RECREATION

The Lorax Project <click here for details

Possibilities are endless—Write a new ending to The Lorax: Create a poem; Sculpt a Truffula tree, Swomee-swan, Brown Bar-ba-loot, humming-fish, or the Lorax out of discarded items found in your recycle bin, craft box, or yard; Draw your vision of the Once-ler (What does he look like anyway? ); Craft an energy efficient—non-polluting factory using Lego’s, Kinex, Tinker Toys, Magnetix, Play-Doh, sticks, or anything else; Build a diorama; Draw, paint, or Color the picture on the back of page. . .
Submit your project to the Town of DeWitt Recreation Department by 4:30 pm
by Monday, April 16th  to be considered for prizes.
Include your child’s name, parent/guardian name, phone number, age, and grade.
All projects will be displayed during the Earth Day event on April 21st from 9-noon
at DeWitt Town Hall. Prizes will be awarded during the event.

UNDER 7 YEARS OLD YOUTH MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT
ORIENTEERING: LEARNING TO USE A MAP AND COMPASS FOR NAVIGATION
Orienteering is a sport that was developed to teach people how to navigate using a map and a compass.  Today it is a sport that combines many skills.  It is as physically challenging as one chooses to make it.  Erin Schirm, recent graduate of Syracuse University and competitor for the US junior Orienteering Team at the junior world champs in Lithuania, will lead training sessions to develop your sense of direction through games, learning to use a compass as an extension of yourself, and learning to read and interpret a map.  Each session will start with learning skills and end with a short easy orienteering course to practice what you have learned.  The training sessions will include how to use and read a compass, how to read a variety of maps, how to use a map together with a compass to navigate an orienteering course and orientation games that will enhance orienteering skills.  Training sessions will take place during the winter at the DeWitt Town Hall and the Park Series at a variety of parks listed.  Be prepared for Syracuse winter and spring weather for at least 30-45 minutes.  Bring clothes that you are comfortable moving in. Registration Form

UNDER 7 YEARS OLD YOUTH MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT
PARK SERIES—Part of the CNYO Syracuse Park Orienteering Series
April 7 – 10:00am-12:00pm – Green Lakes State Park, meet at the first parking lot.
Focus on compass bearings and using a point reference when traveling to a control.  Training geared towards beginner orienteering skills but all are welcome. (Beginner Orienteering)
April 22 – 10:00am-12:00pm – Barry Park, start by the pavilion.
Focus on simple orienteering in a park setting.  A simple course will be set up for any and all to come test their navigational skills.  Instruction will be provided. (Park Series-Event #1)
May 2 – 6:00-7:30pm – Green Lakes State Park, meet at the first parking lot.
Focus will be on using a catching feature and relocation. Training geared towards beginner orienteering skills but all are welcome. (Beginner Orienteering Training)
May 12 – 11:00am-1:00pm – Thornden Park, start by the swimming pool.  (Park Series-Event #2)
A simple course will be set up for any and all to come test their navigational skills.  Instruction will be provided.
May 20 – 12:00am-2:00pm - Thornden Park, start by the rose garden.  (Park Series-Event #3)
A simple course will be set up for any and all to come test their navigational skills.  Instruction will be provided.
May 30 – 6:00-7:30pm – Onondaga Lake Park, meet at the Willow Bay parking lot.
Focus on simple orienteering courses. (Beginner Orienteering)
June 10 -12:00pm-2:00pm –Syracuse University South Campus, start by the Lodge.
A simple course will be set up for any and all to come test their navigational skills.  Instruction will be provided. (Park Series-Event #4)
Fee: $10 per series/Individual  $15 All others
 $15 per series/Group/Family  $20 All others

AFTER SCHOOL SPECIALS   only 1 week Left :-(    (Registration Form)

SCHOOL BREAK SPECIALS
A variety of recreational activities are planned for children the weeks of February 21 - 24 and April 9- 13.  Flyers will be distributed to the schools with program specifics or call the Recreation Office for details.

