WINTER PROGRAMS
As of 3/1/22
** The indoor mask policy has been lifted for our county, however we are leaving it up to individual instructors to make their own decisions for their classes.
** To register, for any of the programs, please download a registration form (under the form link) and mail it it, fax it or drop it off.
Winter Programs:
SAFE SITTER® BABYSITTING COURSE
WHO: Boys and girls 11-15 years old
WHEN : Friday, May 27
TIME: 8:00am-1:30pm
WHERE: Van Buren Park, pavilion B
FEE: $70.00/participant (Town of Van Buren Residents); $80.00/participant (Non-Residents)
(Min. for class= 3; Max. # in class = 8)
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.
CANVAS ART
Who: Kids 6 and up
Date: Listed with project below
Time: 6:00pm. - 7:00pm - 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: $12/ person (Town of Van Buren residents)
$14/person (non-residents)
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
Thursday, April 21
Thursday, April 28
Thursday, May 5
U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY
BOATER SAFETY COURSES
WHO: Ages 10 and up
WHAT: A course in boater safety
WHEN:
Session I: Sunday, February 27
Session II: Sunday, March 20
Session III: Sunday, April 10
Session IV: Saturday, April 30
Session V: Saturday, May 21
Session VI: Saturday, June 11
Session VII: Saturday, July 2
Session VIII: Saturday, July 23
Session IX: Saturday, August 13
TIME: 9:00am. - 5:30pm
WHERE: Van Buren Town Hall
FEE: $35.00 per participant** (see below)
(Min. for class = 5; Max. for class= 12)
The Boating Safety Course is a comprehensive training class focusing on the importance of safety on the water. It presents an opportunity to learn from U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary certified instructors. The course is specifically designed for New York State Boaters and tailored to local boating waters for the safe operation of boats and personal watercraft.
This course satisfies the boater education requirements for ALL STATES.
Instructors that have extensive knowledge and experience with local boating, are certified by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, New York State Parks, and the National Safe Boating Council will provide professional instruction and answer your boating questions.
The number of students in each class is limited. Advance registration is required.
Participants must pass the exam to receive their certification.
*An additional $10/person must be brought to class. The USCG will send in the money, to the state, and the state will provide the certificates.
WHO: For anyone 10 & under - see TIME for the breakdown - (Max of 40 kids/session so register early)
WHAT: An Easter Egg Hunt
WHEN: Saturday, April 9
TIME: Session I: 9:00am-9:30am (6 and under only)
Session II: 12:00pm-12:30pm (7-10 year olds only)
WHERE: Van Buren Central Park, Pavilion B, Canton Street entrance
FEE: FREE
The Town of Van Buren’s Recreation Department will be holding an Easter Egg Hunt at Van Buren Central Park on Saturday, April 9. We can only take a limited amount of children so please register early. There will be hunting for wrapped candy and plastic eggs, some of which may be redeemed for prizes. The eggs will be hidden around the park and it may be wet, so please dress appropriately!
TO REGISTER: Please call the Parks and Recreation office at 315-638-4727 or email us at vbpark@townofvanburen.com to register. We will not accept drop ins the day of the event.
WHO: For anyone 5 and older (max of 35 children) - only one adult may attend with the child, due to the size of the event.
WHEN: Saturday, April 9
TIME: 8:00pm
WHERE: Van Buren Park, Pavilion B
FEE: $6.00/child
** must be pre-registered/no registration will be taken the day of the event
Bring your flashlight to find eggs filled with candy and prizes at Van Buren Park in this fun hunt!
When the park gets dark your flashlight will be your guide to candy and other prizes! Please make sure to bring a bag or basket for the hunt and then stay for cookie decorating at pavilion B. Shine your light bright to find the special golden eggs that your can redeem for special prizes! Please meet us at pavilion B to check in about 20 minutes prior to the hunt.
TO REGISTER: Please use the program registration form to register (email or mail in). This event fills up quickly and no registrations will be taken the day of so please remember to register early!
