SUMMER PROGRAMS

 

** 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.

 

Summer Programs:

Learn to Paint with Mike Conway

DATES: Wednesdays, July 5 and July 12

LOCATION: Van Buren Lodge, Connors Rd

AGES: 8 - 12 years old

TIME: 5:30 - 7:00 pm

CLASS SIZE: Min: 5     Max: 10

FEE: $26.00 (residents)

$28.00 (non-residents)

DETAILS: Bring an informal photo of your favorite pet (or favorite animal) and we'll make a personalized acrylic painting of it! This is one class done over the course of two days.

Mr. Conway has been an art instructor for over 40 years at the Elementary level and LOVES to share painting skills!

Safe Sitter Babysitting Course

SAFE SITTER® BABYSITTING COURSE 
WHO: Boys and girls 11-15 years old

WHEN :  Friday, May 26 or Monday, August 14

TIME: 7:30am-1:00pm

WHERE:  May 26: Van Buren Park, Pavilion B

August 14: Van Buren Park, New Pavilion (first on right as you enter the park)

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

CANVAS ART 

DATES:  Thursdays:

SESSION 1: Thursday, March 9 - Heart Thumbprint Tree

SESSION 2: Thursday, March 16 - Silhouette Animal

   

SESSION 3: Thursday, March 23 - Abstract Art

SESSION 4: Thursday, April 13 - Handprint/thumbprint tree

LOCATION: Van Buren Lodge (Connors Road)

AGES:  5 and up

TIME:  6:00 pm – 6:45 pm (projects last between 30-40 minutes)

CLASS SIZE:  Min: 3             Max: 10

FEE: $12.00 (residents)

$14.00 (non-residents)

DEADLINE: Tuesdays at noon before each session

DETAILS:  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.

NOTE: Please indicate on registration form what session you will be attending and if you are attending Session 2 (March 16) please indicate what animal your child would like to do.

SESSION 2: Thursday, March 16

SESSION 3: Thursday, March 23

SESSION 4: Thursday, April 13

LOCATION: Van Buren Lodge (Connors Road)

AGES:  5 and up

TIME:  6:00 pm – 6:45 pm (projects last between 30-40 minutes)

CLASS SIZE:  Min: 3             Max: 10

FEE: $12.00 (residents)

$14.00 (non-residents)

DEADLINE: Tuesdays at noon before each session

DETAILS:  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.

NOTE: Please indicate on registration form what session you will be attending and if you are attending Session 2 (March 16) please indicate what animal your child would like to do.

Camp Kindergarten

DATES: Mondays – Fridays, August 7 - 18

LOCATION: Elden Elementary School, Kindergarten room

AGES:  ONLY Children going into Kindergarten

TIME:  9:30a.m – 11:30a.m.

CLASS SIZE: Min: 10     Max: 20

FEE: $95.00 (residents)

$100.00 (non-residents)

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.

Camp Crayola

WHO:  Kids 3-5

WHEN:  Monday-Friday, August 7-11

TIME:     12:00pm-2:00pm

WHERE:  Elden Elementary School, room 101

FEE:   $85.00/participant (residents)

$90.00/participant (non-residents)

(Minimum for class=10;  Max for class=15)

A pre-school camp 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.

Boater Safety Courses

U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY

BOATER SAFETY COURSES

WHO:  Ages 10 and up

WHAT:  A course in boater safety

WHEN:

Session I: Sunday, February 26

Session II:  Sunday, March 19

Session III:  Saturday, April 29

Session IV:  Saturday, June 10

Session V:  Saturday, July 22

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.

