into virtual reality at Revolution Golf and Grill in Williamsburg. 612050-D
- Friday, Jan. 3: Leap Higher! Bounce away at the Surge Adventure Park in Newport News. 612050-E
Winter Break Therapeutic Recreation Program - Days of Discovery Winter Break • Ages 5-22 with disabilities
Thursday-Friday, Jan. 2-3, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Registration deadline: Monday, Dec. 30, 10 a.m.
$50
James City County Recreation Center
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, and has the ability to effectively communicate needs either verbally or with a communication device. Call 757-259-5354 for more information or to register. 901260-A
Fitness/Health & Wellness
Learn to Row • Ages 14+ Free!
Thursday, Dec. 12, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Have you ever wanted to try what many call one of the most efficient forms of exercise? Have you ever wanted to learn the proper technique of rowing? Now is your chance! Join us for a free introduction where we’ll focus on proper rowing techniques using our indoor rowing machines (ergs). Unlike most activities, rowing incorporates the use of your legs, core and upper body. We’ll focus step-by-step on proper form so that you can learn and appreciate this complete full-body, low-impact, lifelong exercise. 312880-A
Diabetes Risk Assessment Screening & Blood Pressure Check • Ages 14+ Free!
Saturday, Dec. 14, 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. Call 757-259-4176 for more information.
Inclusion & Therapeutic Recreation
Ooey, Gooey, Fun-Sensory Play • Ages 5-22 with disabilities Free!
Wednesday, Dec. 18, 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. Preregistration is appreciated. 903120-C
Days of Discovery Winter Break • Ages 5-22 with disabilities
See program description under "Winter Break Therapeutic Recreation Programs" above.
Teensational Socials • Ages 13-21 with disabilities Free!
Christmas Party! • Ages 13-21 with disabilities Free!
Wednesday, Dec. 4, 6:30-8 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Bring your Holiday spirit and enjoy music, games, food and time with friends. 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.
Holiday Shopping Spree • Ages 13-21 with disabilities Free!
Saturday, Dec. 7, 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Join us for a fun day of shopping at Patrick Henry Mall in Newport News. Bring spending money and your shopping list. Transportation provided. Meet in the lobby of the James City County Recreation Center. 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.
Holiday Dinner Dance • Ages 13-21 with disabilities Free!
Saturday, Dec. 14, 5:30-9 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.
Yoga • Ages 13+ with disabilities Free!
Tuesday, Dec. 17, 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, any upcoming events or to become an Arc member, call 757-229-3535 or visit thearcgw.org.
Day Support Program • Ages 13+ 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. Info: 757-229-3535.
Outdoor Programs & Activities
Holiday Ornaments from Nature • All Ages Free!
Saturday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Freedom Park Interpretive Center
The decorations made by children are often treasured for decades. Come make some memories with your children at Freedom Park and be sure to bring a wallet-sized photograph for one of the personalized ornaments to surprise family and friends! Drop in anytime between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and spend an hour or so, then head home with some new tree ornaments! All materials provided.
Special Events
Santa Calling • Ages 9 and younger Free!
Tuesday, Dec. 10, 5:45 p.m.-8 p.m.
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, Dec. 3
James City County Parks & Recreation is sponsoring “Phone Calls from Santa” for children ages 9 and younger living in James City County and Williamsburg. Arrangements have been made with the North Pole for Santa and/or Mrs. Claus to personally call each child who returns their completed form by Tuesday, Dec. 3. Registration forms are available (English and Spanish) at the James City County Recreation Centers, the Abram Frink Jr. Community Center, Satellite Services in Toano, Freedom Park Interpretive Center, Chickahominy Riverfront Park and online at jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation.
Breakfast with Santa • All ages
Saturday, Dec. 14, 9-11 a.m.
Registration required by Dec. 1; Maximum 100 people.
$12/person ages 3+, 412000-A*; free for ages 2 and younger, 412000-B*
*Please register everyone who is attending to ensure their seat
James City County Recreation Center
You and your family are invited to attend our annual “Breakfast with Santa.” Enjoy a pancake breakfast buffet and a morning of “holly”-day cheer with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Photo opportunities available.
Gaming
Teen Tournaments • Boys and girls, Ages 12-19 Free!
Wednesdays, 4-6 p.m.
Abram Frink Jr. Community Center
Come out for weekly PS4 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 and 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.
Program locations:
Media Contact:
Veda McMullen, Senior Communications Specialist
757-259-5415; veda.mcmullen@jamescitycountyva.gov