Make Your Own Toys
DATES:
Session 1: Wednesdays, July 6
Session 2: Wednesday, July 20
LOCATION: Van Buren Park, Pavilion C
AGES: 8 and older
TIME: 2:15 – 3:45
CLASS SIZE: Min: 5 Max: 10
FEE: $12.00 (residents)
$14.00 (non-residents)
DEADLINE: 2 weeks before program
DETAILS: Let’s get our creative on by making our own toys! During both session, kids will be making one toy to bring home.
IMPORTANT NOTES: what participant needs to bring.
Top of a shoe box
Small Pizza box
Felt Sewing Craft
DATES: Wednesday, July 27
LOCATION: Van Buren Park, Pavilion C
AGES: 5 - 12
TIME: 2:15 – 3:45/4
CLASS SIZE: Min: 3 Max: 8
FEE: $10.00 (residents)
$12.00 (non-residents)
DEADLINE: Wednesday, July 13 at noon
DETAILS: A beginner class to hand sewing felt animals. Class will start off with needle safety, threading the needle, knot and secure first stich, stitching and securing finial knot at cutting the thread.
Camp Crayola
DATES: August 15 - 19
LOCATION: Elden Elementary School, Kindergarten room
AGES: 3 to 5 years
TIME:
Session 1: 9:30am - 11:30am
Session 2: 12:00pm - 2:00pm
CLASS SIZE: Min: 10 Max: 15
FEE: $90.00/participant
DEADLINE: Friday before program at noon; or until class is full
DETAILS: This pre-school camp is for your 3-5 year old. Each day will have a different theme. There will be lots of fun games, crafts, and activities to do. The instructor for this program is Lynn Pinard. We are also looking for a couple Big Brothers/Big Sisters to help us out during this program, you must be at least 12 years old. Camp materials will be the same during both morning and afternoon session please register for one session.
Camp Kindergarten
DATES: Mondays – Fridays, July 5 – July 15
LOCATION: Elden Elementary School, Kindergarten room
AGES: ONLY Children going into Kindergarten
TIME: 9:30am – 11:30am
CLASS SIZE: Min: 10 Max: 20
FEE: $100.00/participant
DEADLINE: Friday before program at noon; or until class is full
DETAILS: Do you have a child coming to Kindergarten in September? This 2-week camp will focus on the necessary skills that will help ensure a smooth transition into Kindergarten. Campers will participate in fun and engaging reading, writing, numeracy, and fine motor activities. Instructors are Lisa D’Andreano, Baldwinsville Kindergarten teacher and Lynn Pinard, Baldwinsville teaching assistant.
Reading and Writing Camp
DATES: Mondays – Fridays, July 5 – July 15
LOCATION: Elden Elementary School, Kindergarten room
Grades: Entering 1st & 2nd grade
TIME: 12:00pm – 2:00pm
CLASS SIZE: Min: 10 Max: 20
FEE: $100.00/participant
DEADLINE: Friday before program at noon; or until class is full
DETAILS: This two week program will focus on reinforcing reading and writing skills in a fun and engaging way. This program will culminate in a short reader’s theater performance on the last day of camp!
Instructors are Lisa D’Andreano, Baldwinsville Kindergarten teacher and Lynn Pinard, Baldwinsville teaching assistant.
FAIRY GARDEN
DATES: Wednesday, May 18
LOCATION: Van Buren Park Lodge (Connors Road)
AGES: 5 - 12
TIME: 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
CLASS SIZE: Min: 5 Max: 10
FEE: $30.00 (residents)
$32.00 (non-residents)
DEADLINE: Thursday, May 5 at noon
DETAILS: Looking to create some magic or mischief? Well look no further and join one of the Van Buren playground staff in making your own fairy garden for your house. Prepare to get into some mischief with your friends while making your own magical garden.
MOTHER’S DAY PROJECT
DATES: Thursday, May 5
LOCATION: Van Buren Park Lodge (Connors Road)
AGES: 11 and under (parents with children under the age of 5 must remain on site with their children)
TIME: 6:00 pm – 6:30/7:00 pm
CLASS SIZE: Min: 3 Max: 6
FEE: $12.00 (residents)
$14.00 (non-residents)
DEADLINE: Tuesday, May 3 @ noon
DETAILS: Children will get a chance to personalize a large clay pit using ceramic paints and fill it with flowers. This personalized pot will be a great gift to celebrate all those Wonder Woman we call mom, aunt, and grandma for Mother’s Day!
