Aquatics
Learn to Swim, Free Swim Evaluations
Registration for January and February classes is open through Jan.13. 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, Jan. 6 and Tuesday, Jan. 11 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, Jan. 14, 6-8 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Dive into 2022 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. Non-swimmers are required to use a lifejacket, which is provided. Registration required. Info: 757-259-4185.
Arts & Special Interest
Winter Wonderland Cupcake Decorating • Ages 6-13
Friday, Jan. 21, 5-7 p.m.
$25
James City County Recreation Center
Come decorate winter themed cupcakes using buttercream icing. Please note any food allergies at time of registration. All attendees should bring an apron or dress accordingly and tie back long hair. Fee includes all supplies. Please bring two large airtight containers to class to transport home the decorated cupcakes! Instructor: The Williamsburg Chocolatier, Inc.
Maker Club • Ages12-25 FREE!
Saturdays, Jan. 15-Feb. 5, 10 a.m.-noon
James City County Recreation Center
Interested in electronics, microcontrollers, programming, robotics and more? Then join us for the Maker Club and let creativity take “control!” Preregistration preferred. Youth under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Facilitator: Steve Marciante, Revenue Control Systems.
Pastels • Ages 16+
Wednesdays, Jan. 5-March 23,1-3 p.m.
$125
James City County Recreation Center
Learn how to use this versatile and fun medium to create portraits and landscapes. Students provide their own supplies. For the list, call 757-220-3755 or email annekushnick@gmail.com. Instructor: Anne Kushnick.
Virtual Genealogy • Ages 16+ FREE!
Monday, Jan. 24-Feb. 14, 5:15-6:15 p.m.
Do you want to improve your genealogy skills? Whether you’re a beginner or intermediate level genealogist, you can hone your skills to make your research better and more accurate. Come acquire more history skills and understand the world in which your ancestors lived. Ask questions – get answers! Class conducted via the Zoom application. Register by Jan. 18 to receive the Zoom meeting link. Instructor:Paula Guerra.
Before/After School Program
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
Forest Friends Yoga – Winter Wonder • Ages 5-8
Thursday, Jan. 27, 5-6 p.m.
$5
Freedom Park
Now more than ever, guiding youth in learning how to quiet their minds and bring mindfulness during moments of difficulty is invaluable. Mindfulness can help minimize anxiety and increase happiness – we all want that! Your child will love this winter wonder youth yoga class held inside the Interpretive Center while still being able to view all the surrounding trees in Freedom Park!
Gait Analysis • Ages 10+ FREE!
Saturday, Jan. 15, 10 a.m.-noon
James City County Recreation Center
What could be more basic than walking and running? Local sports chiropractor Dr. Daniel Shaye of Performance Chiropractic will be performing FREE gait analysis. You may learn why your knee hurts, or your back, or your hip – you may even catch injuries before they happen! Please wear shorts and a tank type shirt for the best analysis. Call 757-259-4176 to schedule your time slot.
R.A.D. • Ages 14+ FREE!
FIVE-DAY Workshop!
Tuesdays & Thursdays, Jan. 18, Jan.20, Jan.25, Jan. 27 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 29, 10:30 a.m.-noon
James City County Recreation Center
The R.A.D. system (Rape Aggression Defense) is a program of realistic, self-defense tactics and techniques. This comprehensive (five days) workshop for women begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance then progresses on to the basics of hands-on defense training. Classes taught by certified R.A.D. instructors with the James City County Police Department. Call 757-259-4200 to register.
Walk This Way: Williamsburg Walking Club • Ages 14+ FREE!
Saturday, Jan. 29, 10-11 a.m.
Freedom Park Multiuse Trail 3
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.
Indoor Cycle 101 • Ages 14+ FREE!
Tuesday, Jan. 18, 5:30-6:15 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Indoor cycling classes can be overwhelming to jump into – music, seat settings, resistance level and to clip or not to clip. We’re here to help! Proper bike set-up can make or break your class experience and keep you injury-free. This intro class teaches all you need to know to enter the “spin” world. Put things in full gear with our awesome tunes, control over resistance and speed, and overall intensity. No bike experience needed.
Drumming for Wellness • Ages 16+ FREE!
Wednesday, Jan. 12, 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.
Techniques of Meditation • Ages 16+ FREE!
Wednesday, Jan. 5, 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.
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.
Inclusion/Therapeutic Recreation
Buddy Art • Ages 6+ with disabilities FREE!
Saturday, Jan. 29, 3-4 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
A variety of art activities are offered monthly based on age, ability level and interests. Children are assigned a volunteer buddy to work with them one-on-one. For more information, visit visitwcac.org/what-we-do/community-activities/buddy-art/ or contact buddy.art.kids@gmail.com or 757-879-4328. Sponsored by Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center in partnership with volunteers from William & Mary and JCC Parks & Recreation. Join any class.
Sensory Friendly Movie Night • All Ages & Abilities
Friday, Jan. 14, 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, Jan. 26, 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 Jan. 19.
Yoga • Ages 18+ with disabilities FREE!
Tuesday, Jan. 25, 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.
Special Events
Fitness Open House • All Ages FREE!
Saturday, Jan.15, 9 a.m.-noon
James City County Recreation Center
It’s a new year and time to reboot your health goals! Aquatic and land instructors will be available to discuss their classes, formats and typical modifications with you in a personal setting. Reserve a spot to participate in mini classes throughout the morning and receive information on all that James City County Health & Wellness has to offer. Please call 757-259-4176 for more information.
2022 Hit the Reset Virtual 5K Run/Walk • All Ages
Jan. 15 – Feb. 26
$20 until Jan. 31
$25 until Feb. 22
It’s time to put 2021 in the past and HIT THE RESET! We’re racing into 2022 with positive resolutions – let’s move forward together! Join James City County Parks & Recreation for their second annual virtual 5K! You can compete in this virtual 3.1 mile run/walk anywhere, with anyone and at any time between Jan. 15 and Feb. 26. Submit online. Race registration includes a commemorative medal and shirt. The County has some of the most beautiful trails in the state. If you choose to run your 5K on one of the County’s trails, submit your location photo and every participant will receive an extra entry into our raffle. Registration closes on Feb. 22 at 10 p.m. To register, visit runsignup.com/hitthereset Please call 757-259-4176 for more information.
Sports
Introduction to Pickleball • Ages 18+ FREE!
Thursday, Jan. 20, 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 Jan. 13. January and February classes will take 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
All Outdoor Events are weather permitting. Before heading out, please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 any changes in schedules.
Program Sites
Freedom Park/Interpretive Center, 5537 Centerville Road
James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Road
