Recreation Programs
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We will continue to update this page as additional programs become available. We encourage you to check back regularly for the latest information.
Spring/Summer Programs
Select a program below to expand the dropdown and view additional information.
Plate Decorating
MOTHER’S DAY CERAMIC PLATE DECORATING
WHO: 6 and up
WHEN: Wednesday, May 6th
TIME: 5:30pm – 7:00pm
WHERE: The Paining Café studio
FEE: $20/child – Town of Van Buren residents
$22/child – Non-resident
Additional plate/child $17 res. $19 non-res.
(Min. # of participants 4, Max # of participants 16)
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a heartfelt, creative experience at The Painting Café Art Studio! Participants will decorate a ceramic plate using colorful handprints and artistic touches to create a one-of-a-kind gift for Mom. Each plate will be professionally kiln-fired, making it both food-safe and durable—perfect for everyday use or as a cherished keepsake.
This fun and meaningful program is suitable for all ages and provides a wonderful opportunity to create a lasting memory while exploring creativity in a relaxed, guided studio setting. Finished plates will be ready for pickup after firing.
Snag Golf (Spring)
WHO: Children ages 4-9
WHEN: Saturdays, April 25th – May 30th
(except May 23rd)
TIME: 9:00am – 9:45am
WHERE: Van Buren Park (basketball courts)
FEE: $55 Town of Van Buren residents
$65 non-residents
(min # of 6; max # of 8)
The Start Smart Golf program teaches children (ages 4-9) the basic motor skills necessary to play the game of golf. The program focuses on teaching children basic sports mechanics without the threat of competition or fear of getting hurt.
The program is held once a week for five weeks, with each week becoming increasingly more difficult as the children show improvement.
Snag Golf (Summer)
WHO: Children ages 4-9
WHEN: Saturdays, June 20th – July 25th
(except 4th of July)
TIME: 9:00am – 9:45am
WHERE: Van Buren Park (basketball courts)
FEE: $55 Town of Van Buren residents
$65 non-residents
(min # of 6; max # of 8)
The Start Smart Golf program teaches children (ages 4-9) the basic motor skills necessary to play the game of golf. The program focuses on teaching children basic sports mechanics without the threat of competition or fear of getting hurt.
The program is held once a week for five weeks, with each week becoming increasingly more difficult as the children show improvement.
POUND
WHO: Ages 16—45
WHEN: Wednesdays, May 27th – July 1st
TIME: 6:00pm-7:00 pm
WHERE: Van Buren Park (basketball courts)
FEE: $35.00/participant – Town of
Van Buren residents
$40.00/participant – Non-residents
(Min. = 5, Max = 40)
POUND is a full body drumming workout that combines cardio, conditioning, and strength training with yoga and Pilates inspired moves. Using slightly weighted drumsticks, POUND keeps you in constant motion, engages your core, and not only targets large muscle groups but works muscles you may not necessarily use every day! While burning up to 900 calories an hour, you get to rock out to your favorite music! So bring a yoga mat and release your inner rockstar!
CNY Robotics
WHO: 5th grade and up
WHEN: Thursday, July 2nd
TIME: 9:00am—12:00pm
WHERE: Van Buren park Pav D
FEE: $50/child – Town of Van Buren residents
$55/child – Non-residents
(Min. # of participants 5, Max # of participants 15)
Ignite curiosity and launch into the world of engineering! In partnership with CNY Robotics, this hands-on program introduces youth to the exciting science of propulsion—the force that powers rockets, airplanes, and more.
Participants will explore the fundamentals of propulsion through engaging lessons and real-world applications. The program emphasizes learning by doing, as students design, build, and launch their own small solid rocket engines using Estes model rockets.
Through guided instruction and interactive experiments, students will gain a deeper understanding of how propulsion systems work while developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. The program culminates in a thrilling rocket launch experience that brings science to life.
Splatter Canvas Art
WHO: Children ages 5 and up
(5 & 6 year olds must be with an adult)
WHEN: Tuesday, June 16th
TIME: 5:30pm – 6:00pm
WHERE: Van Buren Park
FEE: $20/child – Town of Van Buren residents
$23/child – non-residents
(Min. # of kids = 5; Max # of kids = 25)
Get ready to unleash your creativity in a fun, messy, and unforgettable outdoor experience! Join us at Van Buren Park for an exciting glow splatter paint event led by the instructor and owner of The Painting Café.
This hands-on session invites participants to explore their artistic side in a relaxed, high-energy environment. Using vibrant glow paints and techniques, you’ll create your own unique masterpiece by splattering, dripping, and about having fun and embracing the chaos of creativity!
