Looking For Something New To Do This Spring And Summer?

Looking to get a jump on upcoming spring and summer events at the Clinton Recreation & Parks Department?

The Clinton Patch has the scoop on what classes (drawing, robotics, martial arts, zumba, safe boating) and sports (tennis, golf, swimming, basketball) and SO much more is offered! Choosing which one(s) to take part in will be the hardest part of the exercise!

Plus - now is the time to mark your calendars for summer events such as opening day at the Clinton Beach (June 18) and Family Day (July 16)!

DRAWING CLASSES:  Grades 3 - 7. Classes are held at the P & R Building, 201 Killingworth Turnpike. Dates:  Tuesdays starting April 5 and 12.  Time:  4:00 – 5:00 pm.  Fee is $80.00 ($85 Non-residents).  Call Joan Levy (860-663-1169) for a list of materials. 10% discounts are available for Joan’s students at the Saybrook Art Emporium.

ROBOTICS AND THEN SOME:  (Ages: 5 – 12) Keep the Lego’s going with K’Nex.  These fun building systems will be combined to create the ultimate building experience.  Our class will experiment using the RCX Brick with various motors.  Can you build a motorized car, tractor, airplane or go-kart?  What type of vehicle is your dream car?  Wednesday’s: April 6, 13, 27, & May 4. Time: 4 – 5:30 p.m., at the P & R Building.  Fee: $85 ($90 Non-residents)

K’NEX BUILDING OF SIMPLE MACHINES: (Ages 5 – 12) What’s the difference between first and second class levers?  In this class we focus on Levers and Pulleys.  Choose your favorite wheelbarrow, balance a sailboat, create a dragster or design your own creation.  Wednesday’s: May 18, 25, & June 1, 8. Time: 4 – 5:30 p.m., at the P & R Building. Fee: $85 ($90 Non-residents).

ZUMBA LESSONS:  Zumba is exercise in disguise!  It is a Latin inspired dance fitness class that uses international music and dance rhythms together for the ultimate exercise experience.  You do not have to know how to dance to take a Zumba class.  We create a non-competitive party atmosphere where a student can interpret the dance rhythms in their own way.  It’s fun!  It’s different!  It’s easy!  It’s effective!  Classes will be held at the P & R Building beginning in Monday & Thursday Evenings:  April 14, April 25, June 13. Time: 6:15 – 7:15 p.m. Fee per session: $56 for 1 day per week, $104 for twice a week, or $9.00 for drop-ins.  (Non-Residents must add $5.00)  Each student must bring water.  Instructor is Nansi Rice. 

MARTIAL ARTS: Martial Art Classes are available through Madison Academy located at 32 Wall Street, Madison. Classes will meet twice a week for eight weeks. Various days and times are available.   Classes available are Taekwondo (ages 6 to adult), Young Dragons (ages 3 to 5) and Cardio-Kickboxing (ages 10 to adult).  The fee is $50 per session.  Uniforms are required for all Taekwondo classes and can be purchased at Madison Academy.  Personal Training is also available for $45 per hour for three, one-hour sessions. Martial Arts Classes are held throughout the school year.  Session IV:  May 23 – July 22. 

TENNIS CAMP:  (April Vacation Week): April 18 – 21. This camp will introduce players to the forehand, backhand, serve and volley.  For older juniors, point playing strategies and match play situations will be introduced.  Rain make-up date will be held on Fri., April 22.  Ages:  6-16 years.  Times:  9-11 a.m. or 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Fee:  $120 ($125 Non-residents) Min. of 3 Juniors required and Max. of 12. 

PEE WEE TENNIS:  Saturdays:  May 7 – June 4, Ages 3-5 years.  This class will introduce Pee Wees to the forehand, backhand and volley in fun game situations.  Class will be held at the Peters Complex.  Minimum of 4 Pee Wees, maximum of 30.  Time:  9:15-10 a.m. or 10:15-11 a.m., Fee: $79 ($84 Non-residents) Make-up rain date:  June 11.

CHILDREN’S TENNIS CLINIC:  Saturdays:  May 7 – June 4. This tennis clinic instructs players on all tennis strokes as well as footwork and etiquette. Ages 6-8 yrs: Time: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Ages 9-12 yrs:  Time: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.  Min. of 4 children per age group, max. of 15 per age group. Fee: $89 ($94 Non-residents) Make-up rain date:  June 11.

