Aquatics
Learn to Swim, Free Swim Evaluations
Registration for February and March classes is open Feb. 14-23. Class sizes are limited due to instructor availability. To ensure proper placement in a class, a previous class completion card or swim evaluation card is required to register for any next level class. Registration is accepted at the James City County Recreation Center only; online registration is not accepted at this time. Having trouble deciding which swim level is appropriate for your child? Our certified Water Safety Instructor will be available 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 17 and Tuesday, Feb. 22 to provide free swim evaluations. Classes/evaluations held at the James City County Recreation Center. Class schedules are available at the Recreation Center Front Desk and online at https://jamescitycountyva.gov/2673/Aquatics. Info: 757-259-4185.
Splash on Friday • All Ages FREE!
Friday, Feb. 18, 6-8 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Cannonball of Love Night! Come enjoy family time with us in the pool! Free swim area and an area for our Wibit inflatable obstacle course available! Games and prizes included. Pick up your event flyer at the James City County Recreation Center Front Desk. Non-swimmers are required to use a lifejacket, which is provided. Registration required. Info: 757-259-4185.
Arts & Special Interest
Valentine Chocolate Making • Ages 3-13
Preschool Valentine Chocolate Making • Ages 3-5 with parent/guardian: Saturday, Feb. 5, 10-11:30 a.m.
Kid’s Valentine Chocolate Making • Ages 6-13: Saturday, Feb. 5, noon-2 p.m.
$20/session
James City County Recreation Center
Have fun in this themed chocolate making workshop. We’ll get introduced to basic chocolate making techniques, dip pretzels and marshmallows and make chocolate clusters and other fun treats! Please note any food allergies at time of registration, tie back long hair and bring an apron and airtight container. Instructor: The Williamsburg Chocolatier, Inc.
Conversational Spanish for Kids • Ages 7-12 FREE! VIRTUAL!
Mondays, Feb.28-April 11 (no class April 4), 5:15-6 p.m.
Learn new vocabulary words to begin your journey into the Spanish language. We’ll learn terms for weather, months, days, animals, clothes, y mucho más! Each week is something new with exciting activities! Class conducted via the Zoom application; register by Feb. 22 to receive the Zoom meeting link. Instructor: Paula Guerra.
Kidz Clay • Ages 10-15
Thursdays, Feb. 24- March 24, 4:15-5:15 p.m.
$40
James City County Recreation Center
Make a mess, make some art, and make your mark… in clay! We’ll hand build and explore the potter’s wheel. A variety of topics presented, so students may repeat the class. No experience needed. $15 materials fee due to instructor at first class. Work available for pick up after firing. Dress for mess! Instructor: Dorothy Round.
Glaze Application Techniques • Ages 16+
Saturday, Feb. 12, 1-4 p.m.
$30
James City County Recreation Center
There are many ways to apply glazes to pots - painting, pouring, dipping, spraying, throwing, gobbing or squeezing. We’ll discuss and show examples of these methods and demonstrate, as time permits. Students should bring two to three small bisque-fired pieces of their own for experimentation. Students are encouraged to bring a notebook for taking notes; however, each participant will leave with a booklet of photographic examples of the techniques discussed. Materials fee: $10, by cash or check, due at beginning of the workshop. Instructor: Marshall Turner.
Before/After School
REC Connect
Clara Byrd Baker, J. Blaine Blayton, Matoaka, Matthew Whaley, Norge and Stonehouse REC Connect locations are currently full for the school year. Please submit a completed registration packet to be added to the waitlist. Registration packets are available for download from the REC Connect website or for pickup at the James City County Recreation Center or any payment site location. Due to low enrollments and lack of transportation resources, a Middle School Teens On Point (T.O.P) after school program is not being offered at this time. A Spring Break program, for ages 5-14, will be held Monday-Friday, April 4-8, 7 a.m.- 6 p.m., $25/day. The elementary school sites are Matoaka, Norge and Laurel Lane; the teen program site is the James City County Recreation Center. Program details are available in the Winter/Spring Destination Recreation Activity Brochure – ages 5-10 and ages 10-14.
Health/Wellness
Bonding Beats • Ages 6+
Friday, Feb. 18, 5-6 p.m.
$10; additional child $5
James City County Recreation Center
This parent and child workshop includes guided practices in rhythm and mindfulness. Communicate and connect with each other - through drumming! Learn rhythms, games and exercises that you can use to strengthen the bonds between you and your child(ren) for a lifetime. No musical experience needed! All instruments provided. Parent must register with child.”
Bounce Circuit • Ages 14+
Wednesday, Feb. 2, 5-5:45 p.m.
