Summer 2020 Programs
We are sorry to inform you that due to the current pandemic situation, many of our programs planned for this summer will unfortunately be either canceled or modified in order to protect the safety of the instructors/employees and participants. Classes that are still running can be found below.
* All boater safety classes have been canceled, until further notice. Please check the US Coast Guard site for online classes.
** We do require masks for ALL CLASSES, just in case a class needs to be held indoors and social distancing is not possible.
Summer Programs:
SAFE SITTER® BABYSITTING COURSE
WHO: Boys and girls 11-15 years old
WHEN (Choose one):
Wednesday, August 19
Monday, August 24
TIME: 9:00am-2:00pm
WHERE: Van Buren Park Lodge
FEE: $50/participant (Town of Van Buren Residents); $60/participant (Non-Residents)
(Min. for class= 3; Max. # in class = 5)
Safe Sitter® teaches young teens everything they need to know to be safe when they're home alone, watching younger siblings or babysitting. Participants will learn life-saving skills such as how to rescue someone who's choking, basic first aid, how to handle situations that may occur, how to prevent injuries, how to seek help when serious issues arise and helpful information like what to do if there is severe weather.
Students will need to remain on site for the entire time so each participant will need to bring the following items to class: a lunch, drink, snack, notebook and a pen/pencil.
A mask must be brought to class. We will try to hold the class outdoors, if the class is held inside a mask must be worn, no exceptions.
DOG OBEDIENCE - BEGINNER CLASS
WHO: Dogs (at least 4 mos. old) and their handler (at least 14 years old)
WHAT: A beginner dog obedience class
WHEN: Mondays, July 20-August 24
TIME: 6:45pm-7:30pm
WHERE: Van Buren Park Lodge
FEE: Beginner - $50.00/participant (Town of Van Buren Residents) ; $55.00/participant (Non-Residents) (Min. in class = 3, Max. in class = 5)
Beginner: This class will cover basic obedience training, so handlers can have fun with their dogs! Includes: heeling, stand, come, sit-stay and down-stay.
NOTE: Those registered need to bring proof of Rabies, DHL and Parvo inoculations to first class. You will also need to bring a six-foot lead and training collar to class (beginners) and a 10 foot lead to the advanced class. Please bring treats for reinforcements.
Craft kits have been put together by the Parks and Recreation Dept. to help keep the kids busy this summer. Kits will include all materials needed to complete projects. We have limited inventory so please don’t wait to order kits, if interested. Kits will be ready starting Tuesday, July 14th.
Craft Kit 1 - Jewelry Box, Handprint and Sun Plaque
[4 left - $20.oo]
Craft Kit 2 - Trinket box, Suncatchers and Butterfly Stringers
[7 left - $12.00]
Craft Kit 3 - Ceramic bank, wooden animal and wooden picture frame
[9 left - $11.00]
Craft Kit 4 - Velvet Mandala, Butterfly Sun Catcher and Crystal Sun Catcher
[12 left - $10.00]
The best way to reserve a kit is to call the Parks and Recreation Dept. to schedule a pick up time for the crafts. We will only hold the materials for 48 hours after the reservation is made. Payment will need to be made at time of pick up. Please make sure to have the registration form and payment ready before you come.
Any questions, please feel free to contact the Parks and Recreation Dept. at 315-638-4727 or email us at vbpark@townofvanburen.com
CANVAS ART
(In class or take home, see below)
Who: Kids 6 and up
[Kids must be able to do the project without the aid of a parent. If the class is held indoors, parents must stay in the vehicle until the class is over].
Date: Listed with project below
Time: 4:30pm or 7:00p.m. - most projects will run 30-60 minutes (please specify time needed on registration sheet, as spots are limited).
Location: Van Buren Park Lodge, Connors Road
Fee: 11”x14” canvas - $12
Minimum for each class=3; a maximum of 5 kids
Unleash your little Picassos! It’s the perfect opportunity for you to create a unique work of canvas art! There is no experience needed just your enthusiasm as our instructor will walk you through the creation. All the supplies are provided, participants will paint one canvas.
* Canvases will be prepped for in class instruction. For those who would prefer to do the canvas at home, please call the office to make arrangements to pick up supplies and directions
Monday, August 7
Tuesday, August 8
Wednesday, August 9
Thursday, August 10
or 
The Town of Van Buren Parks and Recreation Department offers recreation programs for all ages! These change seasonally; all are listed in the Parks and Recreation Department program brochures. These are published 3 times per year (December, April and September) and distributed to schools in the Baldwinsville School District, the banks in the Baldwinsville area and the Baldwinsville Public Library. They can also be found at the Van Buren Town Hall, and at the Parks and Recreation Office.
REGISTRATION PROCEDURE FOR PROGRAMS
Please do not wait to register for a program! There is a point – usually 5 business days prior to start date – when we need to make a decision whether to cancel a program due to lack of participation. Invariably, we get many telephone inquiries on a program after we’ve cancelled it!
Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and are accepted:
- Until the business day prior to the program start date,
- By a specified registration deadline (will be listed with the program, if applicable), OR
- Until the program fills to capacity!
Fill out a registration form (one per person). These can either be downloaded from this website, or found in the Recreation Departments program brochures. Mail the form(s) with payment to the Parks and Recreation Department, or stop by during office hours (8:30am.-4:00pm., Monday-Friday).
Payment is accepted in the form of cash, check or credit cards (with a minimal fee)! Please do not send cash through the mail. Completed registration form and payment must be received by this office prior to participation in a program.
** Due to budgetary and time constraints, you will NOT be sent a confirmation of your registration, OR be contacted by telephone! You will ONLY be contacted if we are unable to fit you into the program requested, or in the event of a program cancellation. So, if you do not hear from us, simply report to the program the first day it meets. You are certainly welcome to contact this office to check on any registrations.
SUGGESTIONS
Most of the activities listed in our brochure are the result of interest on the part of an individual or group of people. If you would like our department to expand on any existing programs or create new ones, we would welcome your suggestions! Either mail or email your ideas, call us, or visit the Parks & Recreation office during business hours. We’d love to hear from you!