James City County Parks and Recreation has a full array of April activities for all ages!
Special Events/ Activities
Family Fun Night
Saturday, April 16, 7-9:30 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
$5/person; 12 and younger Free!
Break out of the winter blahs and have some FUN with your family! Join us for a night of family entertainment – enjoy structured games in the gym, create various craft projects together, splash in the pool, play racquetball, play old-fashioned board games and more! Pre-registration recommended but not required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. (ages 13+) 403000-A; (ages 12 and younger) 403000-B. If preregistering, please register everyone who is attending!
Summer Camp Fair 2016, Free!
Friday, April 22, 3-7 p.m.
Saturday, April 23, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Still need to sign-up the kids for summer camp? Looking for something NEW this year? 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. Info: Kristy Maynor at kristy.wf@gmail.com.
Black Settlement Presentation & Book Signing, Free!
Saturday, April 23, 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. All ages welcome.
James RiverFest, Free!
Saturday, April 30
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
James City County Marina
This annual artisan festival highlights environmental education at the Marina. The festival features water outings including kayaking and free boat tours, fun and educational children’s activities, a wide variety of food vendors and environmental booths, and live music and performers. Weather permitting. Info: visit www.jamesriverassociation.org
Aquatics
Learn to Swim, Free Swim Evaluations
There are individual registration periods before each swim lesson session. The registration period for May classes is April 20-29. 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 19 and Wednesday, April 20 to provide free swim evaluations. Info: 757-259-4185.
American Red Cross Lifeguard Re-Certification (ages 15+)
Saturday, April 30, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
$60; $55 for JC/W residents (does not include materials)
James City County Recreation Center
In this course, you can 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. 104750-A
Classes/Programs
Play & Learn Story Time (PALS) (ages 3-5)
Fridays, April 1, April 15, May 6, May 20, June 3 & June 17, 10-11 a.m.
Grove Christian Outreach Center, 8800 Pocahontas Trail
Offered in collaboration with the Preschool Literacy Project! FREE for families with preschoolers who live in the Grove area! Come with your preschooler and ENJOY story time with volunteers who will read fantastic books, EXPLORE the pictures and words in the books, ENJOY singing and moving to music, ENGAGE in games and hands-on activities related to the book. Take home free books and snacks! Instructors are retired teachers, librarians and caring adults. 910002-C
Homeschool Art (ages 5-10), New
Fridays, April 1-May 6, 2-3 p p.m.
$55; $50 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
Budding Picassos will get a chance to have fun exploring different art techniques used by artists of the past. You’ll work on a different project each week and learn about artists as well! Art class plus a little art history. Dress for mess! 204200-A
Springtime Chocolate Bouquets (ages 6-12)
Monday, April 4, 10 a.m.-noon
$20; $15 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
Create beautiful (and edible) bouquets –perfect for centerpieces any time of the year. You’ll learn how to assemble chocolates on a lollipop stick and make an amazing arrangement. Fee includes one bouquet and flowerpot holder. Please note any food allergies at registration. Instructor: Williamsburg Chocolatier, Inc. 204101-A
Spring Cookie Decorating (ages 6-12) New
Monday, April 4, 1-3 p.m.
$20; $15 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
Decorate spring designs of cookies –flowers, butterflies, tulips and other designs using buttercream icing. We’ll use stars, dots and zig zags to compliment your finished design! Please note any food allergies at registration. Fee includes all supplies. Instructor: Williamsburg Chocolatier, Inc. 204101-B
Basic Horse Care (ages 9+)
Saturday, April 9, 3-5 p.m.
$60; $55 for JC/W residents
Stonehouse Stables, 2116-A Forge Road
Learn the basics of horse care with this hands-on class. Grooming, nutrition, hoof and dental care, and all around good information about what it takes to properly care for a horse. You’ll also have the chance to ride one of our horses. 205107-B
Kidz Clay (ages 9-15)
Mondays, April 11-May 9, 4-5 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!
Homework Club (ages 12-18), Free!
Monday-Thursday, 4-8 p.m.
Abram Frink Jr. Community Center
Need help with your homework? Join our free homework club held during operating hours. Computers with internet access are available. Info: 757-887-5810.