$5
James City County Recreation Center
Discover the magic of individual mini trampolines. Introduce your body to a unique and fun fitness experience! Bounce classes are a low impact, high intensity work out designed to tone your body and increase circulation, balance and endurance. Our Jump Sport trampolines have a ballet barre attached to activate the lower body and core for stability. The rebounder is three times more effective than a floor-based exercise. Come see what it is all about! Spaces are limited. No jump experience needed.
Learn to Row • Ages 14+ FREE!
Saturday, Feb. 5, 10-10:45 a.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Have you ever wanted to try what many call “one of the most efficient forms of exercise?” Now is your chance! Join us for a free introduction to rowing using our indoor rowing erg machines. Unlike most activities, rowing incorporates the use of your legs, core and upper body. We’ll focus step-by-step on proper form so that you can learn and appreciate this complete full-body, low-impact, lifelong exercise.
For the Love of Yoga Nidra • Ages 14+
Wednesday, Feb. 16, 6-7 p.m.
$10
James City County Recreation Center
Celebrate all the love this month. Join us for this hybrid class in shifting your brain from activity to meditation. The first portion of this class is a vinyasa practice to warm you up. The last 30 minutes will be Yoga Nidra, guiding you through a detailed gentle approach to the practice with an emphasis on stabilization and active stretching.
Walk This Way: Williamsburg Walking Club • Ages 14+ FREE!
Saturday, Feb. 26, 10-11 a.m.
Greensprings Interpretive Trail
Being active is the secret to staying healthy, and walking is a great way to get moving! Let our walking coach guide you through the trails of James City County. Whether you bring a friend, family or meet a new neighbor, you’ll have a blast while having a positive impact on your health. Different trail location each month.
Group Fitness Classes • Ages 14+
Get in shape for fall! 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 the more than 60 classes offered weekly. Info: 757-259-4176.
Techniques of Meditation • Ages 16+ FREE!
Wednesday, Feb. 2, 7-8 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or brand new, all are welcome to this open community meditation practice. We’ll explore different styles of meditation techniques as well as tools that aid the meditative process. You’ll be guided in and out of each session. Meditation can improve your physical, emotional and mental health and well-being.
Drumming for Wellness • Ages 16+ FREE!
Wednesday, Feb. 9, 5:30-7 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
We’ll use the drum and the voice as a modality to practice mindfulness. Students learn basic drumming and meditation techniques, and participate in drum circles and sound immersions to experience the use of drums and sound in ritual, ceremony and recreation. No musical experience needed! All instruments provided. Parent must register with child.
Therapeutic Recreation
Sensory Friendly Movie Night • All Ages & Abilities
Friday, Feb. 18, 6-8 p.m.
$5/family
James City County Recreation Center
Enjoy a feature film with family and friends in a safe and accommodating environment. The lights will be turned down low and special sensory seating areas provided. Popcorn and snacks included. Registration required. Info: 757-259-5354.
Got Goo? Fun & Sticky Sensory Play! • All Ages & Abilities
Wednesday, Feb. 23, 6:30-8 p.m.
$5/family
James City County Recreation Center
Do you like to play with slime? Have you ever painted with spaghetti? Join us for fun evenings full of yucky, messy activities. Snacks and materials provided. Bring a messy shirt. Social distancing guidelines will be followed and individual sensory bins will be provided for each family who registers. Registration is required by Feb. 16.
Yoga • Ages 18+ with disabilities FREE!
Tuesday, Feb. 22, 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 yoga, upcoming events or to become a member call 757-229-3535 or visit thearcgw.org.
Sports
Introduction to Pickleball • Ages 18+ FREE!
Thursday, Feb. 17, 9-10:30 a.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Get introduced to one of the nation’s fasting growing sports— pickleball! If you didn’t already know, pickleball is a paddlesport that combines badminton, tennis and table tennis and is played on smaller tennis courts. Join local USA Pickleball Ambassador, Jeff Anthony, as he breakdowns the foundations and fundamentals of pickleball! All equipment provided and all participants will be required to follow the current safety and health guidelines. Preregistration is required by Feb. 10. The February class takes place indoors and March classes will take place on outdoor courts.
To Register
Unless otherwise noted, please visit us online or call 757-259-4200 for more details and registration information. For the complete list of Parks & Recreation activities, programs and events, check out our Winter/Spring Brochure.
Inclement Weather/Cancellations
All Outdoor Events are weather permitting. Before heading out, please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 any changes in schedules.
Thank you for your flexibility and support as we continue to ensure COVID compliance from the Governor, the VDH and the CDC.
Program Sites
Greensprings Interpretive Trail, 3751 John Tyler Highway
James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Road
Media Contact:
Veda McMullen, Senior Communications Specialist
757-259-5415; veda.mcmullen@jamescitycountyva.gov