Adult Pick-Up Kickball

ADULT PICK-UP KICKBALL

DATES:   Tuesdays, July 11 – August 1

LOCATION:  Van Buren Park

AGES:  18 and over

TIME:  6:30 pm until park closes

CLASS SIZE:  Min: 16

FEE: $20.00 (residents)

$22.00 (non-residents)

DEADLINE: Monday, July 10 at noon

DETAILS:  Looking for a new, fun way to be active outdoors and meet new people? Well, you’re in the right place! Sign up today for a 4 week adult pick-up kickball games, to relive your childhood memories from the playground! These pick-up games are made up of 18 and over adults, using school yard rules of playing fair with no referees and have fun. **Van Buren Parks and Recreation will provide kickball and bases**

Spirit of the Game- Spirit of the Game that places the responsibility for fair play on every player. There are no referees; the players are solely responsible for following and enforcing the rules. Competitive play is encouraged, but never at the expense of respect between players, adherence to the rules, and the basic joy of play.

IMPORTANT NOTES: Participants need to be 18 or older. Van Buren Parks and Recreation staff have the right to ask participants to leave if they are not 18.

Mother's Day Project

MOTHER’S DAY POTTED PLANTS

 DATE: Thursday, May 11

LOCATION:  Van Buren Lodge,  Connors Road

AGES:  11 and under (parents with children under the age of 5 must remain on site with their children)

TIME:  7:00 pm - 8:00 pm (project may last between 30-40 minutes)

CLASS SIZE:  Min: 3   Max: 6

FEE: $12.00 (residents)

$14.00 (non-residents)

DETAILS:  Children will get a chance to personalize a large clay pot 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!

MOTHER’S DAY CANVAS ART 

 DATES: Thursday, May 11

LOCATION:  Van Buren Lodge,  Connors Road

AGES:  11 and under (parents with children under the age of 5 must remain on site with their children)

TIME:  7:00 pm - 8:00 pm (project may last between 30-40 minutes)

CLASS SIZE:  Min: 3   Max: 6

FEE: $12.00 (residents)

$14.00 (non-residents)

DETAILS: Children will get the chance to become little Picassos and make a great Mother’s Day Gift. There is no experience needed just enthusiasm as our instructor will walk you through the creation. All supplies are provided, participants will paint one canvas.

Herb Garden Making

DATES: Wednesday, April 26

LOCATION:  Van Buren Lodge, Connors Rd.

AGES:  12 and over

TIME:  5:30 – 6:30

CLASS SIZE:  Min: 5    Max: 15

FEE: $25.00 (resident)

$30.00 (non-resident)

DEADLINE: Monday, April 10 at noon

DETAILS:  It’s spring “thyme”. Do you like to cook with fresh herbs? Do you love that aroma of fresh herbs? If you answered YES and YES to both of those questions than come on out to and create your own Herb Garden!!! With your green thumb you will successfully plant and grow your own herbs at home in your kitchen. When you come to class bring a recipe to share that includes some of your favorite fresh herbs! It was “mint” to be!

TO REGISTER:   www.townofvanburen.com.

Chickadee House and Treats

DATES: Wednesday, May 3

LOCATION:  Van Buren Park Lodge, Connors Road

AGES:  5 - 10

TIME:  5:30 pm – 6:30 pm (Times may vary from 30 to 60 minutes)

CLASS SIZE:  Min: 5     Max: 10

FEE: $18.00 (residents)

$20.00 (non-residents)

DEADLINE: Friday, April 28 at noon

DETAILS:  Spring is here and the birds are flying back north! Grab your friends for painting a fun new little bird house for them as well as making a treat for them!

TO REGISTER:   www.townofvanburen.com.

Fairy Garden

DATES:  Wednesday, May 17

LOCATION: Van Buren Park Lodge (Connors Road)

AGES:  5 - 12

TIME:  5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

CLASS SIZE:  Min: 5             Max: 10

FEE: $32.00 (residents)

$34.00 (non-residents)

DEADLINE: Thursday, May 4 at noon

DETAILS:  Looking to create some magic or mischief? Well look no further and join us making your own fairy garden for your house. Prepare to get into some mischief with your friends while making your own magical garden.

TO REGISTER:  www.townofvanburen.com.

