Aquatics
Learn to Swim, Free Swim Evaluations
There are individual registration periods before each swim lesson session. Registration for August classes is open until Aug. 3. Registration is accepted at the James City County Recreation Center and online at Aquatics. Classes held at the James City County Recreation Center. Info: 757-259-4185.
Before- & After-School Programs, Camps
REC Connect
Need camp or want to sign up for the fall Before- & After-School programs? The REC Connect program is open to youth ages 5-14, enrolled in grades K-8. One registration packet may be used for both Summer Camp 2018 and the Before- & After-School 2018-19 programs. Registrations accepted on a first-come, first-served basis according to postmark date and space availability. Registration forms and program information are available online and at the Recreation Centers, Freedom Park Interpretive Center and Satellite Services Office in Toano. Weekly registration fees apply. For the complete list of fees and registration information, visit REC Connect or call the Hotline at 757-259-3170. Please allow up to seven business days for processing. Discounts are available to any qualified resident based on total household gross income; please call 757-259-5414 for financial details.
Health/Wellness
Track Your Health/Know Your Numbers, Free!
Saturday, Aug.11, 9 a.m.-noon
James City County Recreation Center
Come in for a free health screening that includes a simple finger stick for a non-fasting cholesterol reading, blood pressure and body mass index. Work towards improving your numbers with your doctor’s advice, exercise and healthier eating. Testing and counseling “on-the-spot” by RN’s. No registration required.
Group Fitness Classes (ages 14+)
Get in shape for summer! From Ageless Yoga to Zumba, you’ll find a class just for you at the James City County Recreation Center. Check out our full group fitness schedule for a complete list of more than 60 classes offered weekly. Info: 757-259-4176.
Inclusion & Therapeutic Recreation
Day Support Program (ages 13+ with disabilities)
Tuesdays-Fridays weekly, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Abram Frink Jr. Community Center
The “Arc of Abilities” began in 2016 to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who do not have a Medicaid waiver. The Day Support Program provides continuing education, life skills and vocational training. In addition, clients are engaged in fitness, recreational and community service opportunities with peers, instructors and the community. Monthly tuition based on need. Info: The Arc at 757-229-3535.
Yoga (ages 13+ with disabilities)
Tuesday, Aug. 28, 7-9 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Move through a series of postures to allow the body to become flexible and healthy in a state of deep relaxation. Offered in partnership with The Arc of Greater Williamsburg. For more information on Arc events or to become a member call 757-229-3535 or visit thearcgw.org.
Outdoor Programs
Campfire Social (all ages) Free!
Saturdays, Aug. 11 & 18, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Come celebrate summer with a good old-fashioned campfire gathering at Chickahominy Riverfront Park! Enjoy s’mores, activities, storytelling and more around the campfire overlooking the beautiful Gordon Creek. Weather permitting.
Camping Under the Stars (all ages/families)
Saturday, Aug. 18, 1-3 p.m.
$30; $25 for JC/W residents
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Pitch your tent (or borrow one of ours) and spend the night at Chickahominy Riverfront Park! Learn to set up your tent, build a campfire, and cook in a Dutch oven The rest of the day is yours to explore the park! Rent a kayak, take a dip in the pool or check out our new splash pad! Gather around the campfire that evening for s’mores at our campfire social (above). One registration per family, limit six people per campsite. Campsite fees and pool pass included in registration. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the stay. Weather permitting. 808600-A
Learn to Row (ages 12+) Free!
Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 4 & 5, noon-5 p.m.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Learn the basics of rowing and then get out on the water for a row in a sleek racing shell along Gordon Creek. Instruction provided by the William & Mary Boat Club. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Weather permitting. Info/registration: email ludmerg@gmail.com.
Interpretive Paddle (ages 16+) Free!
Monday, Aug. 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
James City County Marina
Kayak historic Powhatan Creek beside Jamestown Island. View and learn about birds and wildlife native to our area. Kayaks provided free, and trips are guided by James River Association. 16-person limit; must be 16 or older. Weather permitting. To register, visit jrava.org. and click on “Interpretive Paddle Series” under “What’s Happening.”
Tips on Garden Photography (ages 18+)
Saturday, Aug. 18, 10-11:30 a.m.
Freedom Park Interpretive Center
John Whistler, local gardener, photographer and owner of Whistler Works Studio, will give those gardeners who want to capture photos of the flora and fauna in their gardens or elsewhere basic and advanced suggestions to improve their images. Following the program, Master Gardeners will be available in the Williamsburg Botanical Garden to discuss what’s in bloom or more information, contact Whistler at jcwhis@msn.com. A $5 donation to help the garden grow is appreciated.
Special Events
Movie Nights (all ages) Free!
Friday, Aug. 3, 6-8 p.m.
Abram Frink Jr. Community Center
Bring a blanket/pillow and join us for family friendly movie nights held inside the multipurpose room. Popcorn and drinks provided. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Stop by the front desk for a schedule of movies offered the first Friday of every month. Scheduled feature: Paddington 2 (2017) PG; movie subject to change.
Family Splash Party (all ages) Free!
Saturday, Aug. 4, 6-9 p.m.
Upper County Park Pool
Join us for games, prizes and fun. Children ages 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Weather permitting.
Butterfly Festival (all ages)
Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 4 & 5, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Freedom Park
Interact with hundreds of butterflies at the Williamsburg Botanical Garden! Drop in anytime during the two-day event to visit the butterfly tent with live specimens, and to participate in fun educational programs and crafts. Learn first-hand about the life cycles of these beautiful insects! The event is free; however, a $5 donation to help the garden grow is appreciated.
Movies Under the Stars (all ages) Free!
Friday, Aug. 31, 8:30 p.m.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Enjoy some of the great box office titles out under the sky! Bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks. We’ll bring the stars. Children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Scheduled feature: Moana (PG); movies subject to change. Weather permitting.
Sports/Gaming
Teen Tournaments (boys and girls ages 12-19) Free!
Thursdays, 4-6 p.m.
Abram Frink Jr. Community Center
Come out for weekly Xbox game tournaments and competitive active game tournaments. These safe, free and fun nights challenge you to play in competitive tournaments against other gamers in your age group. For information, call 757-887-5810.
Fall Adult Co-ed Soccer (men 30+ and women 18+)
Sundays, Sept. 9-Dec.16 (no games 10/7, 11/11, 11/25)
$750/team
Warhill Sports Complex
Registration by team only: deadline is Aug. 24. Captain’s meeting Aug. 29, 6 p.m. at the James City County Recreation Center.
Offering recreational soccer with a focus on fun. League play culminates in an end of season tournament to decide the champion. Register your team under the Captain’s name. Roster forms can be picked up at the James City County Recreation Center. 509700-A
For the complete list of Parks & Recreation programs and events, and for registration information for all activities, please visit our website or call 757-259-4200 (unless otherwise noted). For outdoor events, please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 if inclement weather is in the forecast. JC/W = James City County/Williamsburg resident.
Program locations:
Abram Frink Jr. Community Center Park, 8901 Pocahontas Trail
Chickahominy Riverfront Park, 1350 John Tyler Highway
Freedom Park, 5537 Centerville Road
James City County Marina, 2054 Jamestown Road
James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Road
Little Creek Reservoir Park, 180 Lakeview Road
Upper County Park, 180 Leisure Road, Toano