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The original item was published from 11/25/2020 12:44:59 PM to 11/25/2020 12:45:33 PM.

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Posted on: November 25, 2020

[ARCHIVED] December Events with Parks & Recreation

Parks and Rec December

As the impacts of COVID-19 continue to be felt, we ask for your patience, flexibility and support. We depend on you, our patrons, to follow safety and social distancing guidelines as regularly released by the Governor of Virginia, the Virginia Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Events are subject to change based on social distancing guidelines, please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 before heading out.

What’s New…James City County Parks & Recreation launched a new registration system – PerfecMind! Registration for programs, events and activities is quick, simple and efficient! To get started, visit our homepage at jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation and look for the PerfectMind logo!

Aquatics

American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course • Ages 15+ 

Friday, Dec. 4, 4-6 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 5, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Monday-Thursday, Dec. 7-10, 4-9 p.m. 

$205/person

James City County Recreation Center and Kingswood Pool (111 Spring Road)

• 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 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
• 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
• Class meets at the JCCRC on the first day
• $205 fee includes swim test, book and materials.
*Swim test held on first day of class

 

American Red Cross Lifeguard Re-Certification • Ages 15+ 

Saturday, Dec. 19, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

$60

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
 • $60 fee does not include materials. 

 

Arts & Special Interest

Preschool Holiday Chocolate Making • Ages 3-5 with parent/guardian 

Saturday, Dec. 5, 10-11:30 a.m.

$20

James City County Recreation Center

Have fun in this winter-themed chocolate making workshop. Students will be introduced to basic chocolate making techniques. We’ll dip pretzels and marshmallows and make chocolate clusters and other fun treats! Please note any food allergies at time of registration, tie back long hair, and bring an apron and airtight container. Instructor: The Williamsburg Chocolatier, Inc. 

 

Kid’s Gingerbread House Workshop • Ages 6-13 

Two sessions offered:

Friday, Dec. 4, 5-7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 5, 1-3 p.m.

$25/session

James City County Recreation Center

Construct and decorate your own gingerbread houses! Supplies provided. These wonderful treats are perfect as centerpieces for the holidays. Please note any food allergies at the time of registration. All attendees should bring an apron or dress accordingly and tie back long hair. Instructor: The Williamsburg Chocolatier, Inc. 

 

Conversational Spanish for Kids • Ages 7-12 NEW! FREE!

Mondays, Dec. 14-Feb. 1, 4:30-5:15 p.m.

Zoom Meeting

"¡Hola! ¿Cómo estás? Me llamo John y tu?" Begin learning conversational Spanish from home with weekly lessons, activities and songs. You’ll learn basic phrases, numbers, colors and more! This class will be conducted via Zoom. Register by Dec. 12 to receive the Zoom meeting link. Instructor: Paula Guerra. 

 

Holiday Cookie Decorating • Ages 7-13 

Friday, Dec. 18, 5-7 p.m.

$25

James City County Recreation Center

Come out for a fun holiday time! Decorate homemade holiday cookies using buttercream icing in holiday colors. Fun holiday-themed shapes such as bells, presents, mittens and more! Please note any food allergies at time of registration. All attendees should bring an apron or dress accordingly and tie back long hair. Fee includes all supplies. Please bring two large airtight containers to class to transport home the decorated cookies! 

 

Before & After School Programs/REC Connect

Winter Break Program • Ages 5-10, must be enrolled in kindergarten 

Monday-Wednesday, Dec. 21-23, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. and Monday-Wednesday, Dec. 28-30, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

$35/day

Matthew Whaley Elementary School
Registration Deadline: Dec. 18, noon (register early, space is limited). Enjoy winter break fun with exciting trips and hands-on activities. Bring lunch daily. Activity calendars will be sent to parents before program start date. Registration forms and program information are available for download at jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation under “Recreation Programs” or call the REC Connect Info Line at 757-259-3170 for more information.

 

Health/Wellness

Holiday Mindfulness Workshop • Ages 5+ 

Wednesday, Dec. 9, 4:30-5:45 p.m.

$5

Freedom Park

Holiday time can be just as stressful for kids on many different levels. With that in mind, we’re offering this meditation and craft activity for any child looking for a moment of calm. This class combines a little yoga and mindfulness, while creating fun sensory jars to help kids calm their minds. The great magic of these "magic" jars is that your kids will be teaching themselves the practice before you even get started in on the explanation. Calming jars are helpful and fun for kids of all ages - join in the magic (and calm) of the holidays! 