CHILDCARE AND BABYSITTING SAFETY  (Registration Form)

This program covers child safety and basic care techniques.  Created especially for kids and teens ages 11 and up who are interested in becoming babysitters.  This class does include CPR training. Taught by American Heart Association and American Safety and Health Institute certified instructors.  Two sessions will be offered at the DeWitt Town Hall Activity Room from 9:30am-3:30pm.
Session II:  Wednesday, April 11.
Bring a lunch.
Fee: $50 per session Residents
 $55 per session All others

SPANISH WITH LENGUALECTUALS
Want to do something fun and productive with your little one?  Why not learn Spanish?  Join Lengualectuals for an exciting summer of singing, dancing, arts & crafts, fun activities, story time and of course, “mucho Espanol!”  Topics include:  numbers, colors, animals and lots more!  Parent/guardian participation is required.    Each session will run a week long, meeting from 10:00-10:45am at the DeWitt Town Hall.  For more information, visit www.lengualectuals.com.

18 – 24 month     2-3 year olds
Session I:  July 9- July13   Session I:  July 16-July 20
Session II:  July 23 – July 27  Session II:  July 30 – August 3
Session III:  August 6 – August 10 Session III:  August 13 – August 17
Fee: $50 Residents  $55 All others

PRE-K NATURE CAMP
August 13th - August 17th  10:00am - Noon
This program is designed for 3-5 year olds. We will spend a full five days together exploring the wildlife here at Ryder Park. Expect to get dirty and wet!  Send your child with a lunch, water shoes, insect repellant and sunscreen. This program runs rain or shine. We will meet in the Activity Room at the Recreation Office. Minimum 5.
Fee: $50 Residents  $55 All others

CHILDREN’S ART CAMP
This camp, instructed by Julie Gratien, is designed to be developmentally appropriate for your child.  Participants will explore a variety of art-making techniques including drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture.  There will be all new experiences this year!  Art materials will be provided.  Please have your child wear an old t-shirt as an art smock.  Held July 9 – 13 at the DeWitt Town Hall Activity Room.  Session I:  1:00-2:00pm for children entering Kindergarten and 1st grade. (Max. 10)  Session II:  2:00-4:00pm for students entering 2nd – 5th grades. (Max. 20 per session)  Fee: $30 Residents (K & 1st grade)  $35 All others
   $55 Residents (2-5 grades)   $60 All others

NEW! NEW! CHECK IT OUT!

ORIENTEERING:

LEARNING TO USE A MAP AND COMPASS FOR NAVIGATION

Orienteering is a sport that was developed to teach people how to navigate using a map and a compass.  Today it is a sport that combines many skills.  It is as physically challenging as one chooses to make it.  Erin Schirm, recent graduate of Syracuse University and competitor for the US junior Orienteering Team at the junior world champs in Lithuania, will lead training sessions to develop your sense of direction through games, learning to use a compass as an extension of yourself, and learning to read and interpret a map.  Each session will start with learning skills and end with a short easy orienteering course to practice what you have learned.  The training sessions will include how to use and read a compass, how to read a variety of maps, how to use a map together with a compass to navigate an orienteering course and orientation games that will enhance orienteering skills.  Training sessions will take place during the winter at the DeWitt Town Hall and the Park Series at a variety of parks listed.  Be prepared for Syracuse winter and spring weather for at least 30-45 minutes.  Bring clothes that you are comfortable moving in.

UNDER 7 YEARS OLD YOUTH MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT
PARK SERIES—Part of the CNYO Syracuse Park Orienteering Series
April 7 – 10:00am-12:00pm – Green Lakes State Park, meet at the first parking lot.
Focus on compass bearings and using a point reference when traveling to a control.  Training geared towards beginner orienteering skills but all are welcome. (Beginner Orienteering)
April 22 – 10:00am-12:00pm – Barry Park, start by the pavilion.
Focus on simple orienteering in a park setting.  A simple course will be set up for any and all to come test their navigational skills.  Instruction will be provided. (Park Series-Event #1)
May 2 – 6:00-7:30pm – Green Lakes State Park, meet at the first parking lot.
Focus will be on using a catching feature and relocation. Training geared towards beginner orienteering skills but all are welcome. (Beginner Orienteering Training)
May 12 – 11:00am-1:00pm – Thornden Park, start by the swimming pool.  (Park Series-Event #2)
A simple course will be set up for any and all to come test their navigational skills.  Instruction will be provided.
May 20 – 12:00am-2:00pm - Thornden Park, start by the rose garden.  (Park Series-Event #3)
A simple course will be set up for any and all to come test their navigational skills.  Instruction will be provided.
May 30 – 6:00-7:30pm – Onondaga Lake Park, meet at the Willow Bay parking lot.
Focus on simple orienteering courses. (Beginner Orienteering)
June 10 -12:00pm-2:00pm –Syracuse University South Campus, start by the Lodge.
A simple course will be set up for any and all to come test their navigational skills.  Instruction will be provided. (Park Series-Event #4)
Fee: $10 per series/Individual  $15 All others
 $15 per series/Group/Family  $20 All others