Red Cross Babysitting Course (ages 12+)
Thursday, April 7, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
$75; $70 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
Learn all the basics of babysitting – childcare, fire and home safety, and first aid-plus learn how to set up your business. Receive a babysitter’s textbook, babysitting certificate and first aid kit. Bring a bagged lunch. 604010-A
Health/Wellness
Fit Mama – Stroller Fit (all ages)
Tuesdays/Thursdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
$13/day; $8 for James City County/Williamsburg residents, #304550-A
$65/10 pack; $60 for James City County/Williamsburg residents, #304550-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 postnatal workout for all levels. Jogging stroller not necessary. Bring water and a yoga mat or towel.
Spinal Injury Avoidance & Postural Improvement Workshop (ages 18+) Free!
Tuesdays-April 5, April 12 & April 19, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Back pain? Want to prevent spinal injury? In this three-week workshop, we’ll focus on injury prevention and a 10-minute/day exercise program to improve balance, alignment and movement. Max 15. Presenter: Dr. Daniel Carlson of The Spine Center of Williamsburg. Info: 757-259-4176 to schedule. 300480-A
Techniques of Meditation (ages 18+)
Wednesday, April 13, 6:15-7:15 p.m.
$15/person
James City County Recreation Center
Would you like to go on a journey of quieting the mind? Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, you’ll gain knowledge into your well-being. Meditation offers a wide range of health benefits including improved concentration, mental strength and self-confidence. Reducing anxiety, depression, muscle tension, insomnia and headaches. Info: 757-259-4176. 304410-A
Introduction to Plant Medicine Series: Essential Wellness (ages 18+), Free!
Saturday, April 16, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Learn about the natural volatile compounds found in plants and their positive effects on health and well-being as well as safety and use. 300480-B. Sign up for this three-part series to explore the benefits of plant medicine. Same time and location for all sessions.
May 14: Building the Immune System and Nourishing the Body, 300480-C and June 11: Emotional Wellness, 300480-D
Track Your Health/ Know Your Numbers, Free!
Saturday, April 9, 9 a.m.-noon
James City County Recreation Center
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. No registration required.
Inclusion/Therapeutic Recreation
Mad Hatter Tea Party (ages 4+ with disabilities) Free!
Saturday, April 2, 3-4 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
I’m late, I’m late! For a very important date! Dress up as your favorite Alice in Wonderland character, or simply dress up and join us for an afternoon of snacks, songs, games and tea. 904250-A
Buddy Ball (ages 5+ with disabilities)
Sundays, April 10-May 29, 2-3 p.m.
Registration fee: $20
Warhill Sports Complex
Two groups (ages 5-middle school and high school-young adult) Buddy Baseball 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. Info: Joel Schwartz at 757-879-6222.
Buddy Beats Music Therapy (ages 5+ with disabilities)
Saturdays, April 16-20, 1-2 p.m. at Freedom Park
Saturday, May 7, 1-2 p.m. at James City County Recreation Center
$30; $25 for James City County/Williamsburg residents
Sing, Dance and Drum! Learn how to play a musical instrument while interacting with peers, improving fine and gross motor skills and enhancing creativity and self-esteem. Info: 757-259-5354. 904200-C
Teensational Socials: Go Ape (ages 13-21 with disabilities) Free!
Saturday, April 9, 10:30 a.m.-noon
Freedom Park
Register by April 6. Climb through the trees and experience zip lines, Tarzan swings and obstacles! 904700-A. Offered in partnership with Capernaum. Info: Caitie Maloney at 757-784-6226 or Caitie.Maloney@yahoo.com.
Yoga (ages 13+ with disabilities) Free!
Tuesday, April 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. Information or to become an Arc member call 757-229-3535 or visit www.thearcgw.org
Therapeutic Thursdays (ages 18+ with disabilities) Free!
Thursdays, April 7, April 21, May 12, May 26, June 9, June 23 & July 7, 10-11:30 a.m.
Freedom Park
Work with flowers and vegetables in raised beds in Freedom Park’s Botanical Garden and enjoy other programs featuring plants, birds, butterflies and insects. Offered in partnership with the Williamsburg Botanical Garden and led by the Virginia Cooperative Extension James City County Master Gardener Therapeutic information and registration details, contact Carolyn Stringer at carolynfstringer@gmail.com or 757-220-4295.
Outdoors
Archery 101 (ages 9-15)
Saturday, April 9-30, 1-2 p.m.
$50; $45 for JC/W residents
Warhill Sports Complex
There’s nothing more exciting than taking your aim and hitting the bulls-eye! In this course designed for beginner to intermediate ability, learn safe use and handling of recurve bows and arrows. 804040-A
Archery for Adults (ages 16+)
Saturday, April 9-30, 2-3 p.m.