 

Techniques of Meditation • Ages 16+ FREE! 

Wednesday, Dec. 2, 7-8 p.m.

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 aid 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. 


Group Fitness Classes
 • Ages 14+ 

Our instructors are certified by nationally recognized organizations such as AFAA, ACE, Spinning, Zumba, Barre, SilverSneakers®, Yoga Alliance and SCOTT Pilates. Purchase a Premier Pass, Group Fitness Monthly Pass or a 10-Tab Pass for access to classes. These allow you to take any land or aqua fitness class as long as space is available (first-come, first-served). Classes are 50 minutes unless otherwise noted. Our varied schedule includes core and flexibility classes like Pilates, Yoga and PiYo. For a full body workout, we offer Low Impact, Body Sculpt, Cardio Intervals and Indoor Rowing. For more of a physical challenge, try Cardio Kickboxing, Tabata, Kettlebell, Barre, TRX, Bootcamp, Circuit Training or Indoor Cycling. You’ll find something you love! Let us do the programming for you! For a current schedule of classes, please visit jamescitycountyva.gov recreation under “Recreation & Programs” or call 757-259-4200. Classes held at the James City County Recreation Center.

 

Inclusion/Therapeutic Recreation 

(Youth, Teens & Adults with Disabilities)
 

Got Goo - Fun & Sticky Sensory Play! • All Ages & Abilities FREE! 

Wednesday, Dec. 16, 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 required. Social distancing guidelines will be followed and individual sensory bins will be provided for each participant who registers.

 

Days of Discovery Winter Break Program • Ages 5-22 with disabilities 

Monday, Dec. 28-Wednesday, Dec. 30, 9 a.m.-noon

$45

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
 • has the ability to effectively communicate needs either verbally or with a communication device. 

Registration deadline: Monday, Dec. 21, 10 a.m. For more information or to register, please call 757-259-5354. 

 

Outdoors Programs & Activities

Geocaching 101 • All Ages/Families 

$20 minimum or $5/person for groups of five or more 

Would you or your group like to learn the basics of geocaching? Learn about the world’s largest outdoor treasure hunt in a fun and unique setting. We’ll explore Williamsburg’s best geocache hot spots and learn the basics of how to create your own. Program fee will be $20 minimum or $5/person for groups of five or more. Sessions will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and will be available weekdays. To schedule a program for a group, family or individual, email sarah.oreilly@jamescitycountyva.gov or call 757-259-5355. 

 

Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights • Ages 14+ NEW!

Thursday, Dec. 3, 3:45-9 p.m.

Ages 14-64, $25; Ages 65+, $20

James City County Recreation Center

Take a ride to Richmond’s beautiful Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden for a holiday lights self-guided walking tour. Fee includes transportation to and from trip destination and entrance fees. Meet in the James City County Recreation Center lobby at 3:45 p.m. Full trip details are available by contacting sarah.oreilly@jamescitycountyva.gov or 757-259-5355. 

 

Sports

 

Virginia Legacy Recreational Soccer • Ages 6-12 

Winter Break Camps 

Monday, Dec. 28-Wednesday, Dec. 30, 9 a.m.-noon, $80 

Monday, Dec. 28-Wednesday, Dec. 30, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., $125

Lafayette High School

Revolving around soccer-related games, activities, trainings and competitions, this camp includes instruction on the fundamentals of soccer and is designed to meet the needs of beginner, developmental, recreational and advanced soccer players. All participants receive a Legacy Camp shirt! 

 

Program Sites
Freedom Park, 5537 Centerville Road

James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Road
Lafayette High School, 4460 Longhill Road
Matthew Whaley Elementary School, 301 Scotland Street 

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.

Get your copy of the Fall 2020 Destination Recreation Activity Brochure! You can download the brochure from our website or pick up copies at the James City County Recreation Center, the Abram Frink Jr. Community Center, Chickahominy Riverfront Park, the Satellite Services Office in Toano and at the James City County and Williamsburg libraries.

Also note: James City County has waived the 2.95% convenience fee on all credit and debit card transactions through Dec. 30.

Media Contact:
Veda McMullen, Senior Communications Coordinator
757-259-5415; veda.mcmullen@jamescitycountyva.gov

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