TENNIS TEAM:  Saturdays:  May 7 – June 4. Ages: 13-17 yrs. This tennis clinic will instruct players on all strokes, as well as point playing strategies and match play situations.  Minimum of 3, Maximum of 15.  Time:  12:30-2 p.m., Fee: $129 ($134 Non-residents) Make-up rain date:  June 11.

ADULT TENNIS:  Saturdays:  May 7 – June 4. This tennis clinic will instruct players on all strokes, as well as point playing strategies and match play basics.  Min. of 3, Max. of 8.  Beginners:  Time – 2 -3 p.m., Fee: $129 ($134 Non-residents) Make-up rain date:  June 11.

ADULT CO-ED VOLLEYBALL: (Adults Only) It's open gym!  Have some fun and join us for a friendly game of volleyball!  The games will be played on Monday evenings from 7:30-9:30 pm at the following locations:  April at the Morgan Gym and May at the Eliot Gym.

MEN’S BASKETBALL: (Adults only) Open gym!  Stop in for a quick pick-up game of basketball.  The games will be played from 7:30-9:30 pm.  The following schedule shows all the details:

Tuesdays:    Ages 18 to 28 and Thursdays: Ages 29 and older

April:           Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Morgan, Gym A.

May:            Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Morgan, Gym A.

DEP SAFE BOATING CLASSES: (Adults and children over 10) This is a 10 hour course that meets on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7:00-9:30 pm for two weeks.  The last class will give a final exam.  A passing grade will enable you to apply for your Safe Boating certificate.  The classes will be held at the Morgan School (room TBA), located at 27 Killingworth Turnpike (Route 81) in Clinton.  The minimum class size is 20 and the maximum size is 30.  Session I:    April 5, 7, 12, 14.  The fee is $10 per person.

ONE DAY – CT SAFE BOATING & PERSONAL WATERCRAFT COURSE:  This single session, 8-hour course, taught by Professional Marine Education, provides a certificate of completion as partial fulfillment of the requirements to obtain the Certification of Personal Watercraft Operation, which allows the operation of motorized recreational vessels up to 65’ and sailboats 19½’ in length and longer.  Upon successful completion of this course the student can mail or deliver the diploma to any State DEP office, and combined with an application for certificate (provided) and appropriate fee, qualifies the student to obtain the certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation.  The certificate is a one-time, lifetime certification.  Students should bring a pen or pencil to class.  You are also given ¾ of an hour for lunch (please bring a light lunch with you).  Date: May 14.  Time: 8:30 am to 4:30 p.m. Location: P & R Building, 201 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton.  Fee: $65 ($75 Non-residents).

GIRL'S SOFTBALL PROGRAM:  For girls in grades 1-3.  Program is held on Mondays and Wednesdays after school from 3 – 5 pm at the Peters Complex.  Practice will begin in April, games will begin in May and the program ends in June.  Fee is $35.00.

FALL SOCCER REGISTRATIONS:  May 7, 2011, Time:  10 am to 12 noon.  Location:  P & R Building, 201 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton, CT.

SUMMER 2011 PREVIEW:

We will not be taking summer registrations until May

THE CLINTON TOWN BEACH:  Will officially open on June 18.  Beach passes can be purchased from the gate keeper between the hours of 9 am to 3 pm daily (weather permitting).  Beach Pass Fees:  Clinton Residents:  $20 per vehicle, Clinton Senior Citizens: $10 per vehicle, Non-residents: $25 per visit (no pass issued).  If town lifeguards are reinstated this year, they will be on duty from 9 am to 5 pm daily (weather permitting) beginning July 1.

CLINTON FAMILY DAY:  July 16, Time: 9 am – 2:30 pm at the Clinton Town Beach.  Sand sculpture registrations begin at 8:30 am.   Come and enjoy a day of games, arts & crafts, races, music, face painting, snacks, prizes & more, all provided free for children between the ages of 4 -12 and their parents. We will be posting a time schedule for all of the events on our website as the day approaches.  Please mark your calendar!

YOUTH BASKETBALL CAMP:  Boys and Girls Entering Grades 1, 2, and 3 as of September 2010 will be held at the Joel School Gym. The Camp will focus on basketball fundamentals, enthusiasm, and having fun! Starts: June 27 – 30. Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.  Each camper receives a tee-shirt. Enrollment is limited to 35 campers. (Clinton Residents Only!) Fee is $60.00 per camper.