$50; $45 for JC/W residents
Warhill Sports Complex
Do you remember shooting bows and arrows at camp when you were a kid or maybe you’ve always wanted to? In this course, designed for beginner to intermediate ability, you’ll learn the safe use and handling of recurve bows and arrows as well as work on your concentration and upper body strength. 804040-B
Water Quality Monitoring (ages 18+) Free!
Monday, April 18, 6-8 p.m.
James City County Marina
Become a citizen scientist to track the health of the James River. Collect water samples and record data to assist with James River Watch. No experience needed. Minors must be accompanied by a parent. Info/registration at www.jamesriverassociation.org/get-involved/volunteer/water-qualitymoitoring
BASE Camping (all ages/families), New
Saturday, April 23, noon-3 p.m.
$15; $10 for JC/W residents
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Pitch your tent, get out the S’mores supplies and enjoy the great outdoors! In this one day class, learn the basics of picking and preparing a good camp site, fire building and safety, and outdoor cooking! 804050-A
Women’s Mountain Bike Ride (ages 18+) Free!
Saturday, April 2, 9-11 a.m.
Freedom Park
Ladies, join the Eastern Virginia Mountain Bike Association’s Dirt Divas on a women’s-only mountain bike ride! Come learn the trail system at Freedom Park, meet fellow female riders in the community and learn the ins-and-outs of mountain biking. The ride will be at a moderate pace and will take about two hours. Participants are welcome to stay after the ride and attend the monthly EVMA meeting and luncheon. Bike and helmet required. Water bottles and/or hydration packs encouraged. Riders meet at the Interpretive Center. Info: email the EVMA at president@evma.org. 804724-A
Beginner’s Mountain Bike Ride (ages 18+) Free!
Saturday, April 2, 9-11 a.m.
Freedom Park
Are you new to mountain biking and looking to ride with a group? Join the Eastern Virginia Mountain Bike Association on this beginner’s ride! The two-hour ride will be specially designed for novice riders and led by volunteers from the EVMA. Participants are welcome to stay after the ride and attend the monthly EVMA meeting and luncheon. Bike and helmet required. Water bottles and/or hydration packs encouraged. Riders meet at the Interpretive Center. Info: email the EVMA at president@evma.org. 804714-A
Bluebirds in Our Gardens (ages 18+)
Saturday, April 16, 10-11:30 a.m.
Freedom Park
Join Nancy Barnhart and a team of Certified Master Naturalists to learn all about bluebirds and how to attract them to your garden. We’ll visit several nest boxes in the monitoring program (weather permitting). Please register by emailing wbgkids@gmail.com. Free; however a $5 donation is suggested.
Sports/Athletics
Tot Shots (ages 3-5)
Saturday, April 9-May 14 (no class 4/23 or May 7), 9:45-10:30 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
Multi Sport Majors (ages 6-9)
Saturday, April 9-May 21 (no class 4/23 or May 7) 12:30-1:15 p.m.,
$45; $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! 504060-A
Half Pint & Full Pint Soccer (ages 4-9)
Half Pint (ages 4-5): Saturday, April 9-May 21 (no class 4/23 or May 7), 9:45-10:30 a.m., 504150-A
Full Pint (ages 6-9): Saturday, April 9-May 21 (no class 4/23 or May 7), 10:30-11:15 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.
Serves & Volleys (tennis) (ages 5-7)
Saturdays, April 9-May 14 (no class 4/23 or May 7), 1:30-2:15 p.m.
$35; $30 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
Grab your racquet and get in the game! This four-week introduction to tennis will get you oriented to the court, work on making solid contact and the basic footwork needed to keep up a good volley. 504010-A
Skateboarding for Grommits! (ages 6-9)
Saturday, April 16-May 14 (no class May 7), noon-1 p.m.
$35; $30 for JC/W residents
Skate Park (adjacent to the James City County Recreation Center)
Interested in being the next Tony Hawk and need a starting point? Lessons with JCC Parks and Recreation are a great place to begin! Safe, structured and FUN! Helmets required; elbow, knee and/or wrist guards recommended. 504250-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 competitors in your age group. Info: 757-887-5810.
Unless otherwise noted, please call 757-259-4200 or visit www.jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation for details on the listed events.