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Youth Programs Newsletter | December 2009 | VBgov.com/Parks
Get a Peek at Our Winter Program Catalogs
 
Youth CatalogDon't let boredom set in this winter! Parks & Rec will help your family stay active with exciting classes and programs for all ages. From swimming and dancing to pottery and painting, everyone can learn something new or brush up on old skills. Spring Break Camp information is included in the Youth catalog as well. Registration for these programs begins at 9 am on Saturday, January 9, 2010.
 
View the Youth or Adult Program Catalogs.
School Closed? Winter Break Camps Available
 
OST Winter Break CampWhile schools are closed for Winter Break, have your child spend the day with us at one of our Community Recreation Centers. Our programs provide safe, affordable peace-of-mind for parents, with fun, constructive activities for kids! They'll enjoy sports, lively games, indoor swimming, arts & crafts and more!
 
Camps run from 7:00 am - 6:15 pm and are offered on December 23 and 28-30. If your child is currently enrolled in one of our before or after school programs, the cost is $25 for the day.  For those not currently enrolled in a program, the cost is $35.
 
To register your child, please stop by any recreation center. Space is limited, so don't wait! For more information, call 385-0409 or email fun@vbgov.com.
Quick Links
 
Our Website
 
Youth Opportunities Office
 
 
Upcoming Events
 
12/13 | Float-a-Rama | Great Neck Rec Center
 
12/18 | Movie in the Pool: Polar Express | Bow Creek Rec Center
 
1/9 | Winter Program Registration | All Centers
 
1/30 | Winter Wildlife Festival | Kempsville Rec Center
Festival Showcases Virginia Beach Winter Wildlife
 
Bird WatchingIf you have older children, plan to attend the Winter Wildlife Festival on January 30, 2010 for the chance to witness winter wildlife all around Virginia Beach, whether it's following fascinating bird activity, spectacular whale sightings or the musings of harbor seals near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Learn what it takes to properly observe and identify wildlife, while embracing the eco-friendly concept of "leave no trace."
 
This event includes educational workshops and engaging excursions that are sure to captivate outdoor enthusiasts, both novice and expert. Registration is required to attend workshops and excursions (some require a fee), so sign up for sessions such as:

  • WWF LogoFort Story/First Landing State Park Bird Walk
  • Back Bay/False Cape Terra-Gator & Tram Tour  
  • Owl Prowl
  • Rain Barrel Workshop
  • Kayak Pool Sessions
  • Whale Watching
 
Be sure to stop by the Exhibit Hall and speak with Winter Wildlife Festival partners and learn ways to get involved with local environmental efforts. The Exhibit Hall will be open at Kempsville Recreation Center from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.
 
Visit VBgov.com/WinterWildlife for a full list of excursions and educational sessions along with registration information.
Virginia Beach Parenting Resource Hits the Web 
 
Parent on ComputerAre you looking for inexpensive activities for you and your children? Looking for quality child care? Want some fun, healthy recipes that you and your children can make in the kitchen? Find all this and more online at VBparents.com.
 
For the past year, the City of Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City Public Schools and community organizations have collaborated to create VBparents.com - a comprehensive, online resource featuring information such as: how to register your child for kindergarten, which questions to ask when selecting a child care provider and how to make everyday activities fun, learning experiences.
 
The site is managed by the City of Virginia Beach and targeted to parents of children from birth through age 12. It includes information about early learning, school readiness, health and nutrition and local resources to help you raise your child in Virginia Beach. The site also features an event calendar with fun things that you and your family can do together. Visit often because the information will change frequently. Check out the site!
Rock With Us! Climbing Walls Offer Fun Family Activity 
 
Looking for something different to do with the kids? Give rock climbing a try! We offer three variations depending on the type of challenge you want! A membership card or visitor pass is required to access the climbing walls. 
 
Visit Kempsville Recreation Center's swimming pool and try the AquaClimb, a climbing wall that hangs over the pool! The best thing about this is that no ropes or experience are required and when you get to the top, you can just drop into the pool! 
Hours vary; check the monthly pool schedule for dates and times.
Rock WallTraverse Rock Climbing Wall at Great Neck Recreation Center
Age 6 & up · Traverse wall rock climbing is a rewarding and challenging activity.  Can you make it all the way across the wall? $4 per hour of climbing
Mondays and Wednesdays: 3:00 - 4:00 pm
Fridays: 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Sundays: 3:15 pm - 4:15 pm
Vertical Rock Climbing Wall at Seatack Recreation Center
Age 6 & up · Test your climbing skills on our 24 foot vertical rock wall! $4 per hour of climbing
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 6:00 - 8:45 pm
Saturdays: 12:00 noon - 2:00 pm
Sundays: 2:00 - 4:45 pm
Please Note Our Upcoming Facility Closures
 
All Community Recreation Centers, Owl Creek Tennis Center, City parks and park facilities will be closed on December 24 and 25, as well as January 1 and 18. These facilities will also close at 5 pm on December 31.
Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation believes all of our diverse citizens have a right to participate in community recreation and we are committed to creating equal access for everyone who may have a challenge or barrier. If your child requires additional support, we can help.  Learn more about our accommodation and inclusion services. 
We welcome your comments and questions.  Feel free to email us at fun@vbgov.com.
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Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is accredited by CAPRA,
the certifying agency of the National Recreation and Park Association.