Holiday Wreath Making

DATES:  Wednesday, May 24

LOCATION:  Van Buren Lodge OR Pavilion B

AGES:  14 and over

TIME:  5:30 – 7:00 pm (Times may vary)

CLASS SIZE:  Min: 5  Max: 15

Fee: $ TBA (residents)

$ TBA (non-residents)

DEADLINE: Thursday May, 18

DETAILS:  Let’s get our creative on and make a great holiday wreath for the upcoming Holiday! Grab your friends and join us!

TO REGISTER:  www.townofvanburen.com

Rock Painting

DATES: Thursday, April 20

LOCATION: Van Buren Lodge, Conners Rd.

AGES:  5 and up

TIME:  6:00 – 7:00 pm (project may last between 30 – 40 minutes)

CLASS SIZE:  Min: 3    Max: 10

Fee: $10.00 (residents)

$12.00 (non-residents)

DEADLINE: Monday, April 17 at noon

DETAILS:  Unleash your little Picassos and creativity! It’s the perfect opportunity for you to create a unique work of art on rocks! There is no experience needed just your enthusiasm as our instructor will walk you through the creation. All the supplies are provided.

Fishing Derby - canceled

DATES: Saturday, April 22

LOCATION: Van Buren Park Pond, enter from Connors Rd.

AGES: Children, Teens and "tweens”, ages 4 to 15.  Those  ages 14 and under must be accompanied by a parent.

TIME: 8:30am - 11:00am

FEE: FREE!

DETAILS: Come see what fish can be caught at Van Buren Pond!  Prizes will be given for "longest fish" in two different age categories  Bring your own reels, bait, tackle, buckets, etc.  Rain or shine!

TO REGISTER:  Please contact the Parks and Recreation Office at  315-638-4727, weekdays from 8:30am.-4:00pm. Or email us at vbpark@townofvanburen.com with your child/children name, age and phone number to let us know if your child/children will be attending, so we have an idea of a number to expect.

Adult String Art

DATES:  Wednesday, June 7

LOCATION: Van Buren Lodge, Connors Rd.

AGES: 16 and over

TIME: 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

CLASS SIZE:  Min: 4    Max: 10

FEE: $24.00 (residents)

$26.00 (non-residents)

DEADLINE: Monday, May 29

DETAILS:  Looking for a fun project to do with your friends? Look no further! Join us in making a string art HOME decorative key rack. Lots of fun, laughter and creativeness.

Boost Class

DATES: Saturdays, June 3 - July 15 (NO JULY 1)

LOCATION:  Van Buren Park Basketball Court

AGES:  16 and up

TIME:  9:30 – 10:00am

CLASS SIZE:  Min: 8    Max: 30

FEE: $41.00

DEADLINE: Thursday, June 1st

DETAILS:  Release your alter ego and boost your confidence in this high energy, booty-building class! Using glute resistance bands, you'll leave feeling powerful, stronger, and 30 minutes closer to your goals!"

IMPORTANT NOTES: Please provide your email and cell phone number when registering so the instructor may contact you directly with any weather related cancellations. This program is outside, please dress accordingly.

Mommy and Me Yoga

DATES:  Saturday, May 13
LOCATION:  Van Buren Park Basketball Court
AGES:  Ages 3-7
TIME: 9:00 am. – 9:45 a.m.
CLASS SIZE:  Min: 4 pairs Max: 8 pairs
FEE: $ 7.00/couple (residents)
$ 8.00/couple (non-residents)
DETAILS: Partner with your child in simple animated poses, games, and breathing exercises that help to strengthen coordination and build body awareness. We’ll practice breathing with our diaphragm using rubber duckies on our
bellies. We’ll bark in downward dog, growl in tiger pose, hiss in cobra pose and flutter our wings in butterfly! We’ll do fun partner poses like lizard on a rock and airplane! This exciting class provides bonding between parent and child, while strengthening their growing muscles.

