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.
Winter/Spring Programs
Select a program below to expand the dropdown and view additional information.
Safe Sitter Babysitting Course
WHO: Boys and girls 11 – 15 years old
WHEN: Friday, March 20th
TIME: 7:30am – 1:00pm
WHERE: Van Buren Lodge (off of Connors rd.)
FEE: $70/participant – Resident
$80/participant – Non-resident
Safe Sitter® teaches young teens everything they need to know to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings or babysitting. Participants will learn life-saving skills such as how to rescue someone who’s choking, basic first aid, how to handle situations that may occur, how to prevent injuries, how to seek help when serious issues arise and helpful information like what to do if there is severe weather.
Students will need to remain on site for the entire time so each participant will need to bring the following items to class: a lunch, drink, snack, https://secure.rec1.com/NY/van-buren-ny/catalog
Mama's Sugar Slate Cake Decorating
WHO: Ages 7 and up
WHEN: Feb 12th
TIME: 5pm—6pm
WHERE: Van Buren Lodge (off of Connors Rd.)
FEE: $32 per person
(Min # of kids = 10, Max # of kids = 15)
Join Mama’s Sugar Slate for a cake and cupcake decorating “cake my breath away” program.
Each participant will receive a 6” cookie cake, two chocolate cupcakes, and two vanilla cupcakes. All materials will be provided, along with a whole lot of samples to snack on throughout the evening.
When you depart, you will have a box filled with desserts to share, pass along, or indulge in at your leisure. If you’re new to decorating this is your session!!
The Painting Cafe - Zootopia 2 Canvas Art
WHO: Children ages 5 and up
(younger children may sign up but only if accompanied by an adult!)
WHEN: Tuesday, Feb 24th
TIME: 5:30pm – 7:00pm
WHERE: The Painting Café studio
FEE: $20/child – Town of Van Buren residents
$22/child – non-resident
Additional plate/child $17 res. $19 non-res.
(Min. # of kids = 5; Max # of kids = 24)
Join Johnnie Lynn, instructor and owner of The Painting Café, for a creative canvas painting experience inspired by Disney’s Zootopia 2! Unleash your imagination as you paint, laugh, and bring colorful characters to life in this fun-filled art session perfect for all skill levels.
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
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.
TINY VALENTINES MINI PHOTO SESSIONS
WHO: Perfect for kids, couples, and families.
WHEN: Friday, February 13th
TIME: 5:30 – 7:00pm
WHERE: Van Buren Lodge (off Connors Rd)
FEE: Town of Van Buren resident -$38 dollars/couple/family
Non– residents $43 dollars/ couple/family
Celebrate the love in a sweet, simple way. Join us for a 10 minute Valentines mini photo shoot. A quick, fun experience designed to capture heartfelt moments just in time for Valentine’s Day.
BEGINNER LEVEL PICKLEBALL
WHO: Ages 12 and up
WHEN: Thursdays,
May, 21th—June 18th
TIME: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
WHERE: Van Buren Park
FEE: $ 30/participant (Town resident)
$ 35/participant ( non-resident)
(Min of 8 participants, Max of 16 participants)
This class is designed to teach you the fundamentals of pickleball, including basic strokes, rules, and court positioning. It’s a great opportunity to learn the sport in a fun and supportive environment.
No prior experience is required, though a basic level of agility is recommended. All equipment will be provided. We hope you’ll join us and discover the joy of pickleball!
CHALLENGE ISLAND SLIMETOPIA MINI-CAMP
WHO: K – 8
WHEN:
TIME: 9:00am – 12:00pm
WHERE: Van Buren Lodge (off of Connors Rd.)
FEE: $55
(Min # of kids = TBD, Max # of kids = TBD)
Slimetopia by Challenge Island is a way to harness children’s natural love of slime as a means of facilitating cross-curricular learning – igniting infinite curiosity about the world around them while fueling boundless imagination and creativity.
POUND
WHO: Ages 16—45
WHEN: Wednesdays, May 13th – June 17th
TIME: 10:00am-12:00 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!
BALANCED FITNESS
WHO: 10 and up
WHEN: Mondays, February 23rd – March 30th
TIME: 6pm – 7pm
WHERE: Van Buren Town Hall
FEE: Town of Van Buren residents -$45
Non Resident—$50
(min # of participants= 4, Max # of participants= 12)
A perfect balance of strength training blended with Pilates and yoga. Benefits of this class include: increase in strength, flexibility, balance & coordination. Modifications will be given for those who need them. Please bring a yoga mat or blanket. Light hand weights (1 to 3 lbs) are suggested.
MOMMY AND ME TEA PARTY
WHO: Ages 4 and up
WHEN: Monday, March 30th
TIME: Session I: 11:00am – 12:15pm
Session II: 5:00pm – 6:15pm
WHERE: Van Buren Lodge (off of Connors Rd.)
FEE: Van Buren residents – $47 per couple
Non Residents – $52 per couple
($12 per additional child)
Join us for a charming Mommy & Me Tea Party filled with tea, crumpets, and special moments together. Sip tea and fresh lemonade while enjoying a light three course tea-time treat experience, thoughtfully designed for moms and their little ones ( ages 4+). Olive’s Eatery will be catering the event.
BYOTC – Bring Your Own Tea Cup!!
Bring your favorite tea cup to sip from and be entered into a fun tea cup contest during your seating.
SOCIAL SUPERSTARS
WHO: Ages 5– 7
WHEN: Dates to be determined
TIME: 10:00AM – 10:45AM
WHERE: Van Buren Lodge (off of Connors Rd.)
FEE: TBD
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.
BASEBALL SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL WELL BEING
WHO: Ages 8 – 10
WHEN: Dates to be determined
TIME: 11:30am- 12:15pm
WHERE: Van Buren Lodge (off of Connors Rd.)
FEE: TBD
Baseball is a game of failure. Success isn’t measured by the scoreboard, but by how we “reset” after a mistake. While physical skills are important, baseball at the ages of 8–10 becomes a “mental game” just as much as a physical one. We are excited to introduce a social-emotional learning initiative called “The Extra Inning: Mastering the Hidden Curriculum of Baseball.”
In baseball, the “hidden curriculum” consists of the unwritten social rules and emotional challenges that happen between the lines. Such as striking out without losing confidence, supporting a teammate after making an error, or staying positive and engaged in the dugout.
Research shows that kids who master these “soft skills” not only enjoy the game more and stay in sports longer, but they also perform better under pressure. More importantly, these are life skills—resilience, empathy, and self-regulation—that will serve them in the classroom and at home long after they hang up their cleats.
Summer Programs
There are no summer programs listed as of now.
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