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Youth Programs Newsletter | January 2015 | VBgov.com/Parks
Make a Family Resolution

For many of us, the new year often means resolutions and a chance for a fresh start. This is the year in which we will lose some weight, be more active and eat healthier! But, couldn't the whole family benefit from some of these changes? Consider creating a family resolution.

Less Screen Time | We're all guilty of spending a little too much time being tied to a screen. Whether it's our cell phone, tablet, computer or television, it's easy to get distracted by technology. Make a commitment as a family to step away from the screens! Have a family game night or go visit a local park or museum at least once a week.

Family Fitness | Get together and get active! A family workout can be both fun and invigorating. Go for a bike ride, splash in the pool, play a game of backyard football, take a walk or hit the recreation center together! Motivate and challenge each other to get moving!

Sit Down Dinner | With packed schedules, it can be tough to sit down together as a family for a meal. Set a goal to have more family dinners and get everyone involved in the planning and preparation. You could have each family member create a menu for one meal. Introduce the kids to new fruits and vegetables by having them join you at the grocery store or farmer's market. Pick one night a week for each child to help prepare the meal. Most importantly, find the time to eat together as a family.
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Save the Date!


1/25 | Float-a-Rama | Princess Anne

2/7 | Winter Wildlife Festival | Great Neck 

2/8 | Float-a-Rama | Great Neck 

2/15 | Archery Demo Day | Princess Anne 

Run, Duck and Dodge at Youth Nerf Competitions 

 

If kids running around, ducking and dodging obstacles sounds like a scene from your living room on a Saturday afternoon, we've got the perfect activity for your child! In our Extreme Nerf Competitions, we fill the gym with giant, inflatable obstacles and send the kids on various missions that they must complete while dodging the competition. Save your living room furniture and register your child for one of these sessions:

 

Bayside Recreation Center | Age 7-13

Register online or in person at any recreation center. Pizza and drinks served after competition
Saturday, January 31 | 12-1:30 pm | $7

Saturday, February 28 | 12 - 1:30 pm | $7

Saturday, March 21 | 12 - 1:30 pm | $7

 

Great Neck Recreation Center | Age 8-12

Register online or in person at any recreation center. 
Saturday, January 31 | 1 - 2:30 pm | $4

Saturday, February 28 | 1 - 2:30 pm | $4

Saturday, March 28 | 1 - 2:30 pm | $4

 

Note: recreation center membership or day pass is needed. 

Need a Child Care Spending Report?

Did your child participate in any of our Out-of-School Time Programs in 2014? Obtain a Child Care Spending Report for tax purposes by completing our online request form. Reports will be mailed upon submission. Please allow 7-10 business days for processing and delivery of your report.
Get On Target with Free Archery Demo Day!
Sunday, February 15 | 2 - 4 pm | Princess Anne Recreation Center
  

Young fans of movies like Brave and The Hunger Games may be inspired by Merida and Katniss to try their hand at archery. With our Archery Demo Day at Princess Anne Recreation Center, kids and adults can give it their best shot for FREE! Learn the basics about range rules, whistle commands, equipment and shooting form and see if you can hit the target with a bow and arrow. A recreation center membership or day pass is not needed for this event, so bring the family for a fun group activity. Participants must be age 6 or older. 

 

We are also currently registering for our winter archery classes. Clinics are available for the beginner and intermediate levels. Those who have had a basic introductory class are also eligible to sign up for our Archery Games Competition. Check out our Winter Programs & Activities Catalog for class listings.

Day Camps Available January 26 & 27

Virginia Beach City Public Schools will be closed for staff days on January 26 & 27. If you have to be at work, have your child spend the day at one of our recreation centers where they're sure to have a blast! 

Our camps run from 7 am to 6 pm and the day is filled with fun activities like sports, games and arts & crafts. 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, the cost is $35.

Register your child online, or stop by any recreation center. For more information, call (757) 385-0409 or email [email protected].
Aquatic Leagues Build Skills and Camaraderie 

Water Polo Coach Give your swimmer the chance to try something new! This spring, we have two leagues that are perfect for youth who are new to the sports as well as those with prior experience. Kids will build their skills and have fun while making new friends!

 

Water Polo League | Our water polo league is offered to swimmers age 10-17. The league teaches kids the nuances of the sport in a low-key, competitive environment. No experience is needed! Register now!

 

Dive League | Our dive league is offered to kids age 7-15. This league is ideal for those who are new to the sport or divers who are looking to improve their skills. Emphasis is placed on diver development and fun in a low-key competitive environment. Participants will learn the proper approaches and entries off of the diving board. This program is designed for youth with little or no competitive diving experience.  Register now! 

 

For more information, contact an aquatic unit supervisor at any recreation center or email us at [email protected].

Please Note Our Upcoming Facility Closures

 

All Virginia Beach Recreation Centers, Owl Creek Tennis Center, administrative offices, staffed parks & park facilities will be closed on Monday, January 19 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Kempsville Recreation Center will close for a long-term replacement project beginning Friday, January 23. 
 

Don't forget that your membership is good at all Virginia Beach Recreation Centers! If your usual center is closed for maintenance, take the opportunity to visit another center. Use this locator to help you find one!

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 [email protected].
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Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is accredited by CAPRA,
the certifying agency of the National Recreation and Park Association.