FUN CAMP: Come join us for fun, games, and crafts!  Open to children who are 4 years old and entering Kindergarten as of September 2011 and older.  This six-week program will run from July 5 to August 12.  The Fun Camp will meet three days a week at the Peters Complex and the other two days at the Town Beach. The hours are Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. & Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. The Wednesday extension allows for more activities and better field trips to brighten up your child’s Summer. Fee: $65 per week or $330 for the six weeks. (The week of July 5-8 fee is $52)  

TINY HAWK (Soccer & Basketball):  June 20 – 23, at the Indian River Complex.  Ages:  3-4 (parents must stay on site) Time:  4 – 5:20 p.m. Fee: $50 ($55 non-residents). The essentials of soccer and basketball are introduced in a fun, safe environment with lots of encouragement.  Children will learn balance, body movement, hand/eye coordination, and skill development through a series of sport-specific games.  Parent participation is encouraged.  Campers must be between 42 and 48 months of age and toilet trained in order to participate.

• Participant-to-coach ratio: 8:1
• Gear to bring: Appropriate clothing, water bottle, running shoes and sunscreen
• Food to bring: Two Snacks & Water Bottle
• Included with purchase: T-shirt and merit award

MINI–HAWK: (Soccer, Baseball & Basketball): June 20 – 23, Mon. – Thurs., (Ages: 5-7), Time: 4 - 6 p.m., Fee is $59 ($64 Non-residents) or July 5 – 8, (Ages: 4-7), Time: 9 am – 12 p.m., Fee is $80 ($85 Non-residents) Held at the Indian River Complex. This multi-sport program gives children ages 4 to 7 a positive first step into athletics. Baseball, basketball and soccer are taught in a safe, structured environment with lots of encouragement and a big focus on fun. Our Mini-Hawk games and activities were designed to allow campers to explore balance, movement, hand/eye coordination, and skill development at their own pace. Skyhawks staff is trained to handle the specific needs of young athletes. 

• Participant-to-coach ratio: 8:1
• Gear to bring: Appropriate clothing, water bottle, sneakers, and sunscreen
• Food to bring:  2 snacks & water bottle
• Included with purchase: T-shirt and merit award

STARTING NEW AT GOLF:  August 15 – 19, held at the Indian River Complex.  Ages 5 – 8 yrs.  Time: 9 am – 12 p.m. Fee: $99 ($104 non-residents). Skyhawks Golf focuses on building the confidence of young athletes through proper technique and refining the essential skills of the game. Golf is a challenging and lifelong sport, so young athletes need proper focus on the fundamentals of form, swinging, putting, and body positioning. To assist in this training, Skyhawks has adopted the SNAG (Starting New At Golf) system to its curriculum. SNAG is specifically designed for the entry-level player; SNAG simplifies instruction so that young players can make an easy and effective transition onto the golf course. No need to bring your own clubs--all equipment is provided. For safety reasons we utilize special helmets for all campers and keep the instructor-to-camper ratio for this program very low, resulting in limited availability. These programs fill up quickly.

• Participant-to-coach ratio: 8:1
• Gear to bring: Appropriate clothing, water bottle, sneakers, and sunscreen
• Food to bring:  2 snacks & water bottle
• Included with purchase: T-shirt and merit award

VOLLEYBALL:  July 25-29, held at the Jared Eliot Middle School.  Ages:  10 – 14 yrs.  Time:  9 a.m. – 12 p.m.  Fee: $99 ($104 Non-residents). Skyhawks Volleyball takes the energy and excitement of this great team sport and puts it together into one fun-filled camp. All aspects of the game are taught through drills and exercises that focus on passing, setting, hitting and serving. This co-ed program is designed for the beginning and intermediate player. Our volleyball staff will assist each athlete in developing fundamental skills through game-speed drills and daily scrimmages aimed at developing the whole player.

• Participant-to-coach ratio: 12:1
• Gear to bring: Appropriate clothing, water bottle, sneakers, and sunscreen
• Food to bring:  2 snacks & water bottle
• Included with purchase: T-shirt and merit award

US SPORTS MULTI SPORTS CAMP: July 25 – 29, time:  9 am – 12:30 pm (5 – 14 yrs old), Fee: $134 ($139 Non-residents), 9 am – 4 pm (6 – 14 yrs old). Fee: $170 ($175 Non-residents). At the Peters Complex.  Experience over 15 different sports from around the world with the US Sports Institute.  All activities will take place in an atmosphere which promotes good sportsmanship, teamwork and most of all fun.  Campers will receive Technical Instruction in each sport then experience the sport in a realistic game situation.  Campers will receive a T-shirt and certificate.   