Glow in the Dark Splatter Canvas Art
WHO: Children ages 5 and up
(5 & 6 year olds must be with an adult)
WHEN: Monday, June 15th
TIME: 5:30pm – 6:00pm
WHERE: Van Buren Park
FEE: $18/child – Town of Van Buren residents
$20/child – non-residents
(Min. # of kids = 5; Max # of kids = 25)
Get ready to unleash your creativity in a fun, messy, and unforgettable outdoor experience! Join us at Van Buren Park for an exciting splatter paint event led by our instructor Johnnie Lynn and owner of The Painting Café.
This hands-on session invites participants to explore their artistic side in a relaxed, high-energy environment. Using vibrant paints and techniques, you’ll create your own unique masterpiece by splattering, dripping, and throwing paint onto your canvas.
All materials will be provided, be sure to wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy—this is all about having fun and embracing the chaos of creativity!
CRUMB AND GET IT MAMA’S SUGAR SLATE
WHO: Ages 6 and up
* ages 6 & under must be accompanied by an adult
WHEN: Wednesday, June 3rd
TIME: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
WHERE: Van Buren Lodge (off of Connors Rd.)
FEE: (cake type)
6 pack of cupcakes: $20 per participant
6” 1 layer cake: $28 per participant
6” traditional cake: $45 per participant
(Min # of kids = 10, Max # of kids = 15)
Save the date for a delicious decorating class with Mama’s Sugar Slate! Choose between cupcakes, single layer or a traditional cakes to decorate & take home that night.
All materials will be provided during this one hour, small group session. Hope to see you there!
Social Detectives Club
WHO: Children 5-11 years old
WHERE: Van Buren Town Hall
WHEN: Mondays, July 6th – July 27th
TIME: 5:00pm – 5:45pm
FEE: $35/child
(Min # of kids =10, Max # = 15)
In this club, children will learn how to better understand and navigate social situations using the concepts of social thinking. Guided by a therapist and the book “you are a social detective” from the Superflex series, participants will explore how to notice social clues, understand others’ thoughts and feelings, and make smart social choices. through fun activities and games, children will practice becoming “social detectives” and building positive friendships.
Social Superstars
WHO: Children 5-11 years old
WHERE: Van Buren Town Hall
WHEN: Mondays, July 6th – July 27th
TIME: 6:00pm – 6:45pm
FEE: $35/child
(Min # of kids =10, Max # = 15)
By the end of the program, participants will learn and practice:
- Self-Regulate: Utilize at least two “cool down” breathing or sensory techniques when feeling overwhelmed.
- Decipher Social Cues: Identify basic emotions in others using facial expressions and body language.
- Respect Boundaries: Maintain a healthy “personal space bubble” during group transitions and play.
- Collaborate: Demonstrate the “Wait, Work, or Trade” method to resolve sharing disputes without immediate adult intervention.
Communicate Needs: Use “I-Statements” to express feelings and requests clearly and kindly
Registration Information
Before you can register for any program you must create a new user account to register for an account through our online platform, Civic Rec. The Parent/Guardian must establish an account first. You must complete all questions, in order to be registered. You may add additional household members for anyone that may also want to register for classes, activities or memberships.
To register, for any of the programs, please download a registration form (under the form link) and mail it, fax it or drop it off.
Registration Procedure For Programs
Please do not wait to register for a program! There is a point – usually 5 business days prior to start date – when we need to make a decision whether to cancel a program due to lack of participation. Invariably, we get many telephone inquiries on a program after we’ve cancelled it!
Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and are accepted:
– Until the business day prior to the program start date.
– By a specified registration deadline (will be listed with the program, if applicable), OR
– Until the program fills to capacity.
Fill out a registration form (one per person). These can either be downloaded from this website, or found in the Recreation Departments program brochures. Mail the form(s) with payment to the Parks and Recreation Department, or stop by during office hours (8:30am – 4:00pm | Monday-Friday).
Payment is accepted in the form of cash, check, or credit cards (with a minimal fee)! Please do not send cash through the mail. Completed registration form and payment must be received by this office prior to participation in a program.
**Due to budgetary and time constraints, you will NOT be sent a confirmation of your registration, OR be contacted by telephone! You will ONLY be contacted if we are unable to fit you into the program requested, or in the event of a program cancellation. So, if you do not hear from us, simply report to the program the first day it meets. You are certainly welcome to contact this office to check on any registrations.**
Make A Suggestion
Most of the activities listed in our brochure are the result of interest on the part of an individual or group of people. If you would like our department to expand on any existing programs or create new ones, we would welcome your suggestions! Either mail or email your ideas, call us, or visit the Parks & Recreation office during business hours. We’d love to hear from you!
Parks & Recreation Office Information
- (315) 638-4727
- Vbpark@VanBurenNy.gov
- Fax: (315) 857-0045
- Operational Hours: M-F 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
- 7350 Canton St, Baldwinsville, NY 13027