Shannon’s Bio:
Shannon Hodson is a professional writer, health scientist, certified holistic health counselor and certified children’s yoga instructor. She has been teaching children’s yoga for over 20 years, first throughout New York City, and currently teaches an after-school class at Girls Inc. in Syracuse.

IMPORTANT NOTES: Please bring yoga mats for you and your child if you have them. If you don’t have mats, please indicate on your registration form that you don’t.

Kid's Yoga

DATES: Thursdays, June 29 - August 3

LOCATION:  Van Buren Park, Basketball Court

AGES:  Grades 2nd through 5th

TIME: 5:00 p.m.- 5:45 pm

CLASS SIZE:  Min: 5      Max: 8

Fee: $26.00 (residents)

$28.00 (non-residents)

DETAILS:  Start your kids’ winter break mornings with a fun yoga class. We will be doing kid-friendly yoga flows and poses, games, and we will end each class with a guided visualization. Scientists have proven that yoga can enhance children’s focus, improve their self-esteem, and combat anxiety. It can also improve balance and coordination as well as flexibility.

Shannon Bio:

Shannon Hodson is a professional writer, health scientist, certified holistic health counselor and certified children’s yoga instructor. She has been teaching children’s yoga for over 20 years, first throughout New York City, and currently teaches an after-school class at Girls Inc. in Syracuse.

IMPORTANT NOTES: Please bring a yoga mat if you have one, and if you don’t please indicate on your registration form that you need one.

Kid's Cornhole League

DATES:  Mondays, July 11 – August 1

AGES: 7 - 10

TIME:  5:30 p.m. – 6:30/7:00 p.m.

LOCATION:  Van Buren Park, near Pavilion B

TEAMS:  Min: 4        Max: 16

FEE: $20.00 (residents)

$25.00 (non-residents)

DEADLINE: Wednesday, July 6

DETAILS:  This 4 week Cornhole League will be made up of teams of 2 where they will rotate throughout the weeks.

IMPORTANT NOTES: Rain dates will be determined as needed. Please bring a water bottle to each class.

Start Smart Golf

DATES: Tuesday & Thursdays, July 11 - July 27

AGES: 6 - 10

TIME: 6:00p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Van Buren Park, near tennis courts

CLASS SIZE: Min: 4   Max: 8

FEE: $45.00 (residents)

$50.00 (non-residents)

DETAILS:

Start Smart Golf is a developmentally appropriate introductory golf program for children (ages 6-10). Start Smart Golf teaches children to golf using fun and age-appropriate equipment from SNAG®. (6 classes)

Start Smart programs prepare your child for organized sports in a FUN non-threatening environment. Each program is age specific. Equipment is also designed for each age specific group. Equipment is included in the signup fee.

 

IMPORTANT NOTES: Please bring a water bottle to each class.

Pound Class

DATES:

Session 1: Tuesdays, June 6 – July 18  (NO JULY 4)

Session 2: Tuesdays, August 1 - September 5

LOCATION:  Van Buren Park Basketball Court

AGES:  10 and up

TIME:  6:00 – 7:00pm

CLASS SIZE:  Min: 8     Max: 30

FEE: $41.00

DEADLINE: Mondays prior to start of session

DETAILS:  Instead of listening to music, you become the music in this exhilarating full-body workout that combines cardio, conditioning, and strength training with yoga and pilates-inspired movements. Using Ripstix®, lightly weighted drumsticks engineered specifically for exercising, POUND transforms drumming into an incredibly effective way of working out.

Designed for all fitness levels, POUND® provides the perfect atmosphere for letting loose, getting energized, toning up and rockin’ out! The workout is easily modifiable and the alternative vibe and welcoming philosophy appeals to rockstars of all ages and abilities.

IMPORTANT NOTES: Please provide your email and cell phone number when registering so the instructor may contact you directly with any weather related cancellations. This program is outside, please dress accordingly.

**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!