HORSEBACK RIDING LESSONS (Ages 6-Adult)
Heritage Stables of Skaneateles, NY will be offering beginner instructional riding opportunities.  Four one-hour group lessons will consist of walking, trotting and/or cantering the horse.  A Spring and Summer Session will be offered. Spring Session: Mondays, May 7 – May 28 at 7:00pm OR Wednesdays, May 9 – May 30 at 7:00pm Summer Session:  Mondays, July 9 – July 30 at 7:00pm OR Wednesdays, July 11 – August 1 at 7:00pm.  Helmets will be provided.  A hard-soled shoe with a heel is required.  No shorts.  Maximum 4 per lesson time.
Fee: $120 Residents per session   $125 All others

CHILDCARE AND BABYSITTING SAFETY
This program covers child safety and basic care techniques.  Created especially for kids and teens ages 11 and up who are interested in becoming babysitters.  This class does include CPR training. Taught by American Heart Association and American Safety and Health Institute certified instructors.  Two sessions will be offered at the
DeWitt Town Hall Activity Room
from 9:30am-3:30pm.
Session II:  Wednesday, April 11.
Bring a lunch.
Fee: $50 per session Residents
 $55 per session All others

April 19 & 20, 10am-1pm Full Wait List Only

June 21 & 22, 10am-1pm

October 18 & 19, 10am-1pm

Class content is determined by AARP. The Town of DeWitt Senior Program is not  responsible for instructor’s methods of teaching that material.

Attendees should bring their NYS Drivers License, and a check made out to AARP.  AARP members should bring their AARP card and the fee will be $17.  Non-AARP cost is $19

LIGHT WEIGHT TRAINING: Light weight training is a great way to get into condition, strengthen and tone muscles, build muscle mass and lose weight while preventing diseases such as osteoporosis. This seven-week class will offer techniques and step-by-step training from a physical education/fitness specialist.  The class meets Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 8:30 am. Need a minimum of 10 people, maximum 20 people. Each participant will be required to purchase his or her own weights.
Session 1:  January 24– March 8, 2012 Full Wait List Only
Session 2:  March 13-April 26, 2012 Full Wait List Only

Session 3:   May 1-June 14, 2012
Fee: $38.50 Residents  $43.50 All Others  (Registration Form)

Pitch Tournament - We are looking for players!  Held at the DeWitt Community Room, a pizza lunch will be provided and prizes!. Only $5.00 for residents of DeWitt; $10.00 All Others.  Register at DeWitt Town Hall or at the DeWitt Community Center on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.  Call the Recreation Office to find out the next date. 446-9250 x9

Monday Table Tennis, DeWitt Community Room, East Syracuse (148 Sanders Creek Parkway 13057).  Meets every Monday from 9am -12noon

Fee $25 residents, $30 all others per year.

Registration is at the Recreation Office or the program on Mondays.

First Unitarian-Universalist Church, 250 Waring Rd, DeWitt.  Meets every Monday from September 12, 2011 through May 14, 2012  (see schedule for holiday dates)

Various crafts and arts programs available.  This is a Senior Nutrition site on Mondays.  Call 470-3331 to reserve a meal. All Onondaga County Seniors are welcome.  Sydney Howes & Sue Wolfe, Directors.

Art classes offered:  Wildlife Drawing and Painting (Gloria Royer), Genealogy 4U Workshop (Sue Ballard), Fiber Loom Weaving/Felting Workshop, Beginner Watercolor (June Capels and Nancy Kolod), Stained Glass Workshop,  Needle Work Knitting & Crocheting, Workshop, (Phyllis Wright)

Tuesday Pre-Poured Ceramics:  Jamesville Young-at-Heart-Center, Jamesville Fire Station, Rt 173, across from Jamesville Correctional Facility.  Meets every Tuesday, 9am-2pm.  Corinne Brown, Director, Beverly Elliott, Instructor.