US SPORTS SQUIRTS CAMP: July 25 – 29, time:  4:30 – 5:30 pm, Ages:  3 to 5 year olds. Fee: $69 ($74 non-residents)  This program is a great way to introduce children aged 3 to 5 to a variety of sports such as Soccer, T-ball, Basketball, Tennis, Lacrosse and Hockey all taking place in a safe structured environment to ensure learning.  Activities are designed to evoke a child’s imagination in which they can find Nemo, send Shrek into a spin or capture Jellyfish with Sponge Bob Square Pants.  All activities promote hand-eye coordination, movement and balance and most importantly Fun!    Camp will be held at the Peters Complex. All Campers will receive a T-shirt and certificate.

BEGINNER LACROSSE CLINIC:  July 18 – 22, time:  5:00 – 6:30 pm. Ages:  6 – 14 yrs old.  Fee: $89 ($94 non-residents) At the Peters Complex. Beginner Lacrosse players will have Great fun learning this exhilarating game.  The program is ideal for entry level players with no previous experience.  Players can experience, Stick Handling, Passing, Scooping, Dodging and shooting as well as many other fundamental Techniques.  Players will be grouped by age, playing ability and experience level.  No previous experience playing lacrosse is required to attend the clinic.  All campers will receive T-shirt and certificate.

FIELD HOCKEY CLINIC:  August 8-12, time: 5:00 – 6:30 p.m., Ages: 6 – 14 yrs. old.  Fee: $89 ($94 non-residents) At the Peters Complex.  The USSI Field Hockey Camp is ideal for players wishing to learn or develop in this increasingly popular sport.  Campers will be taken through all phases of the game, thoughtfully integrating technical and tactical components in a fun, innovative way.  Skills covered on the clinic throughout the week will be as follows:  Ball control, Dribbling, Push Passes and drives, Shooting, Stick Skills, Flicks and Lifts, Dodging and Rules of the game.  Players will be grouped by age, playing ability and experience level.  No previous experience playing field hockey is required to attend the camp. All campers will receive a T-shirt and certificate.

ENVIRONMENTAL ECOLOGY CAMP:  June 27 – July 1 or July 18 – 22, time:  9 am – 12 noon, For children entering grades 2 – 6 as of Sept. 2011.  Monday – Wednesday – Friday:  Clinton Town Beach, Tuesday:  Entrance of Peter’s Woods, Valley Road and Thursday: the Indian River Recreational Complex Beach Days:  Join local teacher and Clinton Land Trust Board Member, Dana Skidmore, for three mornings of beach exploration.  Children will be introduced to varying habitats: the salt marsh, the sandy beach and the mud flats.  They will use bucket and dip nets as well as beach seines to experience the local marine life in the sound.  They will get a crab’s eye view of barnacles feeding, periwinkles grazing on algae, green crabs scurrying about, ospreys flying overhead and great egrets majestically wading in the water.  Peter’s Woods & Indian River Complex:  Discover some of Clinton’s finest hiking trails!  Spend two mornings with Mrs. Skidmore exploring local animal and plant species.  Discover the mystery of a vernal pool and all of its inhabitants.  Learn the difference between a red oak and a white oak tree, feel the strong bark of a tulip tree and experience the smell of a black birch tree branch.  Listen to the woodland bird songs, discover many life forms that live under logs in the forest, and catch a glimpse of a painted turtle sunning itself on a log.  Gain an appreciation for our outdoor world and learn about ways in which you can protect it for future generations.  Have fun while learning and make new friends! Fee: $125.00 ($150.00 non-residents)

TOP NOTCH BASKETBALL: Boys and Girls entering grades 2-9 as of September 2011.  This will be held at the Morgan School gym during August 1 – 5.  There will be a morning and afternoon session, Session I:  8:00-11:00 am and Session II: 12:00-3:00 pm.  If you choose both sessions, please bring a lunch.  Participants will receive a T-shirt.  Don’t forget a water bottle! Fee:  $85.00 per session, $160.00 for both.  A $35.00 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration. ($90 per session for non-residents)  

SOCCER CAMPS:  Challenger Sports:  June 27 – July 1, Monday – Friday. This will be held at the Indian River Complex.  Mini Soccer $85: (Ages 3 -5) Time 9 – 10:30 am or 10:45 to 12:15 pm;  Half Day $115: (Ages 6 – 14) Time 9 – 12 pm or 12:30 – 3:30 pm: Full Day $180:  (Ages 8 – 14) Time: 9 am – 12 pm & 12:30 – 3:30 pm;  www.challengersports.com. Contact: David Rush 401-228-6536. Please register with Challenger Sports.