CHICKIE HOUSE AND TREATS
DATES: Wednesday, April 20
LOCATION: Van Buren Park Lodge (Connors Road)
AGES: 5 - 10
TIME: 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
CLASS SIZE: Min: 5 Max: 10
FEE: $18.00 (residents)
$20.00 (non-residents)
DEADLINE: Friday, April 8 at noon
DETAILS: Spring is here and the birds are flying back north! Grab your friends and join one of our playground staff in painting a fun new little bird house for them as well as making a treat for them!
IMPORTANT NOTES: If you are able to provide a pine cone; if not please let Van Buren Parks and Rec know before the class.
DOG OBEDIENCE - OUTDOORS
DATES: Mondays, April 25 –May 30
LOCATION: Van Buren Park Lodge (Connors Road)
AGES: Dogs (at least 4 mos. old) and their handler (at least 14 years old)
TIME: 6:30pm-7:15pm
CLASS SIZE: Min: 3 Max: 6
Fee: $60.00 (residents)
$70.00 (non-residents)
DETAILS: 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.
DATES: Wednesdays, July 6 – July 27
AGES: 7 - 10
TIME: 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
LOCATION: Van Buren Park Tennis Court
CLASS SIZE: Min: 4 Max: 8 participants
Fee: $40.00 (residents)
$45.00 (non-residents)
DEADLINE: Friday, July 1
DETAILS: This 4 week program is a beginner class to learn the fundamentals, common strokes and simple strategies needed to play the game of Pickleball.
IMPORTANT NOTES: Rain dates will be determined as needed. Please bring a water bottle to each class.
The Cpl. Kyle Schneider Foundation is holding its annual Honor & Remember Hybrid Run/Walk 5K on Saturday, May 21, 2022. The 5K is held on Armed Forces Day, The Honor & Remember Run/Walk brings communities together to Honor those that have Served and Remember those that have Sacrificed. All proceeds support The Cpl. Kyle R. Schneider Foundation. Join us in person at Van Buren Park in Baldwinsville or virtually from your favorite run/walk location. This year’s race will feature an in person and a virtual 5K event. The in person event will be held the morning of Saturday, May 21, 2022, Armed Forces Day, at Van Buren Park in Baldwinsville, NY. The Virtual event will be held also on May 21st from any location throughout the United States.
Join us in person at Van Buren Park in Baldwinsville.
5/21 Schedule:
7:00 AM REGISTRATION
7:45 Opening Ceremony
8:00 AM Kids FUN RUN/WALK
8:30 AM HONOR & REMEMBER RUN/WALK
Pre-Registration & Packet Pick Up
At The Lodge at Van Buren Park Friday, May 20, 2022
6:00PM - 8:00PM
Day of Race Registration & Packet Pick Up
At The Lodge at Van Buren Park
7:00AM
Start Time: 8:00am EDT
End Time: 2:00pm EDT
Price: $30.00
Registration: Price increases to $35.00 after May 15, 2022 at 11:59pm EDT
Join us virtually from your favorite run/walk location.
Price: $30.00
Registration: Price increases to $35.00 after May 15, 2022 at 11:59pm EDT
TENNIS LESSONS
WHO: Children 6-14 years of age
WHEN: Mondays and Wednesdays, July 11-July 27
TIME:
Session I: 5:00-6:00pm (6-9 year olds)
Session II: 6:00-7:00 pm (10-14 year olds)
WHERE: Van Buren Central Park, Canton Street
FEE: $40.00/participant, plus one can of tennis balls
(Minimum # for class to run = 3; Max in class = 8)
Beginner tennis lessons for children 6-14 years of age. 6– 45 minute sessions will be taught at the Van Buren Park tennis courts. Little or no tennis experience is necessary. Junior size rackets will be provided for those who need them.
Class will not be held if it is raining. We will not make up classes if only one day is missed. If two or more classes are missed, they will be rescheduled for a different day.
TO REGISTER: Advanced registration is a must. Please download a form and mail in.
**We will continue to update this page as more programs become available. Please check back!
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!