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Parks and Rec dishes up summer fun

By Staff | Jun 7, 2013

As summer sets in and schools end this week, Jefferson County Parks and Recreation offers a variety of options to enjoy fun for those both young and old. Their summer offerings cover everything from sports and fitness to arts and crafts.

The organization, led by staffers housed at the Jefferson County Community Center at Sam Michaels Park, makes available such exciting things as summer camps, craft classes, zumba and much more. With seven established parks, they offer events close to home for most residents within the county. These parks offer varied facilities including picnic areas, athletic fields, tennis courts, nature trails and playgrounds. The facilities may be used by the general public daily barring specific rental of a location for a special event.

Summer day camps are offered at three locations this year: Morgan’s Grove Park in Shepherdsotwn, Sam Michael’s Park and Wright Denny Elementary School. The camps are for children ages 5-12 and incorporate themed activities. Camps run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, Monday through Friday. Campers will take part in a variety of activities and possible field trips. Pre-registration is required for the camps.

For those seeking specific instruction in certain areas, the Parks and Rec offers swimming classes for all levels, karate courses and youth gymnastics. These courses are some of the more popular offerings of the Parks and Rec and fill up quickly. Most classes other than swimming are held at the community center at Sam Michael’s Park. Swimming for the summer sessions can be scheduled either at Jefferson Memorial Park in Charles Town or at Shepherd University. Visit www.jcprc.org and consult the spring/summer brochure for specific times and locations.

In addition to day camps, summer offers the opportune time for specialized camps as well. Jefferson Parks and Recreation offers such camps as Youth Dance, Youth Archery, Cheerleading, Gymnastics, Volleyball and Tumbling. These range from several days to week-long events.

Single day events and classes are also popular in the summer months and the extensive listing of arts and crafts offerings include Young Picasso, Pottery Play and much more. There are numerous pre-school offerings for the younger children including tea parties, open gym time and Little Basketball Stars camp.

Older youth also have a variety of activities from which to choose and can participate in everyting from Slamin’ Jamin’ Basketball to Science camps and CSI camps.

Adults can head out to learn self defense, get in shape or play in late night indoor soccer games. Photography courses are on tap for teens and adults as well.

The annual Jefferson County Independence Day celebration is scheduled at Sam Michael’s Park on Saturday, June 29. Gates open at 5 p.m. for the family-friendly event. Offered at no cost, the event showcases local musicians who volunteer their time to entertain from 6 p.m. to the start of the spectacular fireworks show at approximately 9:40 p.m.

For information on any of the Parks and Recreation offerings, one need only visit www.jcprc.org or call the Community Center at 304-728-3207.