FALL/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.
Fall Programs:
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.
DATES: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday February 21-23
LOCATION: Van Buren Lodge, Connors Rd.
AGES: K – 5th grade
SESSION 1: Tuesday, February 21
MAKE YOUR OWN ZIG ZAG AIR PLANE AND SNAKE
TIME: 10:30 – 11:45 AM
CLASS SIZE: Min: 5 – Max: 15
Fee: $6.00 (residents)
$7.00 (non-residents)
DEADLINE: Wednesday, February 15 at noon
DETAILS: Join us for painting a Zig Zag Plane and Wooden Snake to take home for hours of play!
SESSION 2: Wednesday, February 22
PAINT YOUR OWN WOODEN ANIMAL AND
MINI PICTURE FRAME
TIME: 10:30 – 11:45 AM
CLASS SIZE: Min: 5 – Max: 12
Fee: $10.00 (residents)
$12.00 (non-residents)
DEADLINE: Wednesday, February 15 at noon
DETAILS: Join us for painting ONE EACH of a wooden animal (Hippo, Horse, or Giraffe) and a small picture frame (Lady Bug, Baseball, Butterfly, Flower). Enjoy having your own painted creation in your room!
NOTE: There is a limited number of each craft, so make sure to think of a second choice of one of each projects.
SESSION 3: Thursday, February 23
MAKE YOUR OWN CRYSTAL SUNCATHER AND 3D FISHBOWL
TIME: 10:30 – 11:15 AM (project may take 30 - 40 minutes)
CLASS SIZE: Min: 5 – Max: 12
Fee: $8.00 (residents)
$10.00 (non-residents)
DEADLINE: Wednesday, February 15 at noon
DETAILS: Join us for making your own crystal suncatcher for your room and a fun 3D fishbowl painting.
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.
WHO: For anyone 10 & under - see TIME for the breakdown - (Max of 50 kids/session so register early)
WHAT: An Easter Egg Hunt
WHEN: Saturday, April 1
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 1. 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 1
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.
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.
SESSION 1:
DATES: Tuesday, February 7
LOCATION: Van Buren Lodge, Connors Rd.
AGES: 12 and under
Time: 5:30 – 6:45 pm
CLASS SIZE: Min: 6 Max: 15
Fee: $26.00 (residents)
$28.00 (non-residents)
DEADLINE: Monday, January 30
DETAILS: Let the Van Buren Parks and Recreation Department help you plan a date night for Fathers and Daughters or any male figure. The date night includes pizza, desert, 2 fun interactive activities, and a movie.
TO REGISTER: www.townofvanburen.com and please indicate what session you would like.
SESSION 2:
DATES: Tuesday, February 7
LOCATION: Van Buren Lodge, Connors Rd.
AGES: 12 and under
Time: 7:15- 9:00 pm
CLASS SIZE: Min: 6 Max: 8
Fee: $16.00 (residents)
$18.00 (non-residents)
DEADLINE: Monday, January 30
DETAILS: Let the Van Buren Parks and Recreation Department help you plan a date night for Fathers and Daughters or any male figure. . The date night includes desert, 2 fun interactive activities, and movie.
TO REGISTER: www.townofvanburen.com and please indicate what session you would like.
SESSION I:
DATES: Wednesday, March 22
LOCATION: Van Buren Lodge, Connors Rd.
AGES: 12 and under
Time: 5:30 – 6:45 pm
CLASS SIZE: Min: 6 Max: 15
Fee: $24.00 (residents)
$26.00 (non-residents)
DEADLINE: Thursday, March 9
DETAILS: Let Van Buren Parks and Recreation Department help you plan a date night for Mothers and Sons or any female figure. The date night includes pizza, desert, 2 fun interactive activities, and a movie.
TO REGISTER: www.townofvanburen.com and please indicate what session you would like.
SESSION II:
DATES: Wednesday, March 22
LOCATION: Van Buren Lodge
AGES: All ages
Time: 7:15- 9:00 pm
CLASS SIZE: Min: 6 Max: 15
Fee: $17.00 (residents)
$19.00 (non-residents)
DEADLINE: Thursday, March 9
DETAILS: Let Van Buren Parks and Recreation Department help you plan a date night for Mothers and Sons or any female figure. The date night includes desert, 2 fun interactive activities, and movie.
TO REGISTER: www.townofvanburen.com and please indicate what session you would like.
DATES: Tuesday - Friday, February 21-24
LOCATION: Van Buren Park Lodge, Connors Rd.
AGES: Grades 2nd through 5th
TIME: 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
CLASS SIZE: Min: 5 Max: 8
Fee: $25.00 (residents)
$26.00 (non-residents)
DEADLINE: Monday, February 6
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.
TO REGISTER: www.townofvanburen.com.
DATES: Wednesday, January 25
LOCATION: Van Buren Lodge, Connors Rd.
AGES: 16 and over
TIME: 6:00 - 7:00 pm
CLASS SIZE: Min: 5 Max: 12
Fee: $16.00 (residents)
$18.00 (non-residents)
DEADLINE: Monday, January 16
DETAILS: Looking for something to jazz up your home décor and spend some time with your friends? Than this is the class for you! In this class you will be decorating a wine bottle to fit your style and be able to “Light” it up. Bring snacks to share for a fun girl’s night!
TO REGISTER: www.townofvanburen.com.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
**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!