DeWitt Community Center,

148 Sanders Creek Parkway, off Kinne St, East Syr. Meet Tuesdays, 9:30am—2:00.  Activities include exercise, small crafts group, board games, Bunko, pitch and pinochle tournaments, team trivia, guest speakers, hypertension screening, Neighborhood Advisor , and more. This is a Senior Nutrition site.  Call 425-1831 to reserve a meal.  All Onondaga County seniors are welcome.  Mary Lu Ghezzi, Susan Wolfe, Directors.

Wednesday DeWitt Community Center, 148 Sanders Creek Parkway, off Kinne St, East

Syracuse.  Same as Tuesday.

Stamping Artistic Creations:  Jamesville Young-at-Heart Center  9am-12pm.  Corinne Brown, Director, Martha Byrne, Instructor.

Thursday DeWitt Divas:  This is a fun-loving group that meets on the second Thursday of each month in sisterhood and laughter.  If you are interested in belonging to this group call the Recreation Office at 446-9250 x9.  Divas Director Kathy Santangelo invites you to join us at the following events:

Friday  DeWitt Choraliers:   DeWitt Town Hall, Recreation Activity Room, 10:00am-12:00pm.  Kathy Santangelo, Music Director

Bridge:  DeWitt Town Hall, Recreation Activity Room 1:00pm-4:00pm Sydney Howes, Coordinator

Come join the fun at the Town Hall Activity Room  as we gather on  Friday afternoons from 1-4pm for informal party bridge.  No partners necessary.  Tables are matched up as people come in.  This is a non-instructional program. Fee- $25 residents /$30 for Non-residents per year.

AT THIS TIME BOTH OF THESE PROGRAMS ARE FULL.  PLEASE CALL THE RECREATION OFFICE AT 446-9250 X 9 TO HAVE YOUR CHILDS NAME ADDED TO THE WAITING LIST.

2012-2013 Before and After School Care

Youth Enrichment Series – Y.E.S. (School Year)

In cooperation with the J-D School District, DeWitt Recreation provides an afternoon program at Tecumseh Elementary for children in grades K-8.  The program is from school dismissal until 5:15 pm.  Extended days from 8:00 am–5:15 pm are available on most holidays, vacation, and snow days.  Supervised activities include crafts, games, films and special events. A snack is provided in the afternoon.  A detailed packet is given at the time of registration.  Registration for the 2012-13 school year begins August 7, 2012. Space is limited, register early.  Registration Packet for 2012-2013 School Year

Fee: $10 Registration Fee: $35 per week

$20 per day on extended days

THE LORAX PROJECT!   <click here!

The possibilities are endless—Write a new ending to The Lorax: Create a poem; Sculpt a Truffula tree, Swomee-swan, Brown Bar-ba-loot, humming-fish, or the Lorax out of discarded items found in your recycle bin, craft box, or yard; Draw your vision of the Once-ler (What does he look like anyway? ); Craft an energy efficient—non-polluting factory using Lego’s, Kinex, Tinker Toys, Magnetix, Play-Doh, sticks, or anything else; Build a diorama; Draw, paint, or Color the picture on the back of page. . .
Submit your project to the Town of DeWitt Recreation Department by 4:30 pm
by Monday, April 16th  to be considered for prizes.
Include your child’s name, parent/guardian name, phone number, age, and grade.
All projects will be displayed during the Earth Day event on April 21st from 9-noon
at DeWitt Town Hall. Prizes will be awarded during the event.

Nature Journaling

Nature Journaling is a fantastic way to capture nature and record observations.

Butterfly Garden Planning

The once beloved Butterfly House has been stuck in a partial metamorphosis for far too long.  It has been encased its very own chrysalis preparing to emerge like a newly hatched butterfly.  We invite your participation in completing this transformation. The Butterfly House will become a beautiful Pollinator Meadow that not only encourages the passing bee, butterfly, or moth to stop and taste the nectar but also invites the passerby to sit, observe and enjoy.  Please come and help us in the planning stage so that this project can be completed.. We invite people of all ages to join.