SOCCER CAMP:  Instructor:  Coach Kate Healey July 11-15, Ages: 6 – 11,time:  8:30 – 11:30 am.  Held at the Indian River Complex.  A structured environment to help young athletics focus on the fundamentals while also allowing young athletics to grow, develop and improve on the skills they have already learned.  All campers will receive a T-shirt.  Fee: $70.00 ($75.00 Non-residents)

GOALIE TRAINING CAMP: With Brad Jeeves:  Session I: July 11 – 15 (Ages: 7-10), Session II: August 1 – 5 (Ages: 11-16), & Session III: August 22-26 (Ages 7-16) Time for all Sessions: 5-8 p.m. Fee for each Session is $149 ($154 non-residents).  If you have participated in either Session I or II, you will be offered a discount, to register for Session III: Fee will be $75.00 ($80 Non-residents). Coach Brad Jeeves will hold this Camp at the Indian River Complex.  This Camp will include Handling, Distribution, Communication, Shot Stopping, Angles, High balls and the best thing about being a goalkeeper; The Imperfect World.  All goalkeepers will be tested to their highest abilities, as you all know being a goalkeeper is more than just trying to save a ball. More and more people are realizing how important the position is.  This Camp is great way to help the most experienced of goalkeepers on their toes and also to help the first time goalkeepers get the knowledge and confidence they need to get in between the sticks.  You must bring the following to Camp: Gloves, Shin Guards, Soccer Ball, Plenty of Water & a Small Snack.

VICTORY SOCCER SCHOOL:  August 8 – 12, Monday – Friday, Ages: 7-16. This will be held at the Indian River Complex.  Fun age appropriate soccer training conducted by professional and college coaching staff.  Elias Zurita is the Coaching Director for  The Victory Soccer School in Clinton. Elias was named Connecticut Junior Soccer Coach of the Year in 2008. He played professional soccer in th MISL, was an assistant coach at the University of Bridgeport, and coaches in the Connecticut Olympic Development Program. Tuition: $150 half day and $190 full day, Time:  9:30 am – 3 pm. www.victory-soccer.com  Contact Elias Zurita: 203-375-4142. Please register with the Victory Soccer School.

UK SOCCER:  August 15 – 19, Monday – Friday. This will be held at the Indian River Complex.  Goal Keeper Training & Foot Skill Training.  Goal keeper camp will be conducted by Leon Othen and his staff.  Leon played professional soccer in England and coached in the Arsenal Youth System. Contact Leon Othen - 860 941-9252.  http://www.uksocca.com

TENNIS LESSONS:  June through August 2011. Lessons will be held at the Peters Complex courts. We will be offering four two week sessions.  Each session will consist of six one hour lessons held on Tuesday through Thursday of each week with make-up days held on either the Mon. or Fri. of that week.  Session I:  June 28 – July 7, 2011, Session II:  July 12 – July 21, 2011, Session III:  July 26 – August 4, 2011, Session IV:  August 9 – August 18, 2011. Fee:  $45.00 per each Two week Session ($50.00 non-residents). Time:  Mornings between 8 am & 12 noon (Instructor will call with your time slot). Private Lessons are available through our Instructor: Frank Kelley (860-669-5284)

ART CAMP AT MURRAY POND: The month of July (Excluding 7/4/11). Monday – Friday, Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Fee: $200 ($205 Non-residents) per week plus material fee. Murray Pond is located at 59 Route 148, Killingworth. Come and learn from professional artist, Joan Levy Hepburn, at a beautiful private nature preserve in Killingworth.  Learn to draw what you see, paint with watercolor & oil paint, learn about color, & mono painting with an Intaglio Press.  Other activities include: Accordion Books – write and illustrate a story or cartoon and bind it into an accordion book and explore nature and make art from materials provided by the woods.  If you have questions about this program, you may call the Instructor at 860-663-1169.

SWIMMING LESSONS:   Dates, Times and prices will be posted soon.

Please visit Recreation & Park's website at www.clintonparkrec.com for more details.  A downloadable registration form